Rijeka

Rijeka is the main seaport and the third-largest city in Croatia. It is in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County on the shore of Kvarner Bay, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. In 2021, more than 100,000 people lived there. Because of its important port and location, Rijeka has been wanted by many powers over time, including the Holy Roman Empire, the Republic of Venice, the Kingdom of Italy, and Yugoslavia.

The city has a rich history shaped by many different rulers, such as the Habsburg Monarchy and Italy. This history gave Rijeka a mix of cultures seen in its buildings, language, and traditions. Rijeka is famous for its big port, shipbuilding industry, and lively cultural events like the Rijeka Carnival. The city’s economy relies on shipbuilding at places like 3. Maj and Viktor Lenac Shipyard, as well as sea travel with Jadrolinija.

Rijeka is also home to the University of Rijeka and many cultural spots such as theaters, museums, and galleries. Its architecture shows a blend of old Austrian, Italian, and modern styles. Famous sights include Trsat Castle, Rijeka Cathedral, and the Ivan Zajc Croatian National Theatre. In 2016, Rijeka was chosen to be the European Capital of Culture for the year 2020, sharing this honor with Galway in Ireland. The city also hosts many sports events and festivals throughout the year.

Name

Rijeka has had many names throughout history. In Latin, it was called Tharsatica or Flumen, which means "River." Today, it is called Rijeka in Croatian and Reka in Slovene.

In the past, the name Fiume was used, but it is no longer used for official purposes.

Geography

Rijeka is a city in western Croatia, about 131 kilometres (81 miles) southwest of the capital, Zagreb. It is on the coast of the Kvarner Gulf, part of the northern Adriatic Sea. The city is close to big cities like Milan, Budapest, Munich, Vienna, and Belgrade.

Rijeka is surrounded by mountains on three sides. To the west is the Učka range, to the north/northeast are the Snežnik plateau and the Risnjak massif, and to the east/southeast is the Velika Kapela range. Because of this, the city stretches along a narrow strip of coast. Two important roads leave Rijeka, one heading northeast toward the Pannonian Basin and another heading northwest toward Slovenia and Austria. A third road runs along the coast, connecting Rijeka with Trieste and cities further south on the Adriatic coast.

History

Main articles: History of Rijeka and Timeline of Rijeka

Rijeka has a long history and has been ruled by many different groups over the years. It was first mentioned in the 1st century AD and became an important town for the Romans. During the Middle Ages, it was ruled by groups like the Croats, Franks, and Hungarians.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Rijeka grew into a busy port and industrial center, especially when it was ruled by Austria-Hungary. This time brought prosperity and growth to the city.

During World War I and II, Rijeka faced many challenges. After the wars, it became part of Yugoslavia and later Croatia. Despite some hard times, Rijeka remains an important port and cultural center in Croatia today.

Neolithic through late antiquity

Early settlements existed in the area, with the first modern town appearing on a hill and near a natural harbor. Rijeka was first mentioned in the 1st century AD.

In Roman times, the city became part of the Roman Province of Dalmatia. After the 4th century, it was ruled by groups such as the Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Lombards, and Avars. The city was burned down in 452 by Attila the Hun’s troops.

Middle Ages

Croats settled in Rijeka starting in the 7th century. In 799, the city was attacked by Frankish troops but later became part of the Kingdom of Croatia. From about 1300 to 1466, Rijeka was ruled by noble families.

Under Habsburg rule

The city was under Austrian Habsburg rule for over 450 years, with a short period of French rule from 1809 to 1813. Rijeka faced attacks but recovered and gained commercial rights. Emperor Charles VI made the Port of Rijeka a free port in 1719.

In 1750, Rijeka was damaged by a large earthquake and had to be rebuilt. In 1779, the city became part of the Kingdom of Hungary and was governed from Budapest. During the Napoleonic Wars, it was briefly taken by the French and then reclaimed by the Austrians.

In the early 1800s, Rijeka became an important naval base and grew quickly in industry and economy. By the early 1900s, more than half of Croatia’s industry was in Rijeka.

