Kvarner: Centuries of history in the heart of Croatia

The Kvarner region, picturesquely located on the Adriatic Sea, is a land where history intertwines with nature, creating a unique cultural mosaic. Discover with us the fascinating past of this place, which testifies to the influence of different cultures and civilizations.

Ancient roots

In ancient times, the bay was known as Sinus Flanaticus, inhabited by Illyrian peoples before the arrival of the Romans. The name Kvarner probably derives from the Latin „mare quaternarium,” meaning „sea composed of four parts.” In the 5th century the region was conquered by the Ostrogoths, and in the 6th century it became part of the Byzantine Empire.

Venetian domination

At the end of the 10th century, Kvarner came under the control of the Republic of Venice, becoming a key area on the sea route to Venice. In the 11th century it was briefly overrun by the Margraviate of Istria, and in the 11th and 12th centuries the island of Rab became an important economic center. Between 1469 and 1470, the Kingdom of Hungary under Matthias Corvinus conquered the islands.

Variable reign

As a result of the 1797 Peace of Leoben, Austria captured the remaining Venetian possessions in Kvarner. Between 1809 and 1813, the region became part of the French Illyrian Provinces, subsequently returning to Austrian rule. After World War I, the Kvarner islands including Fiume were occupied by Italy, and the Treaty of Rapallo in 1920 divided them between Italy and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. During World War II, the Kvarner area was occupied by Italy and the Third Reich, and in 1947 the entire region was incorporated into the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Heritage preserved in landscape

Today’s Kvarner is not only a region rich in history, but also a place of natural beauty. Discover traces of the past in picturesque landscapes, historic towns and the extraordinary atmosphere that awaits anyone who decides to step into the heart of this fascinating land.