لوپار، سن مارینو

Lopar

Lopar is situated on the island of Rab, which is a part of Kvaerner archipelago. It is 110 kilometers far from administrative centre Rijeka, 190 kilometers from Zagreb and close to large European cities such as Ljubljana (230 kilometers), Vienna (550 kilometers), Munich (630 kilometers) and Milan (580 kilometers).

It takes ten minutes to get to lopar by ferry-line Jablanac - Mišnjak. You can also use ferry line Valbiska ( on the island of Kirk ) - Lopar, which has recently become more interesting to many guests because of nearness to Rijeka and its airport.
This especially attractive drive lasts approximately 50 minutes.

Coming by car from direction of Rab first thing we see is a sign which reminds us of st. Marin, stone-cutter and founder of republic of San Marino, who was born in lopar in the 4th century. In his honor, hotel settlement and motor camp bear name "San Marino".



Lopar is abundant in beautiful sandy beaches. There are 22 of them, with 3 being -nudist beaches (Ciganka, Sahara and Stolac).



The largest and the most famous is "Rijeka plaza - Paradise beach" which is 1,5 kilometers long and along which there are the most important tourist facilities.
In 2003 it was decorated with "the blue flag", international symbol of quality and preservation of environment , as well as safety of bathers.


HISTORY::
A thousand-year-old town of Rab is situated on a small peninsula. Four church-towers, strong walls, numerous churches and small streets are witnesses of its chequered past. In the summertime, the streets and squares! Are flooded with numerous tourists, souvenir merchants and old ladies with . Traditional assortment of home made products. In honor of the king ljudevit the great, who liberated Rab from venetians, and in memory of st. christophorus, on 21st of July 1364. Great council of the town of Rab established two municipal holidays : 9th May, liberation of Rab from Normans in 1075., through the intercession of st.Christophorus and 27th July-the day of martyr's death of st.Christophorus, which church celebrates as day of birth for heaven. Festivity used to last 15 days and during that period neither court nor city officials were allowed to work. Head of st.Christophorus was carried around town in a holy procession and knight-games were played. In recent times, festivities have been shortened to three days. Present-day festivity "Rab's fair" is a reminiscence of Rab from the past when it celebrated its freedom and independence/and it is, by all accounts, one of the greatest attractions of the island.

More than 17 centuries ago a boy by the name Marin was born at Lopar. He later learned the craft of stonemason and in search of a job left his home, crossed the Adriatic Sea and landed at a place near today's Rimini on the Apennine peninsula. His diligence and virtue soon earned him the sympathy of the Christian community he was living in, so eventually bishop Gaudentium made him his deacon. Persecuted because of his propagation of Christianity, Marin fled to the hardly accessible hill Titan and built a small church there. It was to become the foundation of a new city and state - San Marino - in which the remains of the saint are still kept.


WHAT TO SEE::
There are two churches in lopar. The first is parochial church of st.John the Baptist patron of lopar parish, which is situated in the very centre of the village and it's open to all its parishioners and their guests. During summer season, holy masses in foreign languages are being served. concerts of island's vocal groups ( so called "klape" ) and classical music also take place here. The other church is votive church of holy virgin Mary from 14T century of which local residents are especially proud of. Situated on the hill, in a pine wood near ferry port, it is a target of numerous tourists and pilgrims. The church celebrates its day on 18th September when believers from all over the island, accompanied by many tourists, go on a pilgrimage, celebrating birth of virgin Mary. Among people it is also known as "nativity of the virgin Mary".

On that day., residents of lopar host the biggest festivity on the island. Unavoidable guests on that jjccasion are Rab's cross-bowers. One of the most interesting island's attractions on recent history with their presence enrich various tourist fairs all around Europe, thus casting the most beautiful light on that part of their island's tradition.
For all the guests of lopar, on the occasion of nativity of the virgin Mary, traditional tournament in crossbow shooting is being organized. That is when brave knights show off their skills, good eye and safe hand. For the most skilled there will be prizes of "the court of honour", but the biggest actual prize is the honour and pride of the winner. On that same day, traditional mini-football tournament, which is considered to be one of the strongest in Croatia, as well as bowling tournament and tug of war - also take place lamb and ox meat barbecue/is traditionally part of festivity, as well as rich assortment of fish and meat specialties. In the evening, festivity moves to a giant tent with live music and rich programme, accompanied by excellent mood of all participants who celebrate until the early morning hours.