World War I

World War I ended Rijeka’s time of peace and growth. The war caused anxiety and economic problems for the city. The Austro-Hungarian Empire ended in 1918, creating uncertainty for Rijeka.

The "Fiume Question" and the Italian-Yugoslav dispute

After World War I, both Italy and the new Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes wanted control of Rijeka. The city's future was debated, and it was briefly held by Italian forces led by Gabriele D’Annunzio, who created an independent state called the Italian Regency of Carnaro.

Free State of Fiume

In 1921, Rijeka became a free state named the Free State of Fiume-Rijeka. However, internal problems and outside pressure led to Italy taking control in 1924.

The territory of Fiume part of the Kingdom of Italy

Under Italian rule, Rijeka became part of a new province. Though it lost some economic strength, it received support and investments from the Italian government. The city regained prosperity but grew more slowly than before.

World War II and the German Operational Zone

During World War II, Rijeka faced occupation and attacks. After Italy surrendered in 1943, Germany occupied the city. There were increased resistance activities, which led to reactions from the occupiers. The city was heavily bombed because of its industries and port.

In 1945, Yugoslav troops took Rijeka after a tough battle. Many buildings in the city were destroyed.

Aftermath of World War II

After the war, Rijeka was placed under Yugoslav control and later became part of Croatia. Many Italian-speaking people left the city. The city was repopulated by people from other parts of Yugoslavia and went through rebuilding and industrial growth.

During the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991, Rijeka became part of independent Croatia. The city has had economic difficulties since then, with many industries closing. Efforts are being made to shift the economy toward services and tourism.

On 27 November 2019, a waterspout hit landfall in Rijeka, damaging trees, roofs, and cars.

In 2020, Rijeka was named the European Capital of Culture along with Galway, with over 600 cultural events planned.

Culture

Languages

Rijeka is a place where people speak many languages. Besides Croatian and Italian, there is a special way of speaking called Fiuman. This is a type of the Venetian language. About 20,000 people in Rijeka still use this way of speaking. In some parts of the city, people also speak Chakavian, another type of Croatian.

Carnival

The Rijeka Carnival is a big, fun event that happens every year before Lent, between late January and early March. It started in 1982 and is now the largest carnival in Croatia. Many exciting things happen before the carnival begins. The mayor of Rijeka gives a special key to Meštar Toni, who acts as the mayor during the carnival. A carnival queen is also chosen.

There are many special events during the carnival. One is a fun car rally called Rally Paris–Bakar, where people drive old, decorated cars. There is also a children’s carnival where kids from kindergartens and schools dress up in costumes and have fun parades. The Rijeka Carnival brings together thousands of people from all over the world.

Cinema

A recent movie called "Fiume o Morte!" mixes real stories with acting. It was directed by Igor Bezinović. The TV series "Sport Crime" also features the city of Rijeka in one of its episodes.

Religion

Rijeka has many different religions because it has been a meeting place for many cultures. Most people are Roman Catholic, and the city has beautiful old churches like the Rijeka Cathedral. There are also places for other religions, such as Orthodox Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Important buildings include the Church of St. Nicholas, the Rijeka Orthodox Synagogue, and the Rijeka Mosque. These show how people of different beliefs live together in Rijeka.

Climate

Rijeka has a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild, rainy winters. The city is surrounded by mountains, which creates interesting weather patterns.

You can enjoy sunny beaches along the coast during summer, while just a short distance away, the Platak ski resort offers snow and skiing in winter.

The city rarely experiences very hot or very cold temperatures. Rain is common throughout the year, and cold winds called bora often blow in winter.

Demographics

Rijeka is a busy port city and the third-largest city in Croatia. In 2021, it had over 100,000 people.

The city has two main parts: Rijeka and a smaller village named Bakar.

Rijeka has many local areas where people live and work together. These include places like Banderovo, Centar-Sušak, and Kantrida.

The city's history shows changes in its population over time.

Architecture of Rijeka

Rijeka has many beautiful buildings and places to see. After changes in government in 1869, the city grew fast and got new buildings inspired by cities like Vienna and Budapest. People built important buildings such as railways, offices, homes, and shipyards. By the late 1800s, Rijeka became a busy port and railway center.

