Rovinj's location is unique. One part of the most popular resort in Croatia is located on the west of the Istria peninsula, and the second part occupies an archipelago of 22 picturesque islets. The city is washed by the waves of the Adriatic Sea. The population of Rovinj is about 14 thousand people. Mostly Croats, Serbs, and Bosnians live here. The proximity to Italy has also influenced the culture and life of the locals, with Italian considered the second official language here.
The currency is the Croatian kuna (HRK).
The first settlements on the territory of the modern resort appeared in the Bronze Age. Scientists believe that Rovinj was founded by the ancient Romans around the 3rd century. During the Middle Ages, the city became one of the largest ports in Europe.
It occupied one of the islands of the archipelago and was protected from pirate raids by fortress walls and towers. The city was separated from the mainland only by a narrow strait, which was filled in the XVII century due to population growth. Today, the strait is replaced by three town squares.
The tempting geographical location of Rovinj has repeatedly brought conquerors to the city. It changed hands from the Byzantine Empire, German feudal lords, Venice, Austria-Hungary, France, and Italy. After the Second World War, Rovinj became part of Yugoslavia, and after the collapse of that state, it became part of Croatia.
