Along with ancient, vibrant Zagreb and Split, the scenic port city of Rijeka makes up the popular tourist triangle of Croatia. Here, you can hear the voices of foreign tourists wherever you go, the air is imbued with the aromas of traditional Croatian cuisine, and the number of tourist landmarks exceeds even the most daring expectations. The old port, churches, temples, and ancient stone castles float above the colorful tiled roofs and whitewashed house walls. The warm southern sun shines, inviting beach holiday adherents to the pristine Blue Flag beaches. However, it is best to start your discovery of Rijeka with its main hallmark, the world-famous Leaning Tower.

Once upon a time, at the beginning of the 1st century AD, Roman baths stood on the site of the landmark, and a Roman settlement spread all over the area of modern Rijeka. The baths existed until the beginning of the 6th century: a section of the ancient complex was given to Christians and became a place of worship. Later in the 14th century, it was here that the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built. Its unique bell tower was a separate structure, erected from the very stones of Roman baths in a completely different style.

Today, the medieval bell tower, built in 1377, is a hallmark of today's Rijeka and is called the Leaning Tower. Over time, it tilted by almost 40 centimeters from its standing axis. That was discovered in 1920, and then, the church bell tower received its imposing name.

While admiring the unique landmark of medieval temple architecture, remember to look into the church building. Its luxurious interior decoration resembles an art gallery rather than a shrine. Its altars are decorated with replicas of Titian’s paintings Assumption of the Virgin and Saint John the Baptist by famous local artist Ivan Simonetti. Afterward, sit at the exuberant pub at the foot of the tower, called “At the Leaning Tower,” to sip one or two glasses of cool beer and absorb the ambiance of amazing Rijeka.