Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Medieval church in Rijeka, Croatia

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a three-nave church in Rijeka with a classical facade and an adjacent bell tower. Inside, columns divide the space into sections, directing the eye toward the main altar and creating a sense of order and hierarchy within the building.

The church was first built in the early Middle Ages on the ruins of Roman baths. Master Juraj of Zadar restored the existing three-nave basilica in 1442 and raised its main nave. After the Venetian destruction of Rijeka in 1509 it was repaired, rebuilt from the foundations in 1695, and between 1716 and 1726 the Orlando family added a large sanctuary with their tomb.

Gravestones of local families and priests line the northern outer wall, telling stories of people who lived in Rijeka over centuries. Walking past them offers a sense of how this place served as a spiritual center for the community through different periods.

Visitors can view the architecture and gravestones on the outer walls up close, particularly on the northern side where memorial stones are displayed. Visiting outside service times allows you to explore the interior and exterior freely without interruption.

The bell tower is a separate structure whose base incorporates stones from Roman ruins. An inscription above the entrance arch dates it to 1377, and the belfry with Gothic openings was added during the church's late-15th-century renovation. Measurements from 1920 recorded a lean of 40 cm, earning it the nickname Kosi toranj (Leaning Tower).