Park St. James: Opatija's Verdant Heart

Park St. James, or Park Svetog Jakova, is a recognizable landmark in the center of Opatija, gracing the area next to the Church of St. James. This park isn't just a collection of greenery; it's a place with a rich history that has witnessed the development of Opatija itself. Originally conceived in the 12th century with the construction of the St. Jacob's monastery, the park took shape as a public space around 1880. Today, it stands as a protected monument of park architecture, celebrated for its harmony between nature and the surrounding historical buildings. The park is divided into two parts: an upper section dominated by a neo-baroque fountain and a lower section that extends to the sea near the Juraj Šporer Arts Pavilion. The neo-baroque fountain, created in 1889 by sculptor Hans Rathausky, is a focal point. It features sculptures of Helios and Selene, the Greek god and goddess of the sun and moon, symbolizing day and night. The Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion, originally a pastry shop in 1900, now hosts various exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical performances. With diverse plant species, including indigenous laurel, palms, pines and an Altar cedar, the park offers a sensory experience with the scents of the sea and trees mingling with colorful flowers.