January the 3rd, 2026 – There’s a hidden World War Two tunnel underneath bustling Rijeka, and you can visit it for under two euros.

As Putni kofer writes, the underground world always fascinates us, there’s a hefty dose of “hidden”, the mysterious, sometimes even the terrifying. This doesn’t only occur in nature in the sense of natural caves and tunnels, but also in our busy urban centres. We’re always interested in the unknown, what’s beneath our feet, and what once happened in those dark passages.

We sometimes revitalise them and turn them into an attraction and an addition to the cities they lie beneath without ever infringing on the world above. This was exactly the case with the hidden tunnel deep underneath Rijeka. In the “city that flows”, a disused military tunnel is now a unique part of the city’s offer and a venue for interesting events. The Rijeka Tunnel, or, as it is now called TunelRI, is now another interesting location to visit on the tourist map of this northern Adriatic city.

Goran Kovacic/PIXSELL

The tunnel under Rijeka is the perfect opportunity to take a peek into something that has been out of reach of the public for a long time. It’s the first Rijeka military tunnel to be opened to tourists. The entrance to the tunnel is located next to the Cathedral of St. Vitus (Sv Vid) and stretches in the dark under the Rijeka Old Town, all the way to the courtyard of the Dolac elementary school.

The tunnel, which is about 350 metres long, was built from 1939 to 1942 when Hitler’s dark forces raged across continental Europe, encompassing Croatia in the then growing pile of Axis countries. It was built, or rather dug, by the Italian army to provide shelter from bombing. The tunnel’s military past is also evident in the form of the inscriptions within it such as the one that reads “Reserved for air defence”, the headquarters of which was at that time in the building of the aforementioned elementary school. The inscriptions are original and visible in several places.

Goran Kovacic/PIXSELL

The Rijeka Tunnel is about four metres wide, while its average height is 2.5 metres. The main tunnel tube has two branches, with one leading to the building of the former city municipality, and the other to the Cathedral of St. Vitus. The temperature in the tunnel is constant and is about 15 degrees, making it an ideal escape during the insufferable summer heat.

The tunnel was used as a shelter during attacks by Allied aircraft during 1944 and 1945, while also being used in the Homeland War. However, the role of the hidden tunnel under Rijeka today is completely different.

“The Rijeka Tunnel, located beneath the historic core of the city of Rijeka, is a fascinating tourist site that offers a unique insight into the rich history of this region. The tunnel, built during World War II as a shelter, is now open to the public and allows visitors to explore the underground corridors that stretch over 350 metres. A wander through the tunnel provides an unforgettable experience and a view of the architectural solutions from the wartime period. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of times gone by and learn more about the historical events that shaped Rijeka. The tunnel is an ideal destination for history and adventure lovers,” state the Rijeka Tourist Board.

Rijeka above ground

This summer, the entrance to the Rijeka Tunnel also got a new look – it is adorned with the mural stating “Naprvo” which was intended to highlight this quirky city’s rich cultural, historical and industrial heritage. The mural is a conceptual design by artist Doria Valković, and was selected as part of a project by the Rijeka Tourist Board and the Academy of Applied Arts. In addition to this new visual refreshment, a series of events were held in the tunnel, and it was lively even during the Advent season.

The tunnel is open from 10:00 to 20:00, and the price of a ticket for adults is a mere 1.5 euros, while children from 7 to 18 years old pay 0.50 euros. The price is the same for pensioners and students, while a family ticket costs 3.5 euros. Children under seven years old can enter for free, and all of Rijeka’s residents have free admission.


 


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