RAB OLD TOWN
Rab old town is a subject of many written and told accounts, mainly focusing on it’s most recent history. Island Rab indeed has intriguing legends and mythology behind itself, first time being mentioned and mapped by the Greek seafarers and geographers all the way back in 4th century before Christ. Greek seafarer Skilaks mentions islands Rab and Pag in a single name as “Mentorides” in his written account “Periplus” (literally meaning sailing around). Some artefacts, like an ancient fishing hook, stone axes and knives found on Rab island, suggest a much longer history. Such artefacts are kept in the Archaeological Museum of Zadar among other found in North Dalmatia.
But let’s start with what you might find interesting in the heart of the island at present time as a tourist. Rab old town in Croatia has a central position on the island and you will find there most activity, biggest concentration of restaurants, shopping locations and events. During the day, it is a Mediterranean cobweb of activity and touristic places, but not yet so crowded like say, Dubrovnik or Venice. The shaded spots along the port and the promenade is where you may enjoy a great time while having a coffee or ice cream.
PORT OF RAB
Places along the port of Rab Croatia, like the jazz club “Moderato” or “Old town Bar” with their terraces are very tastefully designed and positioned against the piers, so you may observe passing boats and yachts. Along the waterfront is also where the other bars and clubs are, and the interplay of the sound of the waves, yachts docked and the life of the town creates a great atmosphere. A large square called “Municipium Arba” is the centre of town and island authorities. At this square you may also enjoy the evenings sitting on the terraces of clubs like “San Antonio” or more romantic one, “Conte Nero”.
You will find along the waterfront some of the most prominent boat tour operators, and may schedule a daily boat tour to neighbouring islands Pag or Losinj, or around Rab itself. As you continue to the end of the waterfront you’ll find a luxury hotel “Arbiana” and beside it an entrance through a stone arch to a green park “Kaldanac” that offers a nice shade to a hot day.
“SREDNJA ULICA” STREET
As you go back toward the town from the park, you’ll come directly to “Srednja ulica” (Middle street). Here you have the widest stone covered street of the old town and most visited, with many shops, boutiques, gelaterias. As you continue to the end of “Srednja ulica”, you arrive to another square, called “Varos”. Here you may find a line of open air shops and stands, painters on the open and large stairs ascending up to the Fort and the Church of St. Christopher. Going all the way to the top of the fort gives you a great view of the town from the North side. This is however, still not the best view you’ll find to overlook the town. The large stairs are still not the only way to ascend to the Fort and the “Gornja ulica” (Upper Street).
RAB OLD TOWN’S FOUR TOWERS
Once you have ascended the Upper Street, you may continue along the street to visit the four towers, or bell towers, as they are lined up, with their respective churches. The first tower as you pass the Fort is the Tower and the remains of the church of St. John the Evangelist (Crkva Sv. Ivana Evanđelista). It has been built in Pre-Christian period and renovated but later in 19th century turned to ruins. At the place of the old church you will also find large stone plates with Roman inscriptions beside the original church columns. Second tower as you walk along the street is one by the Church of St. Justina. This church has been closed in 1808 but has very recently been renovated and now has a museum that exhibits sacral art. Ornaments such as the skull of St. Christopher (or rather Christ-bearer) – protector Saint of island Rab. You may also hear music as you pass by the church. Don’t worry, it’s not the medieval ghosts, it’s the music school right there next to the church premises (or I like to think so).
As you walk on, you’ll pass over the “Liberty Square”, displaying a beautiful view of the sea below city walls and some Venetian style buildings around. With such balconies and the view, you may feel as if being in Venice for a moment. Next is the tower by the Monastery of St. Andreas (Samostan Sv. Andrije). It is the oldest of the four bell towers, being built back in the early 11th century. And shortly after that we arrive to the tower by the bell tower of St. Mary, close to the church of St. Mary’s ascension. It is the largest of the four towers, and open to the public but not at all times. It is possible to get by stairs and levels to the very top, and even above the tower bells.
You may check at the entrance the working hours. From here, the view of the town is truly impressive, with 360 degree view of the town on one side, and neighbouring island Pag, and open seas on the other side. The port with yachts stacked along the docks, and the web of light from the Mediterranean streets below on a summer evening. This bell tower alone also has a story, and the first time it was mentioned was back in year 1212. Tower had it’s top changed due to being struck by lightning and destroyed in 15th century. The new top has eight sides instead of four, and many inscriptions with the names of saints, like St. Barbara, protector from storms. Close to the tower is the Romanesque church of St. Mary’s, the most elaborate and beautiful of the churches on Rab, having a status of cathedral until 1828. hurch was canonised in 1175 by pope Alexander III, while on his path from Zadar to Venice. Croatian typical elements like braiding are found on the church as well.
RAB OLD TOWN PHOTOS:
