MONUMENT TO NAPOLEON
At the western entrance to Makarska stands the Napoleon or Marmont Monument, a reminder of the brief but significant French rule in Dalmatia at the beginning of the 19th century. The monument was originally erected in 1808 in honor of Marshal Auguste Marmont, the then French governor of Dalmatia and one of the key figures of Napoleon's rule in this region. Initially located south of the Franciscan Monastery, the monument bore an inscription celebrating the French administration. However, after Napoleon's defeat and the arrival of Austria in 1814, the original inscription was removed, and in 1818, the monument was relocated to its current position. At that time, a new inscription was carved in honor of the Austrian emperor, turning the monument into a symbol of historical upheavals and changes in authority along the Adriatic coast.
Today, the Napoleon Monument is not only a historical landmark but also an intriguing detail that enriches the cultural heritage of Makarska. Located near the entrance to the city, it attracts tourists and history enthusiasts who wish to learn more about the period when Makarska was part of the Illyrian Provinces under French rule. If you are visiting Makarska, don’t miss the opportunity to stop by this monument and feel the breath of past times, which bear witness to the rich and dynamic history of this coastal city.
