INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT OPATIJA, CROATIA

1. The Maiden With the Seagull

The statue of Maiden with the seagull is a symbol, not only of Opatija, but the entire Kvarner region. Elegantly standing on the reef beside Lungomare promenade in Opatija, it intrigues all passengers with her interesting story and identity which was unknown for decades.

The story begins in distant 1891. when count Arthur Kesselstadt tragically lost his life in a spring storm in the sea in front of Opatija. Devastated with grief, count's family put the statue of "Madonna Del Mare" on the reef to wake for her lost soul. Because of harsh weather conditions the sculpture was damaged and later restored. Its gilded replica can now be seen in St James´s Church above the Riviera, while the original is kept in the Croatian Museum of Tourism in the Villa Angiolina.

2. The Angiolina park - Villa Angiolina

The central Opatija park is a horticultural monument covering an area of 3.64 hectares. It is divided into 60 fields and about 159 plant species grow here. A great number of them originates from distant parts of the world and is not typical of this region.

3. The Fountain - Helios and Selena

The fountain Helios and Selena is located in beautiful park opposite the Imperial hotel near the church of St Jacob. The fountain represents the Sun and the Moon, the personification of the mythological characters brother and sister.

4. "Juraj Šporer" Arts Pavilion

The building that the inhabitants and guests of Opatija today mostly know as a venue for various exhibitions, concerts and theatrical performances, was originally a pastry shop. The pavilion was named after Juraj Matija Šporer, a physician who played an important role in the promotion of the idea of Opatija as a seaside health resort.

5. Open Air Theatre

The Open Air Theatre is situated on the green "peninsula" of the well-known Opatija’s “Angiolina Park”, right by the sea. This unique location and its ambiance created by the combination of stone walls and greenery make it the most spectacular and the most beautiful venue of this kind in the Mediterranean.

6. Opatija Lungomare (The Seaside Promenade)

The Franz Joseph I Promenade, known locally as the Lungomare, connects the picturesque fishing village of Volosko with Opatija and further on with Ičići, Ika and Lovran. This landmark of Opatija has always been a favourite place for a stroll for local people and their guests. The Lungomare will take you to some of the most beautiful beaches in Opatija, town landmarks such as the Villa Angiolina and its surrounding park, and the statue of the Girl with the Seagull. Admire the view of magnificent historical villas and other spectacular pieces of 19th-century architecture while you walk by the sea.

7. Croatian Walk of Fame

The Croatian Walk of Fame project in Opatija began in 2005 by the Apriori Communications agency as a symbolic tribute to all the people whose cultural, sporting, artistic or scientific endeavours have contributed importantly to the worldwide promotion of Croatia. Potential candidates for inclusion are nominated by the project's independent Nomination Board consisting of several noted public individuals.

8. Slatina

Slatina is a beach situated in the centre of Opatija with numerous facilities and a Blue Flag.

9. The Church of St. James (Croatian: Crkva svetog Jakova)

The Church of St. James in the centre of Opatija is one of the town's most significant buildings. The story of Opatija is closely related to this church and its monastery, since this is where the town got its name (Opatija is the Croatian word for abbey). Four centuries after the construction of the church, Opatija emerged as a holiday resort for the elite.

10. Hotel "Kvarner"

Hotel "Kvarner" is the oldest hotel on the east coast of Adriatic. It was opened in 1884 as the first luxury property in Opatija. After the spa was destroyed by fire, in 1913, beautiful Crystal Ballroom was built and from then it became one of the most famous locations in town. Decorated with beautiful crystal chandeliers, the Ballroom hosts numerous cultural and entertainment events, and various celebrations.

​

​Need any photo of Opatija from this website, whether for Your blog, website, for commercial or any other purpose? You can preview and select those of interest in an online store.