Rovinj Tourist Attractions
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Rovinj (Rovigno) is a densely packed medieval town on a parcel of land that juts out into the Adriatic. When the town was established by the Romans, Rovinj was an island. In the 18th Century the channel separating the island from the mainland was filled in and Rovinj became part of the mainland. At the highest point in the town is the Cathedral with its huge bell tower that dominates the town's skyline. The main square is Trg M Tita, with the old Town Hall and Balbi's Arch, and one side open to the harbor. Along the harbor are some pleasant restaurants and cafés, and offshore are a group of small islands. On the south side of Rovinj is Zlatni Pt Park, with a green space and beaches.
Rovinj Town Museum (Heritage Museum)
The 17th Century loggia on the main square in Rovinj houses the Town Museum (Gradski Muzej), also known as the Rovinj Heritage Museum. The museum contains a mix of art, ranging from 15th to 19th Century paintings by Old Masters, to modern works by national and local artists, with a variety of other diplays.The Museum is comprised of seven main exhibits. The "Old Masters Gallery" is the most well known section of the museum, housing one of the most significant collections in Croatia. The "Maritime Affairs" exhibit displays models of ships, information on sea battles, naval paintings, and souvenirs collected by sailors. On the first floor is the area of "Contemporary Croatian Art". The "Alexander Kircher Room", is a tribute to this world traveler known for his naval related paintings. He was the Austrian Navy's official painter. There is also an exhibit of works by local artists in the "Artists from Rovinj" display. Finally, the "Vilko Seferof Memorial Room" contains 20 works by this artist, including his only self-portrait.
Balbi's Arch
The Baroque Balbi's Arch is built on the location of the former town gate of Rovinj, next to the Town Museum. It was built in the latter half of the 17th Century. The elaborate arch is decorated with the carved head of a Turk on the upper portion of the outer wall. The inner wall contains the carved head of a Venetian. Over the arch is the Balbi family coat of arms and a relief of the Lion of St Mark, the symbol of Venice.Balbi's Arch stands at the entrance to the old Venetian quarter of Rovinj. This area is known for quaint piazzas and steep back streets, with a mix of architectural styles that include Gothic, Renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical.
Cathedral of St Euphemia
Dominating the town of Rovinji is the Cathedral of St Euphemia (Katedrala Sveti Eufenija). This 18th Century Baroque cathedral is Istria's largest Baroque building. The Venetian bell tower, which extends high above the Cathedral roof, is 62m / 200ft high and can be seen from everywhere in Rovinj. On the top is a statue of St Euphemia.The Cathedral contains the remains of St Euphemia, who was fed to the lions in the early 4th Century for being Christian. Her sarcophagus and remains were said to have found there way by sea from Constantinople to Rovinj around around 800 AD. The remains were placed in the small church which stood on this location before the Cathedral was built.
