According to folk legend, Mila Gojsalić was a young girl who voluntarily sacrificed her life to save her people from the Turkish army that surrounded Poljica. Today, the statue of Mila Gojsalić, sculpted by famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, can be seen above the town of Omiš, near the Cetina river, guarding it and its beautiful surroundings from the dangers of the enemies.
Ivan Meštrović (1883-1962) was a sculptor, painter, architect and writer, and is one of the most valued Croatian artists from the first half of the 20th century. He was born and raised in Otavice near Drniš. He lived and worked in numerous international centers, such as Paris, Cannes, Zagreb, Belgrade, Rome, Geneva and Lausanne. Meštrović’s art works are exhibited all over Croatia and worldwide. He dedicated and then donated a substantial part of his work to his homeland. Near Otavice he designed and had built The Most Holly Redeemer’s Church, (his family tomb), and he also designed the school building and the public healthcare facility in Otavice. Substantial number of his art works can also be seen in Drniš. Drniš City Museum exhibits Meštović’s sculptures and paintings, the sculpture of Our Lady of Petrovo field can be seen at the main altar of the Parish church of Our Lady of the Rosary; and Fountain The Spring of Life, reliefs The Ploughmen and St. Roch and sculpture Mother and Child are available to visitors on Drniš public surfaces.
