Apr 10, 2025

Portret Josipa Pičmana Rijeka

Mural to a tragic death

""Portret Josipa Pičmana" is a mural on this stairway in Rijeka dedicated to a very innovative interbellum architect who had a tragic death..."

A year ago, these stairs were just grey and sad. In May 2018, however, as part of the Rijeka local park program, during the week of Croatia Volunteer, the stairs received a permanent visitor: Josip Pičman.

Pičman was a very innovative Croatian architect who lived between two World Wars. He become very famous, even though he worked professionally for only 8 years. His projects were respectable, but most of them weren't realized. Why? Because of the social situation. Pičman was very disappointed with it.

He was the author of the first conceived conceptual plan for the construction of the National House (today's Croatian Cultural Center and Hotel Neboder) in 1934. Josip never lived to see his best work. A week before his 32nd birthday and only a day before the construction was approved, Josip threw himself through the window on 5th floor on the main street Ilica in Zagreb.

Because of his tragic death, the award-winning plan was not fully realized.

When you see the Pičman mural and glass all over those stairs, you will know what lies behind it: the tragic story of a young, modern and misunderstood architect who lived in the wrong time.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Ulica Podhumskih žrtava

free

Find your way with 75 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Rijeka guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Rijeka

Harat's Pub Rijeka

Ireland in Rijeka

"Harat's Pub Rijeka" is one of two Irish pubs in the city and one of my favorites in general. Try their marende and look out for their daily offers!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Iva

Sušić

Apr 10, 2025

Kazališni Park

City park with a theater view

"Kazališni park" is one of Rijeka's few parks. I'm very happy with it and like the flowers dedicated to music & theater, which is right across the square.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Iva

Sušić

Apr 10, 2025

Rakhia Bar

Croatian specialty

"Rakhia Bar" in Rijeka is obviously about the rakija. Here they have 84 types and you can try them all! Check out their affordable midweek student parties.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Iva

Sušić

Apr 10, 2025

King's Caffe Pub

Play chess and drink beer

"King's Caffe Pub" in Rijeka is a very comfy pub with a chess board and night lamp at every table. It makes me feel like I'm in my own living room...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Iva

Sušić

Apr 10, 2025

Grad Bar and Bistro

Eat, drink & mingle

"Grad Bar and Bistro" in Rijeka is a sleek, classy space for a g&t, a cheese plate or, my favorite, their heavenly desserts & the best ice cream in town!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Nikolina

Demark

Apr 10, 2025

The Beertija

Cold beer and good music

"The Beertija" is a lively, relaxed and informal mix of a bar and pub in Trsat in Rijeka. They currently have over 250 beers on their list!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Nikolina

Demark

Apr 10, 2025

Kvarnerić

Cool local student coffee place

I lov always-busy caffe Bar "Kvarnerić" in Rijeka; although it's located next to the road, it's quiet enough to read your fav book or chat w/ your friends.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Siniša

Arbanas

Apr 10, 2025

Priroda i Društvo

Healthy and taste food

"Priroda i Društvo" in Rijeka believes firmly in 'you are what you eat'. Here you will find fresh smoothies, vegetarian meals and great sugar-free sweets!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Siniša

Arbanas

Apr 10, 2025

Vidikovac

Piece of heaven

"Vidikovac" is a park in Rijeka that few locals even know exists I'm sure! It has the water reservoir, a turtle pond and cool high-rise terraces...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Iva

Sušić

Apr 10, 2025

Wellness 3 of Life

Relaxation in the centre

"Wellness Tree of Life" is an oasis of relaxation in Rijeka that is perfect for taking some time off from sightseeing or if the weather's not so good...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Iva

Sušić

Apr 10, 2025

RiHub Rijeka

Modern cultural centre

"RiHub Rijeka" is a coworking space where people can work on their projects while exchanging ideas. It's a hub for Rijeka 2020 European Capital of Culture.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Siniša

Arbanas

Apr 10, 2025

Izložba Torpedo

First in the world

"Izložba Torpedo" is an exhibition about the first torpedo in the world that was made in Rijeka 150 years ago...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Iva

Sušić

Apr 10, 2025

Heading to Rijeka?

75 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

75 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Rijeka

Get to know our other Spotters from Rijeka

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7319
Filters