Rijeka
Rijeka, also known by its Italian name Fiume, is a city in Croatia and the principal seaport of the country, located on the Kvarner Bay, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. Here are some key points about Rijeka:
History
- Antiquity: The area was first settled by the Illyrian tribe of Liburnians and was later a Roman settlement known as Tarsatica.
- Middle Ages: After the fall of the Roman Empire, Rijeka was part of various feudal states until it came under the control of the Habsburg Monarchy in the 15th century.
- 18th and 19th Century: Rijeka saw significant growth as a port, especially after it was declared a free port in 1719 by Charles VI. It became a vital trading hub in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- World War I and Aftermath: Following the dissolution of Austria-Hungary after World War I, Rijeka was at the center of the Fiume Crisis, where Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio led an occupation of the city, seeking its annexation to Italy. Eventually, it was made a Free State of Fiume until 1924 when it was annexed by Italy.
- Post-World War II: After World War II, Rijeka became part of Yugoslavia, and since the dissolution of Yugoslavia, it has been part of Croatia.
Cultural Significance
- Rijeka is known for its cultural diversity due to its history of being a crossroads of different ethnic groups, particularly Croats, Italians, and Hungarians.
- It was designated as the European Capital of Culture for 2020, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expression.
Economy
- The economy of Rijeka is heavily based on its port, which is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. The port handles a significant portion of Croatia's import and export activities.
- There are also shipbuilding and petroleum refining industries, with the Rijeka Refinery being one of the largest in the region.
Geography and Climate
- Rijeka is situated on a narrow coastal plain between the Risnjak National Park and the sea, with a typical Mediterranean climate featuring mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Notable Sites
External Links
Related Topics