Rovinj: The Jewel of the Adriatic

• HelloBok
  [Bohk]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryOprostite
  [O-pros-tee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Go-vo-ree-teh lee eng-les-kee]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMogu li vidjeti jelovnik, molim?
  [Moh-goo lee veed-yeh-tee yeh-lov-neek, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dem meh-soh]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-ve-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelio bih platiti, molim
  [Zhe-lee-oh bee pla-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-mohch]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh po-lee-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [Eez-goo-bee-oh/lah sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/sna sam
  [Boh-les-tahn/snah sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Ko-lee-koh kosh-tah]
• That's too expensiveTo je pre skupo
  [Toh yeh preh skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoo-stee-tee tsee-yeh-noo]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Ko-lee-koh yeh sah-tee]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pod-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [Veh-cher]
• YesterdayJučer
  [Yoo-cher]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-vet]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [Gdyeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koy-ah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah kahr-tee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sleh-dey-chee (ow-tow-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedna karta (do ...)
  [Yehd-nah kahr-tah (doh)]

Rovinj, originally an island, was settled as early as the Bronze Age. It became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC and was known as Arupinium. The strategic location and natural harbour made it an essential port for trade and defense.

During the early Middle Ages, Rovinj was under the rule of the Byzantine Empire. In the 8th century, it fell under the control of the Frankish Kingdom, becoming part of the Carolingian Empire. The town was frequently attacked by pirates and other marauders during this turbulent period.

From 1283 to 1797, Rovinj was part of the Republic of Venice. This era significantly shaped the town’s architecture and culture. The Venetians fortified Rovinj, built sea walls, and constructed many of the town's notable buildings, including the Church of St. Euphemia. Venetian influence is still visible in the narrow, winding streets and colorful houses.

After the fall of the Republic of Venice in 1797, Rovinj became part of the Austrian Empire. It later became part of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Under Austrian rule, Rovinj experienced economic growth and modernization. The town expanded to the mainland, and new industries such as fishing and shipbuilding flourished.

Following World War I, Rovinj was annexed by Italy in 1920. This period saw significant Italian influence in local governance, education, and culture. However, the interwar years were also marked by economic hardship and political strife, particularly for the Slavic population.

Rovinj was heavily impacted by World War II. After the war, it became part of Yugoslavia in 1947. The town underwent significant demographic changes, with many Italians emigrating and Slavic people moving in. Under Yugoslav rule, Rovinj developed as a tourist destination, leveraging its historical and natural attractions.

With the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Rovinj became part of the newly independent Croatia. Today, it is one of Croatia's most popular tourist destinations, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning Adriatic coastline. The town continues to celebrate its diverse heritage through festivals, museums, and local traditions.

Rovinj is located on the western coast of the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia. The nearest international airport is Pula Airport (PUY), approximately 40 kilometers away. From Pula Airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach Rovinj. Additionally, Rovinj is accessible by bus from major Croatian cities like Zagreb, Rijeka, and Split. There are also ferry connections from Venice, Italy, during the tourist season.

Rovinj is a compact town, and most of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, local buses and taxis are available. Renting a bicycle or scooter is also a popular option for exploring the town and its surroundings. Car rentals are available, but parking can be challenging in the old town area.

The official currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout Rovinj. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and in case of any technical issues with card payments.

Rovinj is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Rovinj has a local police station and medical facilities. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the town for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the season. Avoid overly revealing clothing when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket upon boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Dobar dan' (Good day). A handshake is common for formal introductions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like seafood dishes and Istrian truffles. Don't leave a tip on the table; instead, hand it directly to the server.

To experience Rovinj like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce, seafood, and traditional Istrian products. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss taking a stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town and visiting the Church of St. Euphemia for a panoramic view of Rovinj and the Adriatic Sea. For a unique experience, rent a boat and explore the nearby islands and secluded beaches.