Rijeka

Rijeka

Did you know that the Moretto is a symbol of Rijeka? Jewelry that was worn by seamen as a sort of protection from trouble at sea became especially popular after grand duchess Ana Maria introduced it at the Viennese court. Maybe the Moretto can be the guiding line of your Rijeka story and maybe you will take the moretto home to remind you of Rijeka. Rijeka is a port town which doesn't mean that is a blank industrial town. It preserved its marine charm, hidden in its streets. The town is protected by St. Vid in whose honor there is a religious and public festivity.

General information

  • Number of residents: 144 000
  • Surface area: 44 km2
  • Geographical position: Kvarner, 14°26' E, 45°21' N
  • Climate: mild Mediterranean
  • Average summer temperature: 26° C
  • Average winter temperature: 13-15° C
  • Time zone: Middle European time (GMT+1)
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History

Roman settlement Tarsatica on the area of today's Trsat is first mentioned in the year 180 BC, after the victory of Roman legions over Iliric pirates which were the ancient settlers of this region. River of St. Vid is first mentioned in the 13th century in written documents of Venetian traders. In the 15th century Rijeka fell under Habsburg rule, or more accurately under emperor Friedrich III Habsburg and remained under his reign until the end of World War I. At the end of 18th century empress Maria Theresa decided that Rijeka should become Corpus separatum, or a separate body which will be independent of the states that surround it and directly subordinated to Austrian crown.

But, in the 19th century Ban Josip Jelačić occupied Rijeka, dismissed the town council and founded Rijeka County. Rijeka is again a corpus separatum, this time under Hungarian crown where it remains until 1818. During World War I the "Rijeka problem" becomes a problem which was solved by establishing Free State Rijeka in 1920. The state survived until 1924 when Rijeka becomes part of Italy. After World War II Rijeka becomes part of Croatia, and Yugoslavia. In 1992 county Rijeka is abolished and Primorsko-goranska county is founded.

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Gastronomy

Be sure to visit some of Rijeka's restaurants where you can try specialties of Primorsko-Goranska County, which are mostly based on vegetables and fish. This diet is considered to be one of the healthiest diet that guarantees longevity and good health. If you prefer meat delicacies Rijeka also has a solution for you. Of course here are numerous pizzerias and restaurants where you can eat a good warm meal for relatively little money.

In taverns you can try domestic wines together with homemade cheese, prosciutto and olives.

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Sport

As already mentioned, Rijeka is famous for motor track Grobnik that lies in its vicinity. Rijeka is also famous for car-races which are held in Matulji. There is also a club of speed and car lovers there that organizes races on Grobnik. On Grobnik you can enjoy motor rides whether you are a passionate driver or an enthusiastic observer.

Rijeka also organizes races in triathlon, held in July. This competition combines swimming, running and cycling. If you are not a part of the competition we suggest to be a supporter to the competitors.

You can visit a football match held on Kantrida or watch a rugby game.

For swimming and sunbathing you can use a pool in Kantrida or some of the beaches near Rijeka. All these are suggestions for you to use your time for sports, no matter whether you are an active participant or a passionate cheerer.

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Fun and night life

From the beginning of June until the end of July you can see a festival "Summer on Gradina", where you can have fun on concerts and other cultural manifestations. Rijeka also offers you good theater, concerts and stand-up comedy. The choice is really big, from chanson nights, to literary nights, to jazz concerts and other different concerts in Rijeka's clubs. You will always have something to do in Rijeka.

For a good time and going out in the evening there are several good bars, discothèques and pubs where you can dance until dawn. It's up to you to choose which style of music you prefer and what atmosphere you like most and the fun can start.

If you wish to send your friends an e-card or check your e-mail, and you didn't bring your computer with you, don't worry; there are Internet clubs as a solution.

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How to get there?

  • By car:
    • Rijeka Zagreb 185 km
    • Rijeka-Dubrovnik 591 km
    • Rijeka-Pula 100 km
  • By plane: www.croatiaairlines.hr
  • By bus: www.akz.hr
  • By train: www.hznet.hr
  • Local and international ferry lines: www.jadrolinija.hr
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Beaches

When talking of Rijeka's beaches it's important to mention that there are not too many beaches in the town itself. The most beautiful beach is Kostrena, which lies about 5 kilometers away from the town center towards the East. Kostrena has both rocky and pebbled surfaces as well as friendly little bays. The sun shines long on Kostrena beach as opposed to the Liburnian side of the Kvarner bay where the sun set rather quickly. If you head towards the Opatija riviera you can visit Ika which does not have beaches in the classical sense, but the sea along the Lungo mare walking path is excellent for swimming. If you go even further you will get to Mošćenička Draga that has several lovely pebbled beaches. to top

What to see?

The Corso

During your walk through Rijeka be sure to visit the Korzo, a favorite gathering place of Rijeka residents. There you can feel the atmosphere and rhythm of the town. Friends and acquaintances meet at Korzo to drink coffee or simply enjoy a beautiful day.

Museum of Rijeka

Museum of Rijeka is another good recommendation for a visit, since the museum often organizes exhibitions which are dedicated to town's past and present and it is a good way to get to know the town better and in more detail.

Modello Palace

Modello Palace is an example of beautiful architecture where the elements of Neorenaissance complement elements of Baroque. The building is rich in ornaments from the outside and from the inside. These ornaments are most impressive in the festive hall. Modello palace imitates Viennese and Trieste architecture of that period. Today it harbors central department of Library and Cultural club of Italian union.

Croatian national theatre Ivan pl. Zajc

Be sure to visit Croatian national theater Ivan pl. Zajc that was built in 1885. This building is a sort of bond between Rijeka and other middle European towns, since such editions can be seen in almost all towns that were under Austro-Hungarian monarchy, for example Vienna, Prague or Zagreb.

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