Page 69 - Adriatic Club Book 2017

Kvarner
On the site of today’s Opatija (Abby) there was a settlement dating back to the roman times, therefore its name - Opatija – the Abby – as the initial settlement was actually a Benedictine Abby of St. Jacob, first written proof in 1453. Only the St. Jacob’s church is still there, which was built in 1506. It gets to a new life in 1844 with the first road and then the railroad was built between nearby town of Reka (Fiume) and Zagreb. Of course, the important role of Opatija in tourism is greatly owned to the fact that it is a strategic point. It cuts the deepest into the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea in Central Europe and at the foot of 1.400 meters high Učka mountain rocks. Opatia has become quite a fashionable resort and a spa centre for aristocracy and later for people of all walks of life. Quite of- ten, it is referred to as the Nice of Adriatic. It was also the first place in Adriatic to start measuring the tourist statistics back in 1833. The first hotel was built by the Austrians and the fame of Opatia soon reached all around Europe and it became popular among distinguished guests, from princess and kings.
During the first autumn days, when the sun is still pleas- antly warm and the sea tempera-
ture is just right for a good swim we decided to take our first four- day trip along Kvarner region. Our trip started in Opatija, the pearl of Adriatic. Some people say it is the most romantic place in Europe. It definitely is the place with the longest tradition in tourism and a starting point for many for their holiday adven- tures and free time.
Adriatic Club 2017 67