RetrOpatija

Most probably built in 1420, as a colony of Benedictine refugees from the Friulian monastery of Saint Peter in Rožac (San Pietro di Rosazzo), the entire settlement will later be named after this abbey. Today very little has been preserved of its original appearance.

Before Opatija became a holiday resort, Volosko was the seat of the district, an important trade port and the area's administrative centre. Today Volosko has lost that importance, but not its magical appeal as a picturesque fishing village, an inexhaustible source of inspiration to artists, a haven to those searching for peace in the narrow lanes of the old town, or for a cup of coffee on the waterfront, in the unique atmosphere of the harbour. There is something very special about the view of the sea from Volosko's waterfront: the whole Adriatic seems to open up towards the south from here… When walking through the lanes in the historic part of the town, you will come across the monument commemorating Volosko as the birthplace of Andrija Mohorovičić, the world-famous scientist who first identified the discontinuity that separates the Earth's crust from the mantle. This layer is called the Mohorovičić Discontinuity, or Moho for short. He was born in the house at the very beginning of the Lungomare coastal promenade. Today Volosko is also synonymous with fine gastronomy – from typical taverns offering fish and other traditional dishes of the local area, to superb gourmet restaurants that are listed in the most prestigious international restaurant guides – Volosko offers all of that, and much more. It is only a pleasant three-kilometre stroll along the coastal promenade from where you are now standing. Do not miss the chance to pay this enchanting place a visit!

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 a sculptor Car, and it was erected here in 1956 and turned into one of Opatija’s symbols.

Just like Volosko, Veprinac was also an important centre long before Opatija became a notable tourist resort. Probably built on the foundations of a pre-historic settlement, the origin of the name Veprinac is usually thought to be connected to the Croatian word for butcher's broom, a plant which grows abundantly in the area. The historic heritage of the town includes the Veprinac Law from 1507, a very important document that regulated the customs and legal issues of the time. The old part of the town can be reached by passing the town gate with three arches, which is located in the former municipal building. On the right, in front of the town gate, is the loggia, and on the left is St. Anne's Chapel with an inscription from 1442. During recent restoration work, the remnants of some interesting frescoes were found on the walls inside the chapel, but these still need to be researched in more detail. The building right by the town gate hosts an ethnological collection presenting items, tools and documents that illustrate how people in this area used to live in the past. The ascent up stone steps to the entrance to the church yard of St. Mark's parish church; the wonderful views of Kvarner Bay and Opatija on the sea side, and Mount Učka in the hinterland; the church yard where time seems to be standing still – this is Veprinac, the ancient town above Opatija Riviera where at every turn one can feel the nostalgic spirit of the times gone by. Just like the local poet Josip Stanić wrote in his verses – Veprinac seems to almost touch the heaven

RetrOpatija is a musical time machine in which swing, rockabilly, rock, jazz and electric disco music merge together to create a fantastic party dedicated to the key decades and musical styles of the twentieth century. This retro festival brings together excellent Croatian and foreign musicians, pin-up models, dancers, jugglers, street musicians, makeup artists and hair stylists, and presents vintage cars and motorcycles, such as Vespas, Tomos and Fiats. Dance at the hot ‘party of the century’ beneath a large disco ball together with thousands of other visitors.

The Open Air Theatre is situated on the green "peninsula" of the well-known Opatija’s “Angiolina Park”, right by the sea. This unique location and its ambiance created by the combination of stone walls and greenery make it the most spectacular and the most beautiful venue of this kind in the Mediterranean.