Lovran
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Lovran
The beautiful Lovran, formerly known as Lauriana, got its name
from the fragrance of laurel. Its story tells of the mighty sailing ships and distant seas, the rich aristocracy and its power,
the Mediterranean flavors and aromas that permeate this city. The oldest village built on the shores of ancient Liburnia boasts
the architecture from several historical periods. There are medieval walls and buildings with lovely courtyards and impressive
art nouveau villas, parks created for the high society of those times. Today, these creations are part of the world's architectural
heritage.
Protected from the wind, enjoying the mild climate and the abundance of air and lush vegetation, Lovran was recognized
as an ideal health resort by the Austro-Hungarian elite, who built elegant sanatoriums, Villas and Spa, whose benefits the
town enjoys even today.
In its terraced gardens, cherries, grapes and olives grow, while the coast is adorned by the laurel trees, magnolias, pines
and plenty of flowers.
Lovran is widely known as the town of "maruni" – a type of exceptional quality chestnut from
which the famous gastronomic delicacies arise - exceptional combinations of maroon with game, imaginative desserts, medicinal
honey and brandy Medica. Filled with stories, tastes, fragrances, colors and beautiful architectural buildings, Lovran gives
each visitor a sense of a beauty of life, which is carried by guests for a long time until the re-encounter with this wonderful
town.
History
The territory of Lovran and its surroundings
were inhabited in prehistoric times. The Liburni tribe ruled until the arrival of the Romans. The Liburni, famous sailors,
attacked and plundered Roman ships until the 1st century B.C. when they were conquered by the Romans. After the fall of the
Roman Empire in the 5th century, the Ostrogoths came to the area and in the 6th century, the area fell under Byzantine rule.
In the 7th century, the Slavs arrived and ruled until the arrival of Franks in the 8th century. In the 12th century,
Lovran belonged to the patriarchs of Aquileia and during that period it became an important trading and shipbuilding center
for the northern Adriatic sea. It fell under the authority of the Habsburg family in the 14th century. The 17th and 18th centuries
were years of development for Lovran, its maritime trade and general prosperity.
Lovran remained under the rule of Austria until 1918. In late 19th century, it went through a strong economic crisis
due to the collapse of shipbuilding, but then a new economic sector appeared – tourism. In 1898, Lovran got the
official status of a spa centre while the real boom of tourism occurred at the beginning of the 20th century. During that
period, the water supply system, public baths and many other buildings were built and tramlines were introduced. During the
First World War, the Kingdom of Italy occupied Lovran and the fascist rule brought on a difficult period for the local population.
In 1943, after the fall of Italy, Lovran was occupied by the Germans, and remained under their rule until 1945 when the town
was freed and annexed to Yugoslavia. Tourism and economy started to gradually recover again. In this period, today's renowned
orthopedic hospital was built. In 1991, after the fall of Yugoslavia, Lovran become an integral part of Croatia.
Recommendations
The parish church of St. George -
a Romanesque church from the 12th century, with Gothic frescoes and precious collection of church pottery
Church
of St. John the Baptist - the Romanesque church from the 14th century, with frescoes of saints
The
Church of the Holy Trinity - with Gothic details and tombstones from the 16th century with a Glagolitic inscription
City Tower - the remains of the medieval fortification of Lovran
City Palace
- the seat of the medieval city authority. A stone portal surrounded by a wooden relief of St. George who pierces the dragon
with a spear
Lovran Villas - Villa Astra and Villa Deneš show beautiful decorative elements
of Venetian Gothic. Villa Santa Maria is decorated with mosaics and has a beautiful garden. Villa Frappart is famous for its
harmonious eclecticism of forms and decorations. Villa San Niccolo is known for its luxurious decorations that are connected
with rustic elements of the previous building.
Events
Carnival
Antonja - a traditional carnival with entertainment and culinary events, 17.01.-17.02.
Asparagus
Festival - a rich offer of meals made from asparagus, with entertainment, music programs and a big feast 10.04.-25.04.
Regatta "Nino Gašparinić"- the regatta of traditional boats with sails 06.06.
Days
of cherries - during these days, a variety of meals and cakes with cherries are offered, with a big feast 12.06.-20.06.
Summer in Lovran - classical music, vocal groups, choirs and orchestras 26.06.-28.08.
Rokova, Liganj - traditional folk festival 14.08.
Mihoja, Lovranska draga - Traditional
Folk Festival 24.09.-25.09.
Marunada - Festival of chestnuts, a traditional festival which offers
original dishes, desserts, honey and brandy made from Lovran's chestnuts, with entertainment and sports programs 15.10.-31.10.
