Due to its unique location Makarska was settled already 8000 years ago. In documents of Salona’s parliament from the year 533 Mucurum was mentioned, as a diocese was founded there. Under its today’s name, Makarska was first mentioned in the year 1502. During the Turkish ruling Makarska was their center of the coastland. The city joined the Venetian Republic in the year 1684. In hundred years of Venetian ruling the basics for the development of the city were set. The following hundred years Makarska was governed by France and Austria and during this time it experienced its cultural and economic rise. However, the greatest impact to the outer appearance of Makarska and the live of local people was created by Venetians. A part of the rich cultural heritage and art is kept in the city museum and the gallery of Antun Gojak. The Franciscan monastery St. Mary is more than 5 centuries old. It is a monument and includes a Malacological museum, which is one of the most famous worldwide.