Astronomical Center Rijeka

The Astronomical Center Rijeka is the only facility in Croatia to combine a working observatory with a digital planetarium, set inside a former Second World War fortress on Sveti Križ hill above the city.

About Astronomical Center Rijeka

The centre occupies one of four towers of the old hilltop fortress, where a telescope was installed inside a mobile dome in 2001. Since opening in 2009, it has grown to include a spherical planetarium dome seating 52 visitors - unique in Croatia and the wider region - alongside lecture halls, workshop spaces, a bar, and a terrace overlooking the Kvarner Bay.

History

The site's astronomical use began with the 2001 telescope installation in the fortress tower, and the centre in its current combined form, with the digital planetarium, opened in 2009.

Location & getting there

Perched on Sveti Križ hill roughly 3 km from the centre of Rijeka, Croatia, the centre is reachable by city bus, making it an easy add-on to a visit to the city rather than a remote expedition.

Visiting Astronomical Center Rijeka

The centre is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities and combines planetarium shows with telescope viewing and a terrace looking out over the bay. As with any attraction, check current opening hours and show times on the official website before visiting.

See your named star from here

With a working telescope inside its fortress dome, Astronomical Center Rijeka is a real option for pointing at the coordinates of a star named through Star Register. Look up your certificate details and browse the star catalogue to plan a visit.