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Beautiful Villa in the heart of Opatija
Do & See in Opatija
Lungomare – A Walk to Remember
The famous coastal promenade that stretches from Volosko to Lovran. Officially named the Franz Joseph I Promenade, it is still best known as the Lungomare.
Lungomare - A walk to Remember
The Lungomare has been a favourite walking path for local people and their visitors, a motif of countless photographs and paintings, and an essential part of Opatija’s townscape when viewed from the sea. This charming seaside walk was built in the 19th century, which makes it more than a 100 years old.
The construction of the promenade, which also carries the name of the Austro-Hungarian emperor Franz Joseph I., began more or less at the same time Opatija (at that time known as Abbazia) was declared the first climatic health resort on the Adriatic coast. Lungomare offers stunning views along the way, as well as quiet sitting areas, bars, restaurants and much more. Along the promenade, which is 12 km long, you will also find many monuments dedicated to important politicians, artists, doctors.
It is almost impossible not to relax and enjoy the sound of the waves, the beauty of the surroundings, and the fresh air of the Adriatic. If 12-kilometers seem too long for one walk, the path can be divided into different parts and explored – one stretch a time – on different days.
A walk along this promenade above all means enjoying the fresh sea air and a beautiful coastal landscape dotted with quaint coves, but it is also much more than that. It is also a chance to learn something about local history: for right from its starting point in Volosko by the birthplace of the great scientist Andrija Mohorovičić, through Angiolina Park and on past Slatina beach further south all the way to the magnificent Lovran, the Lungomare reveals a series of buildings, locations, monuments and memorial plaques that tell the interesting tale of Opatija’s past.
Interested walkers can also become more acquainted with the richness of the coastal vegetation and the beneficial effects of the local climate. Alongside the Lungomare grow some beautiful specimens of plants and trees that are typical of the local area. The tops of these trees create a pleasant shade in summer; in bloom their flowers fill the air with fragrant scents.
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 Maiden with the Seagull
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.
As the place where the “Madonnina” once stood was left empty, it was decided to put another statue in its place. The “Maiden with the Seagull” was put up in 1956. The beautiful view of the sea extends in front of the statue. The scenery is especially impressive by night, when the Maiden is lighted with special reflectors or during the stormy weather when waves splash and water scatters over the reef giving the appearance of a nymph rising from the spray. That is the reason why one of the nicknames locals gave to the Maiden is the “Nymph”.
ART PAVILION “JURAJ SPORER”
The art pavilion Juraj Šporer is located on the seashore, next to St. Jacob parish church.
ART PAVILION “JURAJ SPORER”
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. It was built in 1900 for the Quarnero company of Vienna, and expanded in 1908 following the plan of the Opatija architect Sandor Neuhausler, who added the large terrace facing the seafront promenade. At first, the building hosted the Gerbaud pastry shop, and then the Glacier Pavilion with its café and confectionery. At that time, fresh cakes were supplied daily by train from Vienna and Pest. After 1930, the property became an exhibition pavilion (Padiglione delle esposizioni), and has retained this function up to the present day. After 1945, it was renamed the Juraj Šporer Exhibition Pavilion, and later the Juraj Šporer Arts Pavilion. The building was renovated in 1959, 1964, 1984 and 2003.
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.
ST. JAMES PARK
In the period from 1845 to 1860 the most beautiful parks of Opatija were made – the Angiolina Park and the St. James’ Park. Friedrich Julius Schüler was assigned to build these beautiful parks, the Lungomare promenade and a variety of villas. Some parts of the park were modeled according to French parks with floral surfaces that vary according to the seasons, as well as the English parks featuring curved paths.
ST. JAMES PARK
The park is divided into 60 fields, with the northern and southern part of the park. The northern part of the park is among the most beautiful parks in the country, most notable for its dense laurel. In the southern part of the park you can enter the sea, from Slatina or the main road. This beautiful park is even more adorned by plants of around 150 species. A lot of plants have been brought from different parts of the world, such as Australia, the Far East and South America. The most notable plant in the park is the Japanese Camellia is the famous symbol of Opatija.
Take in the scent of the sea and trees, admire the harmony of colourful flowers, and enjoy the view of the park’s famous fountain in the centre of Opatija.
Opatija: City of beautiful Camellias.
The first Camellia was brought to Opatija by a rich merchant Iginio Scarpa in 1845. as a gift for his wife Angiolina. Since then this “flower of flowers” is an indispensable companion of Opatija, its citizens and visitors.
Opatija: The Lady of the Camellias, the Croatian Way
Today Camellias can be seen in many parks and gardens, including in Villa Antonija, along the Opatija Riviera. As a reminder of arise of the tourism, with time this gentle flower became the renowned symbol of Opatija and whole riviera.
The most beautiful collection can be seen in Opatija largest and most important park – Park Angiolina. The origin of this park dates back to the middle of the 19th century, specifically in 1844, when the Rijeka patrician Iginio Scarpa built his summer house – Villa Angiolina. This central park of Opatija is a horticultural monument spreading on an area of 3.64 hectares and it has around 150 plant species. Many of them were brought from Far East (Japan and China), South America, Australia and other parts of the world.
The most interesting part of the park, in botanical sense, is a fenced area with bushes of the Camellia(Camellia japonica). Since its bloom season is late winter and early spring, mild Opatija winter climate is ideal habitat for this beautiful flower.
During February and March, which is the best season to admire the beauty of Camellia, the flower lovers can even buy young plants and have them planted in their gardens.