Tourist Attractions & Monuments Croatia

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.

What had been a derelict memorial site was spotted by a group of astronomy enthusiasts. After more than two years of renovation, the interior space became a sky observation tower, inaugurated in July 2009. A fun and interactive environment, specially designed for children, to arouse their natural curiosity about science. The proximity of Mount Biokovo protects the sky from light pollution. You can admire the stars, Saturn and its rings, and learn about the fundamentals of the solar system.

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.

South of the island of Vis, the narrow cove of Stiniva was voted "best beach in Europe" in 2016 by the readers of a Brussels tourist portal (European Best Destinations). And that's understandable. This natural site, protected since 1967, is bordered by massive cliffs that leave a passage to the sea of only 4m. This gives it an intimate, paradisiacal look, and warmer water than anywhere else. A 20-minute walk on the rocks leads to the creek. A slightly sporty descent but it's worth the detour!