Rijeka
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| Rijeka | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Rijeka |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Croatia |
| Subdivision type1 | County |
| Subdivision name1 | Primorje-Gorski Kotar County |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Marko Filipović |
| Area total km2 | 44 |
| Population total | 108622 |
| Population as of | 2021 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | CET |
| Utc offset | +1 |
| Timezone DST | CEST |
| Utc offset DST | +2 |
| Coordinates | 45, 19, N, 14... |
| Postal code type | Postal code |
| Postal code | 51000 |
| Area code | 051 |
| Website | rijeka.hr |
Rijeka. It is the principal seaport and the third-largest city in Croatia, located on the Kvarner Gulf in the northern Adriatic Sea. Governed as part of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, the city is a major economic and cultural hub with a complex history shaped by various empires and states. Its strategic position has made it a focal point for maritime trade, industrial development, and political contests for centuries.
History
The site has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with early settlements by Illyrians and later the Roman Empire, which established the outpost of *Tarsatica*. Following the fall of Rome, control passed through the Byzantine Empire, the Kingdom of the Franks, and the Croatian nobility before coming under the Patriarchate of Aquileia. In the 15th century, it was incorporated into the Habsburg monarchy, where it remained for centuries, known as *Fiume*. The city's status became a major international dispute after World War I, leading to the Italian Regency of Carnaro led by Gabriele D'Annunzio and the subsequent Treaty of Rapallo. It was annexed by the Kingdom of Italy in 1924 before becoming part of Yugoslavia after World War II, specifically within the Socialist Republic of Croatia. The city was a key industrial center during the Cold War and suffered damage during the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s before reintegrating into modern Croatia.
Geography
Rijeka is situated on the Kvarner Gulf, a deep inlet of the Adriatic Sea, nestled between the Učka mountain and the Vinodol coastal area. The city's urban core is built around the Rječina River, which flows into the harbor. The climate is a humid subtropical type, influenced by the Mediterranean Sea, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The surrounding region features the rugged terrain of the Dinaric Alps and includes nearby islands such as Krk, Cres, and Lošinj. Notable geographic landmarks include the Trsat hill, offering panoramic views, and the coastal zone of Pećine.
Economy
The economy has long been dominated by its port, the Port of Rijeka, which is the largest cargo harbor in Croatia and a crucial gateway for Central European trade via the Pan-European Corridor V. Major industries historically included shipbuilding at the 3. Maj shipyard and oil refining at the Rijeka Oil Refinery. While these heavy industries have declined, the city has diversified into logistics, tourism, and services. It is a headquarters for companies like Jadrolinija, the national ferry operator, and hosts the University of Rijeka, which contributes to research and development. The city's Free Zone Rijeka also attracts foreign investment and commerce.
Culture
The cultural scene is vibrant and diverse, reflecting its multinational heritage. It was the European Capital of Culture in 2020, hosting events like the Rijeka Carnival, one of the largest in Europe. Key institutions include the Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc, the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum, and the Peek & Poke Computer Museum. The city is the birthplace of the torpedo, invented by Giovanni Luppis, and is home to the football club HNK Rijeka. Architectural highlights range from the medieval Trsat Castle to the ornate St. Vitus Cathedral and the distinctive Korzo, the main pedestrian promenade.
Transport
As a major transport node, the city is served by the Rijeka Airport on the island of Krk, connected by the Krk Bridge. The Rijeka railway station links the port to the rail corridor towards Zagreb and Ljubljana. An extensive network of highways, including the A6 and A7, integrates it with the Croatian motorway system. The city's public transit is operated by Autotrolej, providing bus and trolleybus services. Ferry connections from the port serve numerous Adriatic islands and international destinations.
Demographics
According to the 2021 census, the city has a population of 108,622 within its administrative limits. The wider metropolitan area encompasses approximately 250,000 inhabitants. Historically, the population has been a mix of Croats, Italians, and other groups, though it is now predominantly Croatian. The Italian community remains significant, with institutions like the Italian Community of Rijeka. The main religious affiliation is Roman Catholicism, and the city is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Rijeka. The University of Rijeka is a major demographic driver, attracting students from across the country.