Hiking
Omišalj
Following in the footsteps of the Romans
The trail of hidden gems of a small Mediterranean town
Karakteristike
Omišalj is a quaint town in the northern part of the island of Krk that takes pride in its impressive cultural and historical heritage, still capturing the spirit of old times on every corner. You will see this for yourselves if you embark on this circular hiking trail that leads to the hidden gems of this small Mediterranean town.
It starts just beneath the old town, on the waterfront named after Pope John Paul II, and is dedicated to his third pastoral visit to Croatia in 2003, when he also visited Omišalj. You will easily notice the Privez (‘Bollard’) memorial, erected on this occasion.
Passing by Pesja Cove along the waterfront, the trail will take you to the Mirine site where you will find remnants of an early Christian basilica and the Roman town of Fulfinum, first inhabited in the 1st century. The foundations of a temple, a basilica and commercial buildings were unearthed in this area, right by the shore.
After a break, follow an old Roman path to the plateau above Omišalj Bay that safeguards the remains of Fortičina, a fortress whose position overlooking the pier and the settlement granted it an important strategic role for centuries. Its remains belong to the castle of the Counts of Krk, although the plateau was found to be used as a late Antiquity fortified refuge as well. The trail will then lead you uphill, towards the old town with stone alleys and rows of houses perched on an 85-metre-tall cliff, whereas your next destination is Dubec Park, home to conifers and shrubs that adorn its paths, rest stops and viewpoints. A descent through the park will take you back to the waterfront where your walk through the past ends.
