Rovinj

Rovinj (Croatian: [rǒʋiːɲ]; Venetian and Italian: Rovigno; Istriot: Ruvèigno or Ruveîgno; Ancient Greek: Ρυγίνιον, romanized: Rygínion; Latin: Ruginium) is a city in west Croatia situated on the north Adriatic Sea with a population of 14,294 (2011).

Located on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, it is a popular tourist resort and beach destination, in addition to being an active fishing port.

[5] Rovinj was already a settlement of Venetian or Illyrian tribes before being captured by the Romans, who called it Arupinium or Mons Rubineus, and later Ruginium and Ruvinium.

[10] During this period, three town gates were constructed and Rovinj was fortified by two rows of defensive walls, remains of which can still be seen today.

[11] The Rovinj pier is home to one of the old town gates, Balbi's Arch, dating from 1680, and a late-Renaissance clock tower.

[13] Following the fall of Venice in 1797 and the ensuing Napoleonic interlude, Rovinj became part of the Austrian Empire, which lasted until World War I.

During the post-war period, many Italian inhabitants left Rovigno, leading to significant changes in the city's demographic structure.

Croats form the majority at 63.3%, while ethnic minorities include Italians (11.3%), those identifying with regional affiliation (10.5%), Serbs (4.2%), Albanians (2.7%) and Bosniaks (2.1%).

The busiest area is the very centre of Rovinj, extending from the main bus station towards the old part of town, where most bars and clubs are located.

The town's main central thoroughfare is the fully pedestrian Carera Street, with many independent shops and art galleries.

Rovinj is well-connected with the rest of Istria and with larger cities in the region such as Trieste, Venice, Rijeka-Fiume, Ljubljana and Zagreb.

Between 1876 and 1966, Rovinj was connected to Kanfanar via a branch line of the Istriani Railway, which was closed supposedly due to heavy motorisation investments by Yugoslavia.

Rovinj, seen from the sky
Rovinj, seen from Campanile of Saint Euphemia Church
Panorama of Saint Euphemia square in Rovinj old town
Star Breeze in Rovinj
Houses in Rovinj
Rovinj harbour at sunset
Rovinj at sunrise
Rovinj at sunset
Mulini Beach
Coat of arms of Istria County
Coat of arms of Istria County