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R
ijeka is the perfect place
for a summer break.
Unlike well-established
holiday destinations Split, Zadar
andDubrovnik on the Dalmatian
coast, the Croatian seaport
remains fairly untouristy, even
during the summer season. The
Kvarner Gulf, onwhich Rijeka
lies, is also something of an
insider tip. The city and its
surrounds are definitely worth a
visit, and it’s now that much
easier to get there, since
Germanwings started flying to
Rijeka this spring from
numerous European cities.
Rijeka is a city that
successfully blends tradition and
modernity. Attractions include
baroque churches, the imposing
Trsat Castle and the Korzo, and a
grand seafront promenade lined
with art nouveau facades. The
seaport was once part of the
Austro-Hungarian Empire,
which is why Rijeka’s
architecture bears a strong
resemblance to the structures
you’ ll see in Vienna and
Budapest, its former sister cities.
The city and its inhabitants
are also decidedly cosmopolitan,
which is undoubtedly linked to
the fact that Rijeka’s harbour,
once one of the Hapsburg
Empire’s busiest ports, is a
gateway to the world.
Cultural Rijeka
Rijeka has plenty to keep
culture lovers busy throughout
the year. Despite being
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Rijeka is a town of many faces: city of culture, child-friendly and a
jumping-off point for the fabulous islands of the Dalmatian Coast
relatively small, the city boasts
an impressive number of
galleries and museums offering
exciting and original
exhibitions. The Maritime and
History Museum is currently
showing an exhibition about
the
Titanic
, which set sail on its
fateful journey from
Southampton a century ago this
year. Five lifejackets were
recovered from the wreck, and
the only one left in Europe is on
display at the museum. The
impressive 19th-century
architecture alone makes the
museumworth a visit.
Rijeka is bustling with events
all year round. One of the
highlights of the city’s social
calendar is the Summer Nights
festival. From 19 June, the local
theatre begins a four-week run
of open-air performances set in
beautiful locations around the
city, including the beach, Trsat
Castle with its stunning views of
the town and the sea, and the
Astronomical Centre.
And this year, Trsat isn’t just
restricting itself to theatre
performances. From21 June to 10
September, the ancient fortress
will be hosting concerts,
readings and films, so visitors
are guaranteed lots of lively
entertainment in very special
surroundings (www.tz-rijeka.hr).
In July, the city’s youthful
residents descend on the old
Paper Mill for the Hartera
Festival. Between 20 and 21 July,
various international acts take
the stage, including big names
like Hercules and Love Affair
and Danish DJ Trentemøller.
Child-friendly Rijeka
Fancy a city break with the kids?
Work on Rijeka’s new city beach
was completed last year, and it
R I J E K A
Der Korzo, die Fußgängerzone von Rijeka
The Korzo, a pedestrianised avenue in Rijeka