In the heart of Rijeka, within the unique ambiance of the Rijeka Tunnel, an exhibition of underwater photographs under the intriguing title "From the Adriatic Seabed" was ceremoniously inaugurated. This cultural event, which attracted numerous lovers of art and the sea, was opened by the Mayor of Rijeka Marko Filipović, Petar Škarpa, director of the Rijeka Tourist Board, and one of the most prominent Croatian underwater photographers and co-author of the exhibition, Danijel Frka. The opening ceremony marked the beginning of the summer cultural season in the city, offering visitors an unusual insight into the hidden beauties of the Adriatic.

The exhibition setup consists of an impressive series of photographs documenting the magical world of the Adriatic depths, captured by the lenses of passionate divers and photographers over the past two decades. The authors of the exhibited works, both domestic and international artists, have been multiply awarded at prestigious world underwater photography competitions, and their works have been published by renowned magazines around the world. Each photograph tells its own story, revealing the richness of life, mysterious shipwrecks, and surreal landscapes hidden beneath the sea surface.

The Rijeka Tunnel: From a wartime shelter to an urban gallery

During the opening, Mayor Marko Filipović recalled the transformation of the Rijeka Tunnel. Built between 1939 and 1942, primarily as an air-raid shelter during World War II, this underground passage over 350 meters long stretches beneath the historic city center, connecting the area near St. Vitus Cathedral with the courtyard of Dolac Elementary School. It was opened to the public as a pedestrian passage and gallery space in 2017, and since 2024, its management has been taken over by the Rijeka Tourist Board. Filipović emphasized that the tunnel, with its unique atmosphere and historical significance, is increasingly profiling itself as an attractive and unusual exhibition space, enriching the cultural offer of the city that flows. He expressed deep gratitude to the authors of the photographs, emphasizing their dedication and effort, picturesquely noting that "some of them surely spent more time under the sea than on land." He invited all citizens and the ever-increasing number of visitors to Rijeka to explore this fascinating exhibition and dive into the beauties of the Croatian seabed through it.

The Rijeka Tunnel, about four meters wide and on average two and a half meters high, reaches a depth of up to ten meters in some places. In addition to the main tube, it also has two blind branches, whose history further intrigues visitors. The original inscriptions "Riservato all U.N.P.A." (Reserved for anti-aircraft defense) visible in several places along the tunnel, testify to its original purpose. After being closed for decades, its revitalization breathed new life into it, transforming it into a vibrant point on the city's cultural map, a meeting place of history and contemporary art.

Continuation of success stories and promotion of the seabed

Petar Škarpa, director of the Rijeka Tourist Board, expressed his satisfaction that the exhibition "From the Adriatic Seabed" builds upon a series of successful thematic installations in the tunnel, such as the popular Advent Programs and exhibitions dedicated to the Rijeka Carnival. He emphasized that the time has come for Rijeka's underground space to host a story about the richness and fragility of the Adriatic ecosystem. The goal, as he said, is to bring closer to domestic and foreign visitors, whose numbers are continuously growing, not only the aesthetic value of the seabed but also the importance of its preservation. The Tourist Board is actively working on promoting Rijeka as a destination rich in culture and natural beauty, and this exhibition fits perfectly into that vision.

Art in the service of protecting the Adriatic

Besides its unquestionable artistic value, the exhibition also carries a strong ecological message. Through visually powerful scenes, it aims to draw visitors' attention to the importance of protecting the marine ecosystem. The Adriatic Sea, although still considered a relatively preserved part of the Mediterranean, is increasingly feeling the consequences of human activity – from pollution by various types of waste, including plastic, to overfishing and the impact of climate change, which manifests itself in rising sea temperatures and the appearance of invasive species. The exhibition therefore aims to encourage deeper reflection on the vulnerability of this precious natural resource and individual responsibility in its preservation. The depicted scenes of flora and fauna, some of which species like the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis) or the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) are endangered, serve as a reminder of the urgency of action.

Challenges and beauties of underwater photography

Danijel Frka, one of the authors and initiators of this project, a passionate diver, researcher of maritime and aviation history, and a multi-award-winning underwater photographer, shared his experiences and passion for the world beneath the surface. Born in Rijeka, Frka has been involved in autonomous diving since 1975, and underwater photography since 1978. His career has been marked by numerous national championships and international recognitions, including a bronze medal at the World Championship in underwater photography. He is also the author of several books and television series about shipwrecks and aircraft.

Frka emphasized the specific challenges faced by underwater photographers. "Underwater photography is technically extremely demanding," he explained. "It requires not only top-notch equipment, such as waterproof housings for cameras and special lighting, but also exceptional patience, skill, and a deep understanding of marine conditions. We face limited visibility, strong sea currents that can make positioning difficult, and the constant challenge of working in low-light conditions, where colors are lost with depth. Red color, for example, disappears at a depth of only a few meters, so artificial lighting is key to displaying the true colors of the underwater world."

Despite these obstacles, Frka highlights the immense beauty and richness of the Adriatic. "Our seabed is one of the most beautiful in the world. Compared to other Mediterranean countries, we can boast a relatively well-preserved marine environment, although pressures are increasing," he said. He added that underwater photography has undergone significant technological advancement in recent years, becoming more accessible to a wider range of divers who want to capture and share the wonders hidden in the depths. Digital technology has made it easier to experiment and achieve top results, which has contributed to the popularization of this discipline.

Variety of motifs and summer exhibition

The exhibition "From the Adriatic Seabed" will be available to the public throughout the summer, providing an opportunity for numerous domestic and foreign guests to dive into this wonderful world. The photographs depict a wide range of motifs from various locations along the Adriatic. Visitors can see dramatic scenes of sunken ships and aircraft that have become artificial reefs and homes to numerous marine species, vibrant coral colonies, schools of fish of the most diverse shapes and colors, fascinating mollusks, and mysterious sea caves and cliffs that take your breath away. Each frame testifies to the incredible biodiversity of the Adriatic Sea and the artistic skill of the photographers in capturing moments of pure beauty.

This installation is not only an artistic event but also an important cultural and ecological contribution to the community. Through the power of visual art, the exhibition actively promotes Rijeka as a city that values and cares for its natural environment, and encourages public awareness of the necessity of its preservation for future generations. At the same time, such events further affirm the Rijeka Tunnel, which, although not originally designed as a gallery space, with its unique architecture and history, is increasingly successfully taking on the role not only of an original exhibition space but also of an attractive place for organizing various cultural and social events, making it an unmissable point on the tourist and cultural map of Rijeka, where comfortable accommodation also awaits you.