Although Rijeka is mainly associated as being a transit centre and the main port of the Adriatic, what many people don’t know is that there are many beautiful tourist attractions hidden in this city.
The city itself has about 150 000 inhabitants, and if one includes the suburbs the number of inhabitants increases to 250 000. Rijeka as the regional centre offers all the services of any large city – a good transportation network, administrative and educational institutions, hospitals and sports facilities. As a result of a reduction in the port’s traffic and the collapse of heavy industry, every day life in Rijeka is moving in a positive direction. The sea is clean, the air unpolluted and at the same time one has at ones disposal all the amenities of a large city. Trieste, Zagreb (a hour and a half’s drive), and the Slovenian border are all not far from the city. You can find somewhere to stay in one of the hotels, campsites, private accommodation and well-equipped hostels.
The city itself is divided into two parts – Rijeka and Sušak. Rijeka has plenty of valuable cultural monuments, museums and galleries. As well as a collection of stone fragments, there is the Museum of the City of Rijeka, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Arts, and the Natural History and Maritime museums.A church from the Middle Ages, the church of St Mary holds a collection of valuable Gothic plates, and the largest church in the city – St Vitus is of great historical value.Trsat was once the fortified village of the Frankopan Princes and offers a commanding view over the bay of Kvarner. On Trsat, which is reached by climbing 561 steps, there is a Franciscan monastery with a valuable treasury, as well as the crypts of the late Frankopan Lords.Special processions that are dedicated to the sacred Virgin Mary are held a few times a year on Trsat. The legend about Trsat started in the 13th century when it was discovered that the house of Mary moved from Nazareth to the top of the hill of Trsat. It stayed there for three years, and then in an equally unexpected manner moved to Italy, where it is found today.As a result of the loss of the Holy House, in 1367 the Pope Urban V. sent a miraculous picture of the Mother of God, which is today taken out at church feasts. In 2005, Trsat unveiled a sculpture of a pilgrim to Trsat, the first sculpture dedicated to Pope John Paul II after his death.
Of the other sites worth seeing we recommend Kastav – a partially preserved hill fortress that holds folklore performances. The Roman port (old gate) is the oldest architectural feature, and originates from the fourth century. The Rijeka town tower is also worth seeing that has a visible influence of the Hapsburg rulers who governed these parts. As a large city Rijeka offers a wide range of entertainment. The cafes that are on the boats in the port are favourite spots for the young, and the older generations will be able to find more peaceful restaurants that offer local specialities.
The Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc has a long tradition of theatre, as do the smaller theatres in the city. You can enjoy yourself in the cinemas, sports halls and countryside. Nearby Platak offers its visitors a ‘break’ from the Mediterranean climate and is a favourite escape for the people of Rijeka who enjoy the natural environment and winter sports. In February, the traditional Rijeka carnival is held, which after Venice is the largest in Europe. Every year thousands of guests wear masks, and it is watched by an audience of over 100 000 people.
