Crikvenica - Stjepan Radic Square

Crikvenica’s main public space lies beside the harbour, where town life meets the waterfront promenade.

Stjepan Radic Square is the principal open space of Crikvenica and the link between its streets and waterfront. On the seaward side it meets the town harbour and the Great Pier; inland it continues into Preradoviceva Street, the Park of the Fallen and the commercial centre. Its level position makes it a natural meeting place and a starting point for walks towards either end of the riviera.

The square gained its present generous form in a major reconstruction completed in 2013. The project followed the winning architectural competition scheme and also included part of Ivan Skomerza Street and the area beside the Great Pier. Approximately 9,000 square metres were paved with stone selected for demanding seaside conditions. The result is a coherent open surface that still maintains routes to cafés, trees and the water’s edge.

Several layers of town history frame the square. They include Hotel International from the 1960s and the older clock-tower building of the First Croatian Savings Bank, now used by FINA.

Two very different landmarks stand in the open space. The old Murvica tree associated with Malik is a living landmark, while the red In Love in Crikvenica heart provides a contemporary photographic frame for the town.

Throughout the year the square changes from an everyday thoroughfare into an urban stage. It hosts concerts, holiday programmes, fairs and Town Day events; in summer, café terraces and evening walkers animate its edges. When no event is taking place, the breadth of the paved space gives clear views of the façades and shows how directly central Crikvenica opens towards the sea.