RIJEKA
Tucked in a sheltered bay off the Adriatic Sea on the west coast of Croatia,
Rijeka revolves around its university and its sailing. Yachts can usually
be seen in its waters, and its regatta, along with its carnival, is
the largest in Croatia. A town of large squares, lavish period architecture
and churches is also a thriving free port town and home to numerous
highly regarded art galleries, exhibition halls and stylish restaurants.
Its historically important Trsat castle hosts cultural events throughout
the year.
Rijeka is a bustling, cosmopolitan town characterised by its fabulous history, its cultural edge and its waterborne leisure and industry activities. It can trace its roots back to prehistoric times, through various centuries of conflicts, ruling dynasties and countries, and periods of architecture change. Today, many buildings from these periods can be found, especially around the Korzo and the Riva avenues in the heart of the town. It was known as Tarsattica city in Roman times, St. Vito’s Reka in the 17th century, and, as Rijeka when it became a free port in 1719. During this time the city’s prosperity as a centre for industry and shipping grew. In the 19th century it became the eighth largest port in Europe. In 1970 Rijeka opened its first airport on the island of Krk, and its tourism, business sector and university flourished. Throughout the periods Trsat castle in Ulica Zrinskog, built in the19th century, supremely guarded the city as it does today. Following a renovation in the 1960s it became the centre of the cultural activities in the town. Events include festivals and exhibitions, which are held almost continuously and often involve the many other art galleries, museums, sports centres and exhibition halls found in the city.