Some famous places in Rijeka include the Croatian National Theatre Ivan Zajc, the Turkish House, and the Rijeka Cathedral. There is also a special art installation called "Masters" in the fish market and another called "Balthazartown Beach" on Grčevo beach. The Rijeka Skyscraper, also known as Riječki neboder, is the city's oldest tall building and a well-known symbol. On Trsat Hill, you can find the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Trsat and Trsat Castle, which has great views of the river and the sea.

Transport

See also: Port of Rijeka and Rijeka Airport

The Port of Rijeka is the biggest port in Croatia. It handles many goods, such as oil and petrol. The port has been around since 1281. There are ferries from Rijeka to nearby islands and cities, but no big international passenger ships. You can travel along the coast to places like Split and Dubrovnik a few times each week.

Rijeka has an airport on the nearby island of Krk, but it is mostly used during the tourist season from May to October. Buses take about 45 minutes to get from the city to the airport. Other airports close by include Pula, Trieste, Ljubljana, Zagreb, and Venice.

The city has good road links, with motorways connecting it to Zagreb, Ljubljana, and Trieste. Rijeka is also on important railway lines, with trains going to Zagreb, Prague, München, Salzburg, Ljubljana, Bratislava, and Brno.

Bus connections

Rijeka’s bus station has many trips to big cities in Croatia like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. There are also buses to places in Istria and to nearby islands. International buses go to countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.

KD Autotrolej d.o.o. helps carry passengers around Rijeka and nearby towns.

Sports

Rijeka's sports history began between 1885 and 1888 with the creation of several early clubs. In 1873, the first football match in what is now Croatia was played there.

Today, the main football team is HNK Rijeka, which plays in the Croatian Football League. They have won the league in 2016–17 and 2024–25, along with multiple cup titles. Their home ground is now Stadion Rujevica while Stadion Kantrida is being rebuilt.

Rijeka also has teams in handball, water polo, basketball, and volleyball. The city hosted important events like the Yugoslav motorcycle Grand Prix and the 2008 European Short Course Swimming Championships.

Education

Rijeka has a large university named the University of Rijeka. It opened in 1973 but grew from an older school that began in 1632.

The city also has many secondary schools, such as the First Rijeka Croatian Gymnasium, the Andrija Mohorovičić Gymnasium, and the First Sušak Croatian Gymnasium.

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Croatia

Twin towns – sister cities

Rijeka is twinned with:

Panoramas

Here are some beautiful views of Rijeka:

• A view of Rijeka harbor from Opatija
• A view of Rijeka and the Učka mountain
• A panoramic view from Rijeka's Riva waterfront

Notable people

Scientists, professors and inventors

Rijeka has been home to many smart people who made important discoveries. These include scientists, professors, and inventors who worked in areas like medicine, engineering, and psychology.

Arts and culture

The city also had many talented artists, writers, and performers. These included actors, poets, painters, and other cultural figures who helped shape the arts in Rijeka.

Politics and institutions

Rijeka produced leaders and thinkers in politics and government. Some were important politicians, while others worked to protect freedom and human rights.

Economists and entrepreneurs

Rijeka was also a place where business leaders and entrepreneurs helped grow the city’s economy. These individuals supported trade and development.

Sportspeople

Many athletes from Rijeka have become champions in sports like basketball, football, and boxing. They have brought pride to the city with their achievements on the world stage.

Musicians

Rijeka has a rich musical history with composers, singers, and performers who have shared their talents with the world.

Others

The city was also home to individuals who made significant contributions in other fields, such as religion and social work.

In popular culture

Rijeka has been in many movies, TV shows, and cartoons. Some German western movies from the 1960s were filmed near the city. Rijeka also appeared in stories about a Marvel character and inspired a 1970s cartoon.

The city was used to film an American TV series in the 1980s and a famous movie from 1992. Rijeka has been the setting for a novel and a Netflix series. Recently, it has become a popular place for filming TV advertisements from companies all over the world.