Rovinj can be explored through two distinct themes: the former island old town, shaped by Venetian influences, and Zlatni rt, a protected forest park south of the city. This raises a useful question for planning: would you like to focus primarily on the historic townscape and culture, or are you also interested in a park landscape?

Old Town: former island and Venetian influences

Rovinj’s old town lies on a former island that was connected to the mainland in 1763. This date gives the town’s history a specific point of reference: its island status belongs to the past, while its connection to the mainland dates back to 1763. As you explore the old town, this development helps you understand its former island location as part of Rovinj’s history.

Venetian influences are visible in specific features of the townscape: cobbled lanes, colourful houses with balconies, narrow stairways and the bell tower of the Church of St. Euphemia. As you walk through the lanes, you will encounter several architectural features that together reveal the old town’s Venetian character. Rovinj also has a Croatian-Italian bilingual identity. Its cultural and architectural aspects thus complement one another, without reducing the town’s history to a single building.

Zlatni rt: forest park with an arboretum character

South of Rovinj, Zlatni rt/Punta Corrente stretches between Lone and Škaraba bays and the capes of Montauro and Punta Corrente. The protected forest park includes promenades and paths as well as meadows. Its landscape features plantings of pines, cypresses and laurels, along with notable exotic trees. Zlatni rt is therefore characterised not only as a forest park but also by its arboretum character.

For planning purposes, it helps to consider these features as different aspects of the park: paths and promenades, open meadow areas and the diversity of trees each contribute to its character. The mix of plantings that seem native and notable exotic trees makes the arboretum aspect particularly tangible. If you would like to include landscapes and planting in your choice of things to see in Rovinj, alongside the old town’s lanes, Zlatni rt is a distinct point of interest.

Cultural landmarks and personal interests

Landmarks that help you find your way around Rovinj include the Church of St. Euphemia and its bell tower, the old town’s lanes, Balbi’s Arch, the harbour and Zlatni rt. Kuća o batani represents the city’s maritime and fishing heritage. These landmarks offer different perspectives on Rovinj: historic architecture and townscape, maritime heritage and the landscape of the forest park.

For a shorter stay, you don’t need to give these themes equal weight. If you are especially interested in the city’s history and appearance, the old town and Venetian architecture can be your main focus. If you would also like to explore its maritime and fishing heritage, Kuća o batani is a suitable cultural landmark. Zlatni rt offers a contrasting landscape perspective.

For an overview of the wider destination: Općina Rovinj.