The ancient Tarsatica, a settlement at the mouth of the Rječina, played a very important role in the formation of today’s Rijeka. Its traces in the form of a fortified castrum are still visible today. In addition to the “Tarsatica Principia”, the remains of the late Roman defence system extending to the Julian Alps are also visible. You can visit a large part of this attractive hiking route, which will reveal all the charms of the Rječina canyon, the natural protection of the “City that flows” and its rich industrial heritage.
The trail starts in the Principia of the Alpine enclosure in the Old Town and takes you past the Cathedral of St. Vitus, across the Calvary and towards Katarina. During the ascent, in addition to the view of the city centre and the Kvarner Bay, you will see several parts of a preserved thirty-kilometre Roman wall that formed the internal defence of the Roman Empire together with the Rječina canyon. On arriving at Katarina, the highest point of the trail, you will start the descent towards the Rječina canyon. During the descent, you can see the remains of another border – Rapallo. From the Pašački bridge, the trail enters a wooded area and provides an excellent opportunity for cooling off during the summer months. When you reach the Rječina riverbed, the remains of old mills – Matešić and Žakalj – will emerge before you like giants. After crossing the riverbed, you continue along the left bank of the river and enter a part of the golden age of Rijeka’s 19th century industrialism. Paper factory, Soap factory, Tannery… these are just some of the economic activities that were recognized worldwide. After leaving Vodovodna Street, you will return to the Cathedral of St. Vitus. Here you can take a peek into the Rijeka underground, or pass through the Rijeka tunnel.
Note: After heavy rainfall, it is not advisable to take the walking trail due to the Rječina’s high flow.