Walking Tour of Rijeka

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a leisurely, up-close tour of Rijeka by walking through the winding streets of Old Town and admiring its landmark attractions. After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive in Rijeka’s city center for an enlightening walking tour of its highlights. In Croatian, the name Rijeka means “river,” a reference to the river that flows through downtown and empties into the bay. Rijeka is a wonderfully scenic town, especially in the pedestrian-only Korzo area, which is full of shops and restaurants. Highlights here include a Roman Arch thought to be from the 4th century, the ornate National Theater, and the octagonal-shaped Church of St. Vitus. The oldest section of town is Trsat, which the Romans called Tarsatica. While strolling its winding atmospheric streets, you can’t help but notice the 13th-century castle looming over the city. The castle was rebuilt following a 1750 earthquake and again after both world wars. Today, the castle is used primarily for concerts. The nearby Church of Our Lady of Trsat is another revered landmark. It has been a pilgrimage site since the 14th century, as local legend has it that angels carried the Virgin Mary’s house here from Nazareth before moving it to Loreto in Italy. Much of the nave and sanctuary originate from the Gothic era. The statue outside was erected to honor Pope John Paul II, who visited in 2003. Following the enlightening walking tour of Rijeka, you will return to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Understand the origin of Rijeka’s name, inspired by the placid river flowing through its historic downtown.
• Wander the pedestrian-only Korzo area with unique shops and enchanting restaurants.
• Explore Rijeka’s outstanding medieval quarter of Trsat, conquered by the Romans and the Celts.
• Discover the lovely Church of Our Lady of Trsat, revered by pilgrims worldwide as the temporary site of the Virgin Mary’s house.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.