Rijeka

Rijeka is a seaport city located in the sheltered part of the Kvarner Bay in Croatia. It is the country’s third largest city, dependent on the transport, shipbuilding, and tourism industries. The place-name means ‘river,’ attributed to the city’s location around the mouth of the Rjecina river.

Sights & Activities

The city features several historic buildings, including churches. The Capuchin Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, which the locals call the Kapucinska Crkva, was built in the early years of the 20th century to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the miracle in Lourdes. Situated on Zabica Square, it is also one of the most popular landmarks of the city, with its Neo-Gothic façade and detailed frescoes in its interior.

The Cathedral of St. Vitus is another prominent landmark in the city. Completed in 1744, it bears a round floor plan and is of Baroque style. Among the highlights of its interior are the altars decorated with Baroque art and a 13th century crucifix that is the subject of a local legend. It was alleged that the figure of Christ bled when someone threw a rock at the item.

Another religious site in Rijeka is the Petar Druzic Stairway, which is part of the path in pilgrimage to the Church of Our Lady of Tsat. This stairway was constructed in 1531 and totals to more than 500 steps. Along the stairway are numerous chapels that provide shelter to pilgrims. These chapels are dedicated to a number of saints and are also interesting sights in themselves. The church at the end of the stairs contains an icon of Mary, long believed to possess miraculous powers. This icon is attributed to be made by the disciple St. Luke.

Located near the church is the Trsat Castle, a fort built in the 13th century and is an ideal destination for those who are interested in historical architecture.

Nearer to the center of the city is the Natural History Museum of Rijeka, an institution located within a 19th century villa. The museum showcases artifacts and items collected from areas surrounding the city.

A similar establishment, the Maritime and Historical Museum of Coastal Croatia, is housed within the Governor’s Palace. The grand and impressive building is of Neo-Renaissance style that was constructed in the early part of the 19th century. There are a lot of interesting items displayed in the museum, such as model ships, nautical equipment, and artifacts from the prehistoric times to Middle Ages.

Along the street of Korzo is the Gradski Torani or the City Tower. It was built in the 18th century and was added with a dome and a clock a century later. The structure also bears the city’s coats of the arms.

The city also has a well-known outdoor destination located just outside its boundaries. The Risnjak National Park is a heavily forested area that is home to numerous species of plants and animals. Visitors can indulge in hiking, bird watching, and animal viewing within the park

Weather

The weather in Rijeka is pleasant all year through, due to its mild Mediterranean climate. Summer can warm, with the hottest days occurring in July. Winter in the area is mild, with the coldest days usually experienced in January. However, the ‘bura’ winds can blow into the city especially during the winter months, leading to sudden drop in temperature. Winter can also be wet, with rain showers occurring frequently. Snow may also occur, especially in slightly elevated areas. Though there is plenty of sunshine during spring and autumn, the latter is also associated with foggy days with occasional thunderstorms.