Makarska Has a Secret That Is More Than 4,000 Years Old. Can You Find It?

When you think of Makarska, you probably picture crystal-clear Adriatic waters, beautiful beaches and the dramatic slopes of Mount Biokovo. But just next to the city lies a place hiding a completely different story – a story that began thousands of years before modern Makarska existed.

If you want to experience Makarska beyond the beaches, head towards St. Peter Peninsula. Along with its stunning views of the Adriatic, this peaceful spot reveals one of the most fascinating chapters in the history of Makarska.

St. Peter Is More Than Just a Scenic Walk

Today, St. Peter is a popular place for a walk and a beautiful viewpoint over the sea. But it is difficult to imagine that people were already living in this area around 2500 BC.

Archaeological discoveries on the peninsula show that the site was inhabited in prehistoric times. Its position above the sea must have been just as valuable to people thousands of years ago as it is attractive to visitors today.

And this is where the story gets even more interesting.

From Prehistoric Settlements to the Romans

Centuries later, the Romans arrived in the region. Nearby, Muccurum developed as an important settlement, while archaeological evidence of the Roman period has also been discovered on St. Peter.

One particularly fascinating find is a Roman coin belonging to Emperor Maximian, dating to around AD 300. It may seem like a small archaeological object, but it is a remarkable reminder that this part of the Adriatic was already connected to the wider Roman world more than 1,700 years ago.

A Fortress in the Middle of a War

If you think of St. Peter as simply a peaceful viewpoint, its history might surprise you.

In the 6th century, a fortress was built on the peninsula. Its strategic position became particularly important during the Byzantine-Gothic Wars, when it formed part of the Byzantine defensive system. From here, the surrounding area could be monitored and the settlement below protected.

But St. Peter was not only about defence. Archaeological remains also reveal the presence of an Early Christian church, showing that the site had an important religious role as well.

And the Story Doesn't End There

Over the centuries, the settlement below St. Peter continued to change. Makarska appears in historical sources under several names, including Muccurum and Mokron, before gradually developing into the city we know today.

St. Peter remained strategically important much later as well. In 1647, a defensive wall was built on the peninsula, leaving another visible reminder of the turbulent history of this remarkable location.

Next Time You're in Makarska…

Don't visit St. Peter only for the view or the perfect photo.

Take a moment to imagine what stood here thousands of years ago. Prehistoric inhabitants, Romans, Byzantines and later rulers all left their mark on this small piece of the Makarska coast.

That is one of the best things about travelling – discovering that the place behind your photograph has a story of its own.