Croatia, Rovinj 29th October 2025

Rovinj has a rich history spanning from prehistoric settlements to its modern-day status as a tourist hub, shaped by Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian rule.

Archeological findings show that the area around Rovinj was inhabited as far back as prehistoric times.

Roman Era (3rd–5th centuries AD): The settlement was first mentioned in the 7th century as "Castrum Rubini" in the Cosmographia, a work believed to be based on 5th-century information. At the time, Rovinj was situated on an island and served as an important fishing and maritime hub.

After the Roman Empire, the town came under Byzantine rule in the 6th century, followed by Frankish rule in the 8th century.

Venetian Republic (1283–1797): Rovinj sought Venetian protection from pirates and other threats, eventually becoming one of the first Istrian towns to fall under its control. The Venetian influence is still very visible in the city's architecture, with its narrow, cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the bell tower of St. Euphemia's Church, which was modeled after St. Mark's Campanile in Venice.

Connects to the mainland (1763): For centuries, the old town of Rovinj existed on an island. To accommodate its growing population, the narrow channel separating it from the mainland was filled in.

Habsburg Monarchy (1797–1918): After the fall of Venice, Rovinj became part of the Austrian Empire. It flourished during this period, with significant industrial, maritime, and cultural development, including the construction of a tobacco factory in 1872 and the arrival of the railway in 1876. 

20th century to present

Italian rule (1918–1947): Following World War I, Rovinj was ceded to Italy, further strengthening its Italian cultural ties. Italian is still an official language in Rovinj today.

Yugoslavia (1947–1991): After World War II, Rovinj was incorporated into Yugoslavia. A significant number of the Italian-speaking population emigrated from the city during this period.

Independent Croatia (1991–present): Rovinj became part of the independent Republic of Croatia. Today, it is a major tourist destination in Istria, attracting visitors with its romantic old town which we enjoyed and had coffee at one of the restaurants in the Marina.

The boats still used today for fishing have a museum dedicated to their original boat building.