Historical background to Rovinj

     According to the archaeological data the area of Rovinj was inhibited during the prehistoric period (tribe Histri) but the first written data found in work “Cosmographia” written between the 3rd and the 5th century AD by the Anonymous from Ravine.

     The town of Rovinj, like the rest of Istria, was governed by the Roman Empire until the 5th century when the Roman Empire collapsed and the hoards of Ostrogoths, Byzantines and Huns started to invade the area of today's Croatia.

     After Byzantium (year 788), Istria fell into the hands of the Franconians and after that the Republic of Venice took control over Istria and Dalmatia.

     While under the rule of the Venetian Republic, the town of Rovinj became an important nautical, fishing and ship building centre.

     After the fall of the Venetian Republic Rovinj fell in the hands of Austria and after that even Napoleon ruled Rovinj for a short period of time.

     In 1813 Austria regained its power over Rovinj and during that period industry became very strong (cement kiln, tobacco factory, wax factory, sardine factory and glass factory); hospital, as well as the marine biology institute were also built during the reign of Austria.

     In 1918 Rovinj fell in the hands of the fascist Italy and by the end of the 2nd World War Rovinj was under German occupation.

     During the second half of the 20th century Rovinj became the part of the Socialist-Federate Republic of Yugoslavia and in the beginning of 1990es Rovinj finally became the part of the Republic of Croatia.