Things to see and do Kvarner Gulf

In the hollow of the bay, stands this convent flanked by two churches. The first, Holy Euphoria, was founded by the Franciscan Order in 1446. In the apse, the ceiling is decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi. A polyptych comes from the workshop of brothers Antonio and Bartolomeo Vivarini (1458). In the modern period, Janez Ambroz Testenpour created mystical works for a chapel. The second church was built later.

On a hill at an altitude of 138 meters. The Romans built an observation post there. The stronghold was consolidated in the early Middle Ages with a simple watchtower to become this imposing fortress in the 19th century. Today, it can be reached by car, bus or on foot (more than 600 steps!). The interior rooms hold the permanent collection and a gallery for temporary exhibitions. In the summer, concerts, theatre and fashion shows are programmed there.

This market is a real historical monument. People come here to do their shopping and to admire this covered market hall which was built according to the plans of the architect Izidor Vauchnig, from 1880. In the first two pavilions, the latest technical advances of the time were used: steel for the foundations, opening large covered arcades, glass for the light entering through large windows. From 1866, the fish market was installed in a solid building, providing an enclosed space for the vendors, who had previously displayed their goods in the open air. In 1914, Carlo Pergoli designed a building near the pier for the storage of fish and in 1916 the main building crowned the whole. His taste for the Viennese Secession can be seen in the work on the capitals, the four fountains and the ornaments on the façade. The reliefs represent fruits and vegetables, and numerous animals from the sea. The bright and harmonious main building houses the stalls of the butchers, pork butchers and cheese makers. Outside, the market gardeners and small local producers shelter under large parasols.

Since then, business customs have changed, but the building has never failed in its commercial and social function. Today, wine or olive oil traders, beekeepers and honey sellers, woodworkers, florists... also take part in this lively hive of activity. A favorite meeting point of the inhabitants, a place not to be missed in the morning in Rijeka.

Built in the 18th century, on the site of an older place of worship, this church dominates the entrance to the port and looks out to sea. It is not often opened. This is a pity, because the baroque architecture and its marine-inspired decoration are remarkable. So you can see it mainly from the outside, which is already appreciable. Inside, there is a fine collection of Italian paintings, donated by local ship captains.