Up on the hill overlooking Rijeka from the northeast is Trsat castle, a medieval structure built by the Frankopans and turned into an aristocratic residence in the nineteenth century by Prince Laval Nugent of Westmeath (1793-1862), a career officer who rose to become a field marshal in the Austrian army. Nugent built himself a mausoleum in the style of a Greek temple; it is now the main feature of the castle’s walled courtyard. Views from Trsat Castle’s ramparts are superb, and concerts are held in the courtyard in summer.

Church of Our Lady of Trsat

A short walk away from the castle is the Church of Our Lady of Trsat, a major pilgrimage venue on account of a legend which states that St Mary’s house miraculously flew here from Nazareth in 1291. (The house in question subsequently continued its airborne journey to Loreto in Italy.) The baroque interior is rich in devotional paintings.

Practical Info

On foot: A flight of 538 steps (begun in 1531 by military commander Petar Kružić to serve pilgrims on their way to Trsat’s church) leads from central Rijeka to Trsat.

By Bus: Otherwise catch bus #1 or #1A from central Rijeka.