Seaside Opatija-beautiful coastal town

Opatija Sv. Jakova, or the Abbey of Saint Jacob, was built in the area of modern Opatija. This Abbey was built in the 14th century by Benedictine monks, and is where the town derived it's name. For the next few hundred years it was a normal monastic village, with inhabitants ranging from monks, to fishermen and local tradesmen. Then, in 1844, Iginio Scarpa, a patrician of neighboring Rijeka, built a summer home in Opatija, and cemented the routes of a now thriving tourist economy for the area. Scarpa's summer house drew many distinguished guests and the area soon became known as a popular meeting place, drawing in Vienna’s Southern Railways Company furthered substantiated the area, and hotels, summer houses and villas were being built. Soon after, a park, a sea promenade and a forest pathway sprouted up. Many notable European statesmen and celebrities have visited Opatija, including Franz Josef, German Emperor Wilhelm II, Isadora Duncan and James Joyce just to name a few.

Opatija and it's surrounding area offer many things for tourists to do while visiting. Settled in a beautifully lush garden, The Church of Saint James, a 1930's replica of a 1790's structure beckons onlookers. There is also a cloister and small monastery on the sight as well, and choirs can be heard from nearby hotel terraces, lending more enchantment to an already magical location. Duro Matija Sporer Arts Pavilion is an art gallery adjoining the monastery. It provides a wonderful view of the famous statue of a woman that standing on rock at the edge of the sea, aptly known as "Greeting the Sea". Another attraction of the area is the mandarin and olive harvesting, where tourists are invited to play an active role in. When in Opatija, one is wise to also visit the beautiful islands nearby. The area also offers many modernized hotels and many restaurants to choose. Opatija is one destination that should not be missed by the avid traveler, and is sure to please even the most finicky!