SYMBOL OF OPATIJA – THE ICONIC MAIDEN WITH THE SEAGULL

No visit to Opatija is complete without seeing one of its most beloved landmarks: the Maiden with the Seagull. Created in 1956 by sculptor Zvonko Car, this elegant statue gazes gracefully over Kvarner Bay from the Lungomare promenade. Over the decades, she has become the unmistakable symbol of Opatija, a figure that captures the town’s charm and seaside allure. On a clear day, you can even spot her from the terrace of Hotel Milenij, one of the most popular viewpoints in the city.

The Maiden replaced the earlier Madonna del Mare by Johann Rathausky, a memorial honoring Count Arthur Kesselstadt, who tragically perished in the 1891 storm near the same location. Today, the restored Madonna resides in Villa Angiolina, part of the Croatian Museum of Tourism, while a gilded copy stands proudly in front of St. James Church, preserving the memory of this poignant local story.

Zvonko Car’s artistic touch extends beyond the Maiden. Visitors to Opatija can also admire his Helios & Selene fountain in St. James Park, another testament to his creativity and lasting influence on the city’s cultural landscape.

Whether you’re strolling along the Lungomare, admiring the statue from a distance, or discovering the stories behind Opatija’s landmarks, the Maiden with the Seagull offers a glimpse into the town’s history, beauty, and enduring connection to the Adriatic.