Rijeka Astronomical Centre, located on the Sveti Križ hill, has once again found itself in the spotlight thanks to the latest recognition it has won. It received an award in the "Culture and Education – Visitor Centres" category at this year's Simply the Best event, organized by the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies and the PUT Tourist Exchange. This once again confirms that the Centre not only enriches the local cultural and educational scene but also significantly contributes to the attractiveness of the city of Rijeka on Croatia's tourist map.

Synergy of Science and Tourism

What makes the Rijeka Astronomical Centre unique is not just its technological equipment, but also its well-thought-out programs that are continuously developed to meet the needs of different visitor profiles. The Centre is known for its digital planetarium and observatory, a unique combination in Croatia, where scientific content is brought closer to the general public in an interesting, interactive, and educational way. Each planetarium show is designed to bring the visitor closer to the secrets of the universe, stars, and planets through a high-quality audiovisual presentation.

Education Accessible to Everyone

One of the key goals of the Centre is to bring astronomy closer to young people. Thus, children's workshops, school visits, and special programs designed for preschool and elementary school populations are regularly organized. In addition, adults can participate in evening sky observations with telescopes, as well as in expert lectures by domestic and international scientists. It is precisely this combination of science popularization and accessibility that makes the Centre a desirable destination for the whole family.

Multimedia Content as a Tourist Asset

The creativity and innovation of the Centre's staff are recognized as the foundation of this institution's success. Thanks to continuous investment in technology and content, the Centre also offers various film screenings with astronomical themes, shown in high resolution with superb surround sound. The multimedia approach allows viewers to fully immerse themselves in the vastness of space, creating the feeling of traveling through galaxies.

Architecture with a View of Infinity

Situated in an exceptionally attractive location, the Rijeka Astronomical Centre offers a view that stretches across the entire Kvarner Bay. The building itself is carefully integrated into the environment, and the interior exudes modernity and functionality. Visitors can enjoy a café with a spacious terrace, ideal for relaxing after participating in educational activities. It is this combination of the natural environment and futuristic content that makes this Centre extremely photogenic and attractive to visitors from all parts of Croatia, as well as from abroad.

Recognition That Carries Additional Responsibility

At the ceremony held on April 10, 2025, the award was accepted on behalf of the Rijeka Tourist Board by Jelena Grubelić Kušeta, Head of Business Support. On that occasion, she emphasized that the Centre constantly improves its offer, introducing new content that combines scientific excellence with tourist attractiveness. The Simply the Best award, as she stressed, is confirmation that Rijeka is heading in the right direction by developing cultural and educational tourism.

Events That Bring the Community Together

The Astronomical Centre is not an isolated institution but an active participant in the community. Over the years, the Centre has hosted numerous science fairs, events for World Space Week, and special evenings for observing eclipses and meteor showers. On these occasions, not only astronomy enthusiasts gather, but also citizens of all generations, making the Centre a place for meeting, exchanging knowledge, and inspiration.

Tourism That Transcends Seasonality

One of the greatest advantages of the Centre is its year-round availability. Unlike many tourist attractions that peak in visitation exclusively during the summer, the Rijeka Astronomical Centre is visited by guests throughout all seasons. With programs that are regularly updated, the Centre manages to maintain the interest of regular visitors, while tourists increasingly decide to include it in their itinerary for visiting Rijeka. Accommodation in Rijeka, offering various options – from hotels and hostels to apartments near the center – further facilitates access to this destination and makes it even more attractive for a multi-day stay.

Inspiration for Similar Projects

The success of the Rijeka Astronomical Centre has already spurred similar initiatives in other Croatian cities. Through the exchange of experiences and participation in national projects for the popularization of science, the Rijeka Centre is becoming a model on which new educational projects in the region are based. The Simply the Best award is thus not only a recognition for the Centre but also an incentive for other cities to invest in content that enriches the community and raises the level of the tourist offer.