Town of Krk

As the Mediterranean town of rich history and culture, Krk is brimming with traces of its long past. It dates back to the prehistoric times, when its destiny was shaped by the perpetual changes of inhabitants, from natives to newcomers, including the Liburnians, the Romans, the Slavs and the Venetians.

The stone inscription Splendidissima Civitas Curictarum (The Splendid Town of the People of Krk) only testifies to this fact. The remains of the Roman baths, the Temple of Venus and town walls, and a mosaic depicting Triton all date from the ancient times. The town’s urban layout was defined by the Romans, when they built the two main streets, cardo and decumanus, which have to date remained in the same place.

Krk has evolved over the centuries. Its present walls (the third longest in Croatia, following the walls of Ston and Dubrovnik) were built in the Middle Ages.The town’s incredible medieval heritage, originating mostly from the times of the Venetian rule, is a true attraction. The Frankopan Counts of Krk were prominent figures back then, and owing to their skilful political manoeuvring with the Venetian rule, they managed to keep their influence in Krk for several centuries. The first records of the Frankopan lineage go back to the 12th century when the island of Krk fell under the Venetian rule and Count Dujam I (Frankopan) was installed to govern it as a Venetian vassal. The Frankopan Castle on Kamplin Square has been preserved to date in an almost intact condition, and in the summertime it hosts numerous events, such as concerts and plays.

The Krk Cathedral and the Church of St Quirinus, beautiful and unique examples of Romanesque architecture, only add to the town’s distinctive urban landscape. If you follow one of its charming paved alleys, you will easily return to the main square, Vela placa, adorned by a Renaissance well.

The town of Krk also takes pride in beaches with exceptionally high swimming water quality, olive groves that have been yielding ‘the golden drops of Krk treasure’ for centuries, and an enviable culinary offer to spoil your taste buds.