Opatija/Veprinac: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
500 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Učka lies the medieval Veprinac, a district of the Croatian Adriatic town of Opatija. Venerable churches and historical fortifications shape the extraordinary ambiance. Visitors are treated to a magnificent view over the Kvarner Bay for free. A hiking trail starting in Opatija requires some physical fitness.
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Opatija/Veprinac - Must-see attractions
Lungomare-Promenade
The Franz Joseph Promenade runs along the coast from Lovran through Opatija to Volosko. It is partially carved into the rock and is lined with elegant villas from the era of the Habsburg monarchy. A jewel is the Villa Neptun. Here, the writer Vladimir Nabokov spent a childhood summer, which he immortalized in his novel "Lolita." But nature also has much to offer here: Located at the foot of the Učka mountain range, Opatija boasts lush vegetation.
Statue of the Seagull with the Virgin
Anyone strolling along the Lungomare in Opatija will pass by the Girl with the Seagull. The sculpture was erected in 1956 to replace a damaged Madonna statue. This was meant to watch over the soul of Count Arthur von Kesselstatt, who drowned in the waves. The Madonna statue was created by the Viennese sculptor Johann Rathausky, who also made the Helios and Selene fountain between the Church of St. James and the Hotel Imperial. The creation of a new sculpture was commissioned to the Croatian sculptor Zvonko Car.
Veprinac Village
In the slopes of the Učka mountain range, Veprinac welcomes you. The view from the elevated center over the city is breathtaking. Visit the landmark, the St. Mark's Church from the 14th century, which is visible from afar due to its large bell tower. In the sleepy churchyard, time seems to have stood still. If you are interested in cultural history, pay a visit to the ethnological collection. Here you will learn how people once lived and worked in your holiday destination.
St. Jacob's Church
Outstanding is the location of the Church of St. James on the grounds of a Benedictine abbey, which directly borders the Adriatic coast. The Catholic place of worship was built in the 15th century by the Benedictines and has been architecturally altered over the centuries. A relief copy depicting the Pietà, the original by Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, is one of the art-historical highlights of the church. In the present, the interior with its exceptional acoustics is often used for chamber concerts.
Angiolina Park
If you spend your vacation at the Kvarner Bay, be sure to plan a visit to the Angiolina Park. Here you can learn about plants from all over the world. The American pine has been settled here, as well as the Himalayan cypress and the camellia. Well-maintained gravel paths lead through the Angiolina Park. For example, you pass by the Villa Angiolina, which has been converted into a museum. Here you can learn interesting facts about the history of Opatija as a holiday resort. The Church of St. Jacob is also worth seeing.
Slatina Beach
With its location directly below the old town of Opatija, the 1.5 km long Slatina Beach is usually well attended. Bathers can spread their beach towel directly on the concrete slabs and steps or rent a sun lounger with an umbrella. For small guests, Slatina Beach has a children's area where they can splash around undisturbed, and a playground. You can take trips with the glass-bottom boat to the neighboring island of Krk or stroll through the numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes.