MERIAN, MATTHÄUS: VIEW OF RIJEKA

This Merian’s view of the town of Rijeka was published in his work “Theatri Europei Oder Historische Beschreibung aller Vornemdsten und denckwürdigsten Geschichten, so sich hin weider in Europa sonderlich im Reich Teucher Nation von Anno 1642 bis Anno 1647. “. Merian’s view was based on a very similar earlier view of this town made by Coronelli. The view is focused on the fortification system of the town of Rijeka. The plan of the town had the shape of an irregular quadrangle. The town’s castle is much larger than it actually was and spatial distribution of single palaces is not accurate. Also, the ditches filled with water surrounding the town never really existed. To the left of the fortified town flows the river Rječina and in the background stands Trsat towered by its fortress. To the left of the town’s gardens are shown. The topography is drawn schematically as shaded molehills. Very little from the old town walls of Rijeka still stands today. In any case the most known testimony of that times are the Sea gates topped by the clock tower, today’s one of the most noted symbols of Rijeka.