Poljica Square represents one of the finest examples of medieval urban planning transformed through centuries of careful development and beautification. Originally established as a bustling medieval marketplace in the early 17th century, this historic European town square served as the commercial and social heart of Omiš, where merchants, craftsmen, and citizens would gather to conduct business and exchange news. The square’s strategic location made it the natural center of civic life, positioned to accommodate the flow of people and goods that sustained the town’s economy.
Over the centuries, successive generations of inhabitants have contributed to the square’s gradual beautification, each era leaving its mark through architectural additions, decorative elements, and infrastructural improvements. The square’s evolution reflects the changing artistic sensibilities and practical needs of the community, creating a layered historical narrative visible in its stones and structures. At the center of the square stands a prominent flagpole that bears Venetian governmental insignia, serving as a powerful reminder of the period when Omiš fell under Venetian rule and administration.
This central flagpole functioned as much more than a mere symbol of authority; it served dual purposes that were integral to medieval and early modern civic life. Official proclamations from the Venetian authorities would be announced here, making it the primary source of governmental communication with the local population. Citizens would gather around the flagpole to hear news of new laws, tax proclamations, trade regulations, and other administrative decisions that affected their daily lives. However, the flagpole also served a more sobering function as a site for public punishment displays, where those who violated local laws or challenged Venetian authority would face consequences in full view of the community, serving both as justice and as a deterrent to others.
