Even though I am spending my summers on island Krk where my family heritage is, I like to explore other Croatian islands too. Island Rab is near Krk, and its capital town also called Rab is beautiful neat place – the real Romanesque-Renaissance gem, with many palaces, churches and bell towers. Its three Romanesque bell towers built so near one another in such small space, give exceptional character to Rab. The oldest bell tower St Anton dates from XII century.
The remains of a turbulent past are embedded in the fabric of the city, and hence unusual architectural decorations of different styles can be found on a same building. Often the coats of arms of patrician families are noticeable on the facades of houses they owned. These houses are still living houses or sometimes even small hotels.
Island Rab is the birthplace of St Marin who was the founder of the world’s oldest Republic of San Marino in Italy.
The city has several major events - the Rab art events, Musical evenings and numerous folk festivals.
The patron of the island is St Kristofor, at whose arbitration according to legend, Rab was liberated from Italo Norman siege in 1075. In honor of this patron Medieval Summer Festival is held yearly from 25-27 July. This festival is well known by its crossbow competition and mass-attended event Days of the Middle Ages.
Daina Glavocic
Secretary
