Petar Kružić Stairway

For those who want to see the port city of Rijeka from a bird's-eye view, this stone path will be a real discovery. The Petar Kružić Stairway is a famous votive stairway in Croatia, which for centuries has served as a link between the city center and the spiritual heart of the region — Trsat Hill.

Petar Kružić Stairway. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Consisting of 561 steps, it rises 138 meters above sea level, starting its path from the eastern bank of the Rječina River. It is not just an engineering feat, but a sacred route created for pilgrims seeking to reach the Basilica of Our Lady of Trsat and the Franciscan monastery.

The site's hallmark is the ornate Baroque triumphal arch at the base, built in the 18th century. Along the entire path, travelers are accompanied by small votive chapels built in different eras — from the 15th to the 18th century. Today, the stairway is recognized as an important cultural monument and one of the city's most popular attractions, drawing tourists with its panoramic views and rich history.

To help you plan your route through Rijeka, we have prepared information on the exact location of this historic site. We recommend saving this data to easily find the start of the pilgrimage path at the foot of the hill.

Below are the official contact details for navigation:

The main activity for visitors to Rijeka here is, of course, the climb itself. Conquering step after step, you can give yourself an excellent cardio workout in the fresh air. During breaks, be sure to look back: with every flight of stairs, the views of the Adriatic Sea and the city blocks become increasingly impressive.

Unique historic chapels are located along the route. Each was built as a special votive offering in different centuries, so architecture lovers will find it interesting to study their differences and decorative details. This is a wonderful opportunity to take atmospheric photos that combine the rugged beauty of stone with the elegance of ancient buildings.

After completing the ascent, visitors usually continue their walk in the Trsat district. Here you can explore the ancient castle, visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Trsat, or simply relax in one of the cozy cafes overlooking Kvarner Bay. For photographers, sunset is the ideal time, when the sun's rays softly illuminate the tiled roofs and the sea surface.

Finding the entrance to the legendary stairway in Rijeka is quite easy — it is located near the eastern bank of the Rječina River. A majestic Baroque arch marks the start of the climb and serves as your landmark. From the city center, you can reach this point on foot in just a few minutes, enjoying the atmosphere of the old streets.

If you prefer public transport, take a bus heading towards the Trsat district. Many tourist routes include stops nearby, from which it is easy to walk to the base. You can also always use taxi services or drive a rental car to the parking lots in the center or at the top of the hill, and then walk down the steps.

For those arriving from other regions of Croatia, it is most convenient to first reach Rijeka's main bus station. From there, you can take a local bus to the stairs or walk on foot, using the coordinates 45.3278835, 14.4490865 for precise smartphone navigation.

The history of this unique structure began in 1531. The construction was initiated by Petar Kružić — a legendary Croatian warrior and Captain of Klis. He ordered the lower part of the steps to be built as a votive path leading to the shrine — the Basilica of Our Lady of Trsat — to express his gratitude and devotion to the faith.

Originally, the stairway was shorter and had 538 steps. However, over time, as the site grew in popularity among pilgrims, it was expanded and lengthened. Today, the total number of steps has reached 561, and the structure itself lifts travelers to a height of 138 meters above sea level. Every step here is literally soaked in the history of centuries of prayers and aspirations.

The votive chapels located along the route are of particular value. They were built gradually from the 15th to the 18th century — essentially one in each century. In 1715, a famous painting was created depicting a solemn procession of clergy walking from Trsat to the city center along these very steps, confirming the important spiritual status of the site in the life of the region.

A magnificent Baroque triumphal arch was built at the foot of the stairs in the first half of the 18th century. It serves as a grand entrance to this world of pilgrimage and architectural art, serving as a reminder of Rijeka's significance as an important religious and cultural center on the Adriatic.

To leisurely climb all 561 steps and enjoy the surrounding scenery, most travelers need about 1–2 hours. This time includes the climb itself (about 30–45 minutes depending on your fitness level), small stops to rest at the ancient chapels, and, of course, photo sessions against the backdrop of the bay panorama.

If you plan to combine the walk up the stairs with a visit to Trsat Castle and the Basilica of Our Lady of Trsat, it is worth setting aside 2–3 hours for this visit. At this pace, you can explore all the important details without rushing and feel the special mystical atmosphere of this place, which is sacred to many Croats.

One of the main advantages of this attraction is its accessibility. The Petar Kružić Stairway is open to visitors 24/7 every day of the week. You can go for a walk in the early morning to catch the sunrise or make an evening ascent under the glow of the city lights.

The opening hours of the site are as follows:

• Monday: open 24 hours
• Tuesday: open 24 hours
• Wednesday: open 24 hours
• Thursday: open 24 hours
• Friday: open 24 hours
• Saturday: open 24 hours
• Sunday: open 24 hours

Exploring the surroundings of the stairway will allow you to dive deeper into the history and culture of this region. After you finish your climb or descent, be sure to check out the nearby historical locations within walking distance.

This area boasts a variety of interesting sites — from ancient Roman ruins to industrial monuments that reflect the multifaceted character of the city.