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Syracuse from the Lungomare Alfeo. Photo by Stella on

Top 10 Facts about Lungomare

The Franz Joseph 1 Promenade popularly known as the Lungomare is an approximately 10-kilometre-long waterfront promenade in northeastern Kvarner Bay near Rijeka. It was named after Emperor Franz Joseph the first. The Lungomare leads from Lovran via Opatija through the picturesque fishing village of Volosko.

Lungomare further goes through to Icici, Ika. This great landmark of Opatija is a favourite place for a stroll for the local people and various tourists from around and far. Walking through Lungomare, you will see the most beautiful beaches in Opatija and town landmarks such as the Villa Angiolina.

Tourists and other visitors can also see the statue of the Girl with the Seagull and several other amazing spots. The serene views of magnificent historical villas and other spectacular pieces of 19th-century architecture can be seen as you walk down the promenade.

The Lungomare was initially named after the general director of the southern railway, Friedrich Julius Schuler. However, with the beginning of Italian rule, it was renamed Lungomare Regina Elena, Lungomare della Madonna and finally Lungomare Principe Umberto. Later during the Yugoslav period, it was called Matko-Laginja Promenade.

Then it was named after Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1996 as part of the general recollection of the former crown lands of the Habsburg heritage. This was valuable for tourism. Here are the Top 10 Facts about Lungomare:

1. The Promenade had Name Changes Over the Years

This popular walking trail had an original name which is not the current name that many people know. It was initially named Friedrich Julius Schuler, the general director of the southern railway. During the beginning of Italian rule, this name was changed to Lungomare Regina Elena, Lungomare della Madonna and Lungomare Principe Umberto.

Later on, during the Yugoslav period, the Lungomare was known as Matko-Laginja Promenade. In 1996, it was finally renamed to Emperor Franz Joseph I. This was part of the general recollection of the former crown lands of the Habsburg heritage.

2. Enjoy the Serene Ocean View at the Lungomare

The walking trail stretches for at least 10 kilometres along Kvarner Bay. This is a nice place to spend your weekend and lazy afternoons.

Tourists from across the world come to the area to enjoy the beautiful scenes of the waterfront. Watch the waves passing over the rocks on the waterfront and the birds that fly over the sea.

3. Get Greeted by a Maiden with a Seagull

Immediately you get to the Promenade, you will be greeted by a maiden with a seagull statue that is near the seafront. This is new sculpture is of a young girl extending her arm to a gull.

The maiden with a seagull sculpture is the work of a sculptor Car. It was erected in 1956 and turned into one of Opatija’s symbols. Visitors flock here to watch how the sea waves hit the sculpture as they take beautiful pictures.

4. Countess Fries Lost her Life and Sculptor Madonna del Mare was Erected

Lungomare (Bari). Photo by Sailko on

At the sight of the maiden with a seagull stood another great artwork which was destroyed by a storm. The Madonna del Mare, the work of sculptor Rathausky from Graz stood at this place.

The Madonna was erected at this point to keep vigil over the soul of count Arthur Kesselstadt who had vanished here. He had been swallowed by the pre-Easter waves.

During the excursion, Countess Fries Lost her life at the same sight but her son George was saved. A gilded variant of the Madonna can be spotted in front of Saint Jacob’s Church.

5. Stroll at the Green Park Angiolina

Along the Lungomare, you can take a stroll through the meticulously spruced-up Green Park. The Park Angiolina which is a stand-out place can be spotted along the trail.

The park has many species of flowers with some being exotic and brought from faraway countries. Park Angiolina is a horticultural monument which is decorated in the style of English and French gardens. It has pathways and air filled with the fragrant scent of flowers.

6. Enjoy the Serenity of Volosko

Volosko. Photo by Rsimac on

On your way through the Lungomare, you will pass Volosko, a renowned fishing village. Volosko which is a tourist destination has old narrow streets and two lighthouses.

There are several hotels, villas and recreational landscapes artificially created by the Australian Southern Railway Company in 1884. Several fishing restaurants and a small port, Mandrac which is the location of an annual painting competition make them perfect for a stopover.

7. Pass by the Devil’s Cave

Located along Kvarner Bay, the Lungomare has several caves which attract tourists who come to this place. There is one popular cave that all visitors have to visit.

The Devil’s Cave is one of the best tourist stops that take on the Lungomare trail. During a windy afternoon down the promenade, you can hear some spooky noises coming from this Cave. These spooky noises which are strange are the main reason why the cave got its name.

8. Villa Angiolina

Villa Angiolina with garden. Photo by Spina Ana on

There are several villas along the promenade some of them dating back to the medieval period. Villa Angiolina is the most remarkable one while on the trail. This is the oldest tourist destination in Croatia with a tradition dating back to the 19th century.

It was previously an interesting summer residence which was later turned into the Croatian Museum of Tourism. This museum host various exhibitions, workshops and projects which explain why Opatija was a favourite destination for several historical figures.

9. Enjoy a Shade Under Hundred-Year-Old Shades

The beauty of Lungomare is dotted with beautiful trees that are hundred years old. Evergreen holm oaks, several species of deciduous oaks, fragrant laurel and evergreen pittosporum are just a few species of trees along the promenade.

The top of these trees creates pleasant shades that tourists enjoy during summer. These trees bloom their flowers in other seasons which fill the air with fragrant scents.

10. Complete your Tour at Lovran

Lovra. Photo by Bernd Thaller on

Lovran is one of the oldest coastal settlements along Lungomare. It is believed to have been created when the Roman patrician and statesman Marcus Vipsanius built his summer residence.

It is known as the Little Vienna which has Austria-Hungarian exclusive and renovated villas. Lovran gives a special 19th century Central European atmosphere.