LOVRAN - CITY OF LAUREL

Lovran the city's long and rich history, with a long tradition in tourism. It was named after the laurel (Laurus nobilis), which grows in the evergreen groves in the village and surrounding area.

Lovran is the oldest coastal settlement of southeastern part of Istria. Up to now in the field Lovrana not disclosed any material evidence that would indicate the prehistoric or ancient past of this village. During the conflict with the Romans and pirates Liburnian Lovran area became part of the Roman Empire, where it remained until the fall of the Empire in the 5th century. Name Lovrana, called Lauriana, for the first time mentioned in part Anonima from Ravenna, cosmography, resulting in the 7th century.

Of all the places that have developed on the eastern slopes of Učka, Opatija's oldest settlement that grew close to the shore Liburnia. Lovran preserved its historic core of the medieval city plan. The old city was surrounded by defensive walls and bastions on the foundations and walls of the houses have been built. The courtyards of the Old Town are the charm of Mediterranean cityscapes. Behind the stone portals are visible facades of neighboring houses, decorated steps, porches and vaults, and in the middle of the courtyard stands a stone cistern throat.

Good climate, Mediterranean vegetation and a favorable geographic position to the rapid development of tourism during the 19th in the 20th century. Lovran Since that time, together with Opatija, most importantly Riviera. Several villas built at that time one of the world's architectural heritage.