Lovranf

The small town and tourist center on the Liburnian coast (the eastern Istria), 6 kilometers from Opatija, on the road Rijeka - Pula. It has the old core and the part that developed below Gorica (712 m), the branch of the Ucka masive. The rich Mediterranean vegetation, beaches, numerous villas an hotels make Lovran one of the most attractive tourist centers on the Opatija Riviera. There is a 12 kilometers long walking path along the sea from Lovran to Opatija and further to Volovsko. It is mentioned under the name of Lauriana already in the 7th century. The holders of the draw-bridge are still visible on the southern gate. On the town square with the Romanesque belfry there is a number of baroque houses. The parish church of St. Juraj from the 14th century was enlarged in the 17th and 18th century. In that church you can also see the most complete ensemble of the Gothic wall paintings, the work of an anonymous master (before 1479). The Romanesque church of St. Trinity, near the sea, was restored in the Gothic style, with lopica, the specific Istrian porch, and with portal that was adorned with wattle-work ornament. There are remains of the late Gothic wall paintings from the 15th century and the Glagolitic gravestone from the 16th century, inside the church.