Rijeka Attractions

In Croatia after Zagreb and Split, Rijeka is the third largest city and also the principal port of the country. The port of Rijeka, Croatia was discovered in 1717 by Charles VI, the Austrian monarch. Situated on an inlet on the Adriatic Sea, the Kvarner Bay, in the ancient times the city was fought for because of its deep-water port and strategic location. Today Rijeka, Croatia is making a place for itself as unique tourist destination far beyond the formulaic resort-type destination.

For many years when people thought of visiting Croatia, names like Dubrovnik or Istria came to their minds and Rijeka was reduced to a place of a mere transit point. But times have changed and this city is reinventing itself as a seaside town, which is more than the commercialism and concrete world of many seaside settlements.

The city is succeeding in makings heads turn because of its many initiatives and the open-mindedness of its people. So enjoy a visit to this fun and exciting place known as Rijeka, Croatia. The Kvarner region has many sights to offer like the radiant blue seas, the warm hospitality, the unrevealed haven, and the vistas.

Sights in Rijeka, Croatia

Rijeka, Croatia has its own share of historic buildings including religious structures like several churches and justly making it a pilgrimage destination as well. The older part of the harbor is where most of the tourist attractions are located. Overall the natural beauty and the Old Quarter's quaint streets, architectural attractions, and the grand buildings make it a beautiful destination.

Some of the sights of attractions are:

Capuchin Church of Our Lady of Lourdes: This is one of the popular attractions and its picture regularly graces postcards and brochures. The frescoes were designed by the famous local artist, Romulo Venucci and the façade is intricately ornamented. This neo-gothic church dates back to the 20th century and is famous for the Lourdes miracle.

Trsat Castle: This is the 13th century ancient castle that sits regally high above the city. The castle had undergone renovation in the 19th century when it was privately owned. The other onsite spectacles when visiting this castle are the dungeons and the galleries at the mausoleum.

Church of Our Lady of Trsat: Just under the castle's fortification lies the Church of Our Lady of Trsat. It is a popular pilgrimage destination where the miraculous and venerated icon of Virgin Mary is connected to St. Luke. In the 14th century, the icon was given to the church by the pope himself. The marvels in this church are the works of the sacred art in the treasury, the altar painting, and the cloister which reflects the Baroque style.

The other places of attraction are the Petar Kruzic Stairway, Synagogue, Adria Palace or Jadran Building.

The Jardan building is now the headquarter of a major shipping company while the Rijeka Synagogue along with the ones in Split and Dubrovnik make the three remaining places of worship of the Jews in Croatia. There were many more Jewish places of worship but were destroyed after the bombing of several synagogues in World War II.