History of Opatija: from fishing village to spa town
The beginnings: a modest fishing village
Opatija, whose name is derived from the Croatian word for abbey (“opatija”), has a long history dating back to pre-Christian times. Archaeological finds prove that the area was already inhabited in Roman times. In the Middle Ages, Opatija consisted of several small fishing villages that lived from fishing and agriculture.
The development of a spa town
The modern history of Opatija begins in the 19th century, when the town was part of the Habsburg Empire. In 1844, the wealthy merchant Iginio Scarpa built Villa Angiolina, which served as a summer residence and was often visited by members of the Austrian aristocracy. This villa marked the beginning of Opatija’s transformation from a quiet fishing village to an exclusive holiday resort.
Thanks to the mild climate and picturesque landscape, Opatija quickly became a favourite holiday destination for the European aristocracy. The railway connection to Vienna and Budapest, which opened in the 1880s, made travelling easier and contributed to the resort’s popularity.
The rise to a glamorous spa town
Opatija experienced its heyday at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Numerous hotels, villas and promenades were built, including the famous Hotel Kvarner, which opened in 1884 and is considered the first hotel on the Adriatic coast. Opatija developed into a centre for wellness and spas, and numerous facilities for the treatment of respiratory diseases and other ailments were built.
The town attracted many prominent guests, including Emperor Franz Joseph I, Empress Sisi and many artists and intellectuals of the time. Opatija was often referred to as the “Nice of the Adriatic” and enjoyed a reputation as a first-class holiday destination.
Changes in the 20th century
The two world wars and the political upheavals of the 20th century left their mark on Opatija. After the First World War and the collapse of the Habsburg Empire, the town became part of the Kingdom of Italy and later Yugoslavia. Despite these changes, Opatija remained a popular holiday destination, albeit with less international glamour than before.
After the Second World War and the founding of Yugoslavia, Opatija continued on its path as a tourist destination, albeit under the changed conditions of the socialist state. The hotels and villas were nationalised and tourism was increasingly aimed at guests from the socialist brother states.
Opatija today: a town with historical flair
After the collapse of Yugoslavia and Croatia’s independence in the 1990s, Opatija experienced a renaissance. The town was extensively renovated and many of the historic buildings were restored. Today, Opatija is once again a popular holiday destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Our summary
The city has retained its historical charm and combines it with modern amenities. Visitors can stroll along the famous Lungomare promenade, which stretches for 12 kilometres, explore historic villas and gardens or simply enjoy the Mediterranean flair.
Today, Opatija is a symbol of elegance and tradition that delights visitors with its rich history and distinctive style.
