what to see in Rijeka
Find out why Rijeka got awarded City of Culture 2020!
Read more about main things to see and visit while staying in Rijeka below. For more information about each category, click on the title!
what to see in Rijeka
Stay tuned for more details about Rijeka's attractions!
Trsat
The prehistoric settlement Tarsatica is located on a hill above the city, offering a view of the entire Kvarner bay and Rijeka. Trsat Castle, first time mentioned in 799, used to be a watchtower because of this strategic position. It was last renovated in the 19th century by Count Laval Nugent and currently serves as a place of gathering, museum exhibition and has a café bar with a breath-taking view. Nearby is Shrine of Our Lady of Trsat which is one of the oldest in Croatia, founded in 1291 after a small Nazareth house of the Holy Family appeared here, brought by angels. It was visited by Pope John Paul II in 2003, so a statue was built in front of the shrine.
Churches
Rijeka has many beautiful churches worth visiting across the city, some of them are:
The Capuchin Church of Our Lady of Lourdes (first picture)
St. Jerome’s church and Dominican Monastery
St. Vitus’ Cathedral
The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the leaning tower (second picture)
Church of St. Fabian and St. Sebastian
Korzo
The main promenade of Rijeka, Korzo, is situated in the city centre, parallel with the waterfront. As it used to be the waterfront and tower clock entrance to the city (as it can be seen on the picture from 1689 on the right), it is the hearth of the city for centuries. It includes many historic buildings, such as the city clock, Radio Rijeka quarters, former main post office, but also numerous shops and café bars.
Beaches
As Rijeka is geographically restricted by the sea and mountains, the city is stretched along the Adriatic coast. This resulted in a long area of beaches, used by the citizens all year long for recreation and relaxing.
Palaces/houses
Many successful people came to Rijeka and fell in love, resulting in many stunning villas and palaces across the city centre. Different architectural styles decorate their facades, such as historicism, secession, classicism, baroque and modern.
Factories and administrative buildings
As a result of Rijeka being one of the most important ports in the region, a number of factories and administrative buildings were built in the 19th century, contributing to an increase in population numbers and cultural diversity.
(In the picture: Hartera Paper Factory 1880)
Museums
Rijeka’s rich history can be experienced in one of many museum in the city! Some of them are:
The Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral Rijeka
Natural History Museum Rijeka
City Museum of Rijeka
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Peek&Poke – Computer Museum
Treasury and Gallery of the Shrine of Our Lady of Trsat
