Poles will soon travel by train from Warsaw to Rijeka. What is worth seeing in the "forgotten pearl of Kvarner"?
At the end of June, PKP Intercity will start running to Croatia, specifically to Rijeka, located in the northwestern part of the country. Although the port city located on hills has not been particularly popular among Polish tourists so far, thanks to the new rail connection, this will probably change soon. Numerous attractions await travelers there, such as historic churches, museums and a charming promenade.
On June 27, the first PKP Intercity train to Rijeka will depart from the Polish capital. It will be possible to travel to the Adriatic from Warsaw throughout the summer, and the train will run four times a week.
The city, situated on the hills at the foot of the Risnjak massif, is one of the largest industrial centers in the country, and also the main fishing and transit port. However, it is not very popular among visitors. Tourists much more often choose resorts that have been popular for years, such as Split or Dubrovnik .
Rijeka - is this city worth visiting?Rijeka is not helped by the unfavourable opinions published in local media. In March, during a panel on urban planning, councillor Iva Rinčić, quoted by the portal novilist.hr, stated that the city lacks "vision, space and people". The city is also said to be struggling with a crisis in the public transport sector and a difficult situation on the housing market.
Tourist attractions in RijekaFor travelers who are not discouraged by these reports , there are many attractions in Rijeka. The third largest Croatian city is a place with a fascinatingly rich history, diverse culture and a unique seaside climate.
Rijeka was first settled by the Romans, who named it Tarsaticae . In the 7th century, Slavic tribes began to inhabit its territory. At the end of the 15th century, it came under the rule of the Habsburgs.
The local economy was driven by the shipbuilding, refining and textile industries.
Upon arrival in the city, it is worth visiting historic churches , such as the rotunda-shaped, monumental Baroque St. Vitus Cathedral or the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - also maintained in the Baroque style.
St. Vitus Cathedral in Rijeka/photo: Wikipedia public domainThe list of places to see should also include Trsat Castle - one of the oldest fortifications on the Croatian coast, located on a hill of the same name. From the castle tower you can admire a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. To get there, however, you have to make a little effort. There are 560 steps leading to the top.
Trsat Castle/photo: Wikipedia public domainDuring your stay in Rijeka, it is also worth taking a stroll along the charming Korzo promenade , the city's main promenade, built on the site of the former city walls, which were destroyed during the earthquake in 1750. Along the promenade, there are rows of architecturally diverse buildings - shops, restaurants and cafes. This is the most representative street in the city, called the "heart of Rijeka" , which is full of life at almost any time of day.
When planning a trip, let's also take into account the local museums. It is not without reason that Rijeka was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture in 2020. We can admire interesting exhibits, among others, in the Maritime Museum dedicated to the history of Croatian shipping, which is located in the historic Governor's Palace, or in the innovative Museum of Modern Art , where lectures, workshops and concerts are also organized. At the turn of June and July, visitors will be able to enjoy numerous artistic events taking place as part of the Rijeka Summer Nights festival.
What is worth eating in Croatia?The Croatian city is also worth visiting for culinary experiences. In popular tourist restaurants, you can try traditional local dishes, including cod goulash, sardine meatballs and cuttlefish risotto . Right next to the National Theatre building, there is a huge fish and fruit and vegetable market, where local specialties such as dried figs are offered.
