Rijeka

A Croatian city and port located in Rijeka Bay, on the north coast of the Kvarner Gulf in the northern Adriatic. Whether arriving from east or west, this is where travellers first meet the blue ocean. The surrounding mountain landscape of the Primorsko-Goranska district adds to the attraction of the area around Rijeka, the most developed tourist region in Croatia. The mild Mediterranean climate is a further bonus. Average January temperatures are around 5°C, in mid-summer a pleasant 23°C with well over 2000 hours of annual sunshine. Rijeka, the third largest city in Croatia, is also an important industrial and commercial centre. It has also developed into a key centre for business and congress tourism, hosting a number of events including the Spring Fair in April, Automobile Fair in May, North Adriatic Fair in October and the Christmas Fair.

Thanks to its modern port facilities and strong naval tradition, Rijeka has grown to become Croatia’s largest port as well as a major European transit port. Although Rijeka lost some of its weight between the two world wars, it regained momentum and importance from 1945, with several shipping companies basing themselves in Rijeka and expanding the shipping industry.

Trsat, the fortress seen towards the bottom of this series of photos, sits high on a hill in a dominant position overlooking the River Rijecina. The fortress has played a crucial role in numerous conflicts through the ages, including defence against Turkish attacks. At one time a constant guard was posted there on the lookout for invaders from the sea but as the danger diminished, the fortress lost its strategic importance and finally fell when it was destroyed in the great earthquake of 1750. In 1824 the vestiges were handed over to Irish-born Laval Nugent, a general in the Austrian army, who began reconstruction. However, his heirs were unable to continue the restoration and eventually sold the property. The fortress was later opened to the public, with the most recent improvements made in 1960. Today it is a venue for a range of summer events.