Rijeka

Rijeka (lit. River) is the principal seaport and the third-largest city in Croatia. It is located in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County on Kvarner Bay, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea and in 2021 had a population of 107,964 inhabitants. Historically, because of its strategic position and its excellent deep-water port, the city was fiercely contested, especially between the Holy Roman Empire, the Republic of Venice, the Kingdom of Italy and Yugoslavia, changing rulers and demographics many times over centuries. According to the 2021 census data, 85% of its citizens are Croats, along with small numbers of Serbs, Bosniaks and Italians. Rijeka is the main city and county seat of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Historically shaped by various ruling powers—including the Habsburg Monarchy, Italy (while being Free State of Fiume), and Yugoslavia—Rijeka has developed a diverse cultural heritage reflected in its architecture, language, and traditions. The city is known for its major port facilities, shipbuilding industry, and vibrant cultural scene, including the internationally recognized Rijeka Carnival. The city's economy largely depends on shipbuilding (shipyards 3. Maj and Viktor Lenac Shipyard) and maritime transport (Jadrolinija). The city is home to the University of Rijeka and several important cultural institutions, including theaters, museums, and galleries. Its architectural landscape reflects a mix of Austro-Hungarian, Italian, and modern influences, with notable landmarks such as Trsat Castle, Rijeka Cathedral, Ivan Zajc Croatian National Theatre, Palace Modello, City Clock Tower, Trsat, Petar Kružić staircase and many others. In 2016, Rijeka was selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2020, alongside Galway, Ireland, and Rijeka is known for other manifestations and sporting events such as: Kvarnerska Rivijera, Rijeka Open, Yugoslavian motorcycle Grand Prix, EuroBasket 1975, 2000 European Men's Handball Championship, 2003 World Women's Handball Championship, 2008 European Short Course Swimming Championships, 2016 European Universities Games and 2018 LEN...