The Littoral Area

Rijeka

Whoever passes through the town of Rijeka today must become impressed by its middle-European residential buildings looking nostalgically at the anchored vessels that seem to promise traveling adventures to the curious spirit. Today's view of Rijeka's identity hides centuries of history concealed in its nooks and underground layers, right up to the ancient settlement Tarsatica. The breath of this history is best felt in the old town of Trsat, set up as early as the 13th century by the Croatian Frankopan princes. One should climb to the top, to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Trsat, up the endless stairs, to become aware only then of how imperceptible the passage is from the modern port and industrial Rijeka to the ancient Old Town, marked by the passage through the clock-tower. The town's spiritual centre is also situated in the centre of town, it is St. Vid Cathedral, a baroque building in which meditative attention is focused on the altar painting of the Assumption by Tiziano.

Biggest Croatian port, departure point for those heading to Central and South Dalmatia by bus or ship, Rijeka is the lively commercial, administrative and university centre of Kvarner, the capital of the region in which 51 % of the Kvarner population lives. Here too you can see palaces in baroque and neo-classicist style, art galleries, museums and the wonderful theatre. Rijeka is the centre of middle-European culture and tradition. The best known Carnival manifestation in the country is held in Rijeka, where fascinating tradition and an excellent cosmopolitan atmosphere are guaranteed.