Rijeka

Rijeka is the main seaport and the third-largest city in Croatia. It sits in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County on the shore of Kvarner Bay, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. In 2021, the city had over 100,000 people living 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 a lot 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, Vitopolis (meaning "City of Saint Vitus"), or Flumen (meaning "River"). Today, it is called Rijeka in Croatian, Reka in Slovene, and Reka or Rika in local Chakavian dialects. In Italian, Hungarian, and Fiuman Venetian, it is called Fiume. All these names mean "river" in their languages. In German, it was known as Sankt Veit am Flaum or Pflaum.

While the name Fiume was used in the past, it is no longer used for official purposes. In 2018, the Italian community in Rijeka tried to add signs showing both Rijeka and Fiume, but as of 2021, these signs had not been installed due to technical issues.

Geography

Rijeka is a city in western Croatia, about 131 kilometres (81 miles) southwest of the capital, Zagreb. It sits on the coast of the Kvarner Gulf, which is part of the northern Adriatic Sea. The city is roughly the same distance from 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 and interesting history, changing hands many times over the centuries. It was first mentioned in the 1st century AD and became an important Roman town. Through the Middle Ages, it was ruled by various groups, including the Croats, Franks, and Hungarians.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Rijeka grew into a busy port and industrial center, especially under Austro-Hungarian rule. This period brought great prosperity and development to the city.

During World War I and II, Rijeka faced many challenges, including bombings and battles. After the war, it became part of Yugoslavia and later Croatia. Despite economic difficulties after the war, Rijeka remains an important port and cultural center in Croatia today.

Neolithic through late antiquity

Though traces of early settlements can be found in the region, the earliest modern settlements were on the hill and in the natural harbor below. Rijeka was first mentioned in the 1st century AD and again around AD 150 by a Greek writer.

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

Middle Ages

Croats settled the city starting in the 7th century. In 799, Rijeka 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, and in 1288, the city’s citizens signed an old code of law.

Under Habsburg rule

The city remained under Austrian Habsburg rule for over 450 years, except for a brief period of French rule between 1809 and 1813. During this time, Rijeka faced attacks but recovered and gained commercial privileges. Emperor Charles VI declared the Port of Rijeka a free port in 1719.

On November 28, 1750, Rijeka was hit by a large earthquake and had to be almost completely rebuilt. In 1779, the city was annexed to the Kingdom of Hungary and governed directly from Budapest. During the Napoleonic Wars, Rijeka was briefly captured by the French and later recaptured by the Austrians.

In the early 19th century, Rijeka became an important naval base and saw significant industrial and economic growth. By the early 20th century, more than half of Croatia’s industrial capacity was located in Rijeka.

World War I

World War I brought an end to Rijeka’s period of peace and growth. The city’s industries continued to work for the war effort, but the war caused anxiety, economic decline, and a drop in living standards. The Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved in 1918, leading to instability and uncertainty for the city.

The "Fiume Question" and the Italian-Yugoslav dispute

After World War I, both Italy and the new Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes claimed sovereignty over Rijeka. The city’s future was disputed, and it was briefly occupied by Italian nationalist forces led by the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, who established an independent state called the Italian Regency of Carnaro.

Free State of Fiume

In 1921, Rijeka became a free state called the Free State of Fiume-Rijeka. Despite initial success, internal strife and external pressures led to its annexation by Italy in 1924.

The territory of Fiume part of the Kingdom of Italy

Under Italian rule, Rijeka became the seat of a new province. Although it lost some economic potential, it gained subsidies and investments from the Italian government. The city regained prosperity but grew more slowly than in previous periods.

World War II and the German Operational Zone

During World War II, Rijeka faced occupation and attacks. After Italy’s surrender in 1943, the city was occupied by Germany. Partisan activity increased, leading to reprisals. The city suffered heavy bombing due to its industries and port facilities.

In 1945, Yugoslav troops captured Rijeka after a fierce battle. The city had suffered extensive damage, with many buildings destroyed.

Aftermath of World War II

After the war, Rijeka was placed under Yugoslav administration and later became part of Croatia. Many of the city’s Italian-speaking inhabitants chose to emigrate. The city was resettled by immigrants from other parts of Yugoslavia and underwent reconstruction and industrialization.

During the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991, Rijeka became part of independent Croatia. The city has faced economic challenges since then, with many industries closing and a decline in population. Efforts are ongoing to transition the economy towards services and tourism.

On 27 November 2019, a waterspout made landfall in the city of Rijeka, causing damage to trees, roofs, and cars.

In 2020, Rijeka was voted the European Capital of Culture alongside Galway, with a program including more than 600 cultural and social events.

Culture

Languages

Rijeka is a special place where people speak many languages. Besides Croatian and Italian, there is a special way of speaking called Fiuman, which 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 in a small area. 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. The highest temperature ever recorded was 40.0 °C, and the coldest was −12.8 °C.

Demographics

Rijeka is a busy port city and the third-largest city in Croatia. In 2021, it had a population of 107,964 people. The city includes two main areas: Rijeka itself with 128,384 people and a smaller village named Bakar with 240 people.

Rijeka has many local areas, called mjesni odbor, where people live and work together. These include places like Banderovo, Centar-Sušak, and Kantrida, among others. The city's history shows changes in its population over time, especially after many Italians left the area between 1943 and 1960.

Architecture of Rijeka

The city of Rijeka has many beautiful buildings and places to see. After changes in government in 1869, Rijeka grew quickly and got new buildings inspired by cities like Vienna and Budapest. People built important buildings such as railways, offices, homes, and shipyards. By the end of the 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. In 2017, it handled lots of goods, including oil, petrol, and many types of cargo. The port has been around since 1281 and became a free port in 1719. 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 couple of times each week.

Rijeka has its own 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. There are plans for new fast rail lines between Rijeka and Zagreb, and also to connect Rijeka to the island of Krk and Pula.

Bus connections

Rijeka’s bus station has many regular 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. Even earlier, 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, where many records were set at the Kantrida Swimming Complex.

Education

Rijeka has a big university called the University of Rijeka. It started in 1973 but has older roots from a school that began in 1632.

The city also has many secondary schools, like 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 featured 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 as a filming spot for an American TV series in the 1980s and a famous 1992 movie. Rijeka has also been the setting for a novel and a Netflix series. Recently, it has become a popular place for filming TV advertisements from companies all around the world.