On the promontory in front of the one-time cemetery a girl of stone extend her arm to a gull. This, however, is a new sculpture, the work of sculptor Car, and it was erected here in 1956 and turned into one of Opatija’s symbols. Before that, in its place, namely until demolished by a storm, stood the “Madonna del Mare,” the work of sculptor Rathausky from Graz (his also is the fountain “Helios and Selene” in the park between St. Jacob’s Church and hotel Imperial). The “Madonna” was erected to keep vigil over the soul of count Arthur Kesselstadt, who vanished, not far off from that promontory swallowed by the pre-Easter waves in 1891. During that excursion the countess Fries also lost her life, but her son Georg was saved. Today a gilded variant of the Madonna can be seen in front of Saint Jacob’s Church.
Written Mar 3, 2008
Most probably built in 1420, as a colony of Benedictine refugees from the Friulian monastery of Saint Peter in Rozac (San Pietro di Rosazzo), the entire settlement will later be named after this abbey. Today very little has been preserved of its original appearance: in 1506 abbot Simun built or reconstructed the church, according to the inscription above the portal; near the end of the 18th century the church was thoroughly renovated, and in 1930 it was considerably expanded. Among its attraction, it houses a replica of one of Mestrovi}’s relievos. Since earliest times, when it still stood isolated, the abbey was a site where court trials were held and served as a fairgrounds that on St. Jacob’s Day attracted visitors from the surrounding countryside to dances and sales and purchases of goods, and located in its vicinity were the first burial-ground for the dead of Opatija, whereas in the 19th century this was also the site of the first school in Opatija. The building passed from hand-to-hand of a whole series of religious orders, from the Benedictines and Augustinians to the Paulists and Jesuits. Today, besides prayers and masses, chamber concerts are also held here.
Written Mar 3, 2008
This cutie pie played trucks with me as the train made its way through Slovenia and into Croatia. He chatted on and on in Croatian, I answered with expressive ooohs and ahs, and his father just chuckled at the great fun we both were having.
Continue the story now by clicking on ACCOMODATIONS.
Updated May 5, 2003
I find it very funny or let's say interesting how they protect palm trees from heavy Bura wind.
The stalk is wrapped in bambus sticks and and the crown is put into plastic net.
Updated Mar 14, 2005
the same girls
Written Aug 20, 2004
We met some local girs doing autostop!
They were so nice and we carryed them at home
Written Aug 20, 2004
don t forget in croatia, open your eyes you could find some shops, coffe, bar restaurants or tresure in little streets
Updated Aug 24, 2002
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2 Reviews and 59 Opinions one of the best hotel in Opatija for us... nice view from rooms to the sea...excellent restaurant...
1 Review and 94 Opinions We try to stay here every time we are in Opatija. I like the layout of the bar and restaurant,...
2 Reviews and 33 Opinions After 4 hours of AC on low, the room was still 29.5 degrees celcius. We made a complaint to the...
Reviews and photos of Opatija attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Opatija sightseeing.

don t forget in croatia, open your eyes you could find some shops, coffe, bar restaurants or tresure in little streets
2 members live in Opatija
Q: Five seniors from America are driving thru Croatia . We have heard wonderful things about your country. We are very excited to...

A: Have you looked at www.viamichelin.com? It's an excellent site, giving info as well as route and estimated drive times (although you should always allow more time...
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OPATIJA - THE NICE OF ADRIATIC

Frequently called the Nice of the Adriatic, Opatija is one of the best known tourist resorts in Croatia and simultaneously the town with the longest tourist tradition along the east coast of the......
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Opatija is situated in the northern part of Adriatic, just about 10 km from the town of Rijeka. It is traditional and highly-ranked destination on the tourist map of Croatia. Opatija was the very...
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What an Elegant 19th Century Resort

Tourism is what makes this town thrive now, and has since 1844. Ignicio Scarpa, a wealthy merchant from Rijeka came here to construct an elegant palace, said to be dedicated to his deceased wife, whom...
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Opatija is a town in western Croatia; soutwest of Rijeka, on the Adriatic coast. It is situated in the Gulf of Kwarner, at the foot of Utca mountain. Opatija is a popular summer and winter resort......
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Opatija - jewel of Croatian coast

Well it is time for me to tell you about the jewel of our (Croatian) coast so that you can fall in love and come to enjoy yourself. Opatija is located in Kvarner bay (Istria), under the Učka...
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