I learned from my landlord that there is a lovely and large park fairly close to my residence. In fact, it is a hill on a peninsula and almost the entire area is a public park. This morning for my long walk, under a cloudy sky, I went hiking in beautiful Marjan Park.
Getting There
I started walking in the direction of the park and went up the first trail I found. There are three main entrance points, one of which is the Marjan stairs. Depending on the direction you are coming from, your entry point may differ.
But don’t worry, there is a trail that forms a loop around the park which takes about 2 hours to walk and is 5 kilometres long. No matter where you enter the park, you will be able to loop back around to your starting point.
Vegetation
The park is forested and absolutely beautiful this time of year. Many different types of large old pines are providing shade and there is a heavy presence of agave (Salmiana Cactus) and flat leaved cacti.
The ground today was carpeted with gorgeous wild flowers that I couldn’t help but take so many pictures of.
Trails
Every path I walked on today was immaculate. From the crushed white stone to the concrete and paved, all trails were easy to walk with no tripping hazards. Signs ask visitors to stay on the paths, thus preserving the gorgeous native plants that are growing in and around the rocky ground.
View Points
I found two main view points. The first is called Vidilica and provides stunning views of old town, the shoreline and the marina. There is a restaurant here as well, which I will visit on a sunny day and enjoy my surroundings more fully.
The second view point is Telegrin, right at the very top. A large cross and flagpole are here as well as terrific views out into the Adriatic Sea.
The Churches
There are several small churches in Marjan Park. I encountered only one on today’s exploration and it was really charming. Called the Church of St. Nicholas, it is the oldest church here and was commissioned in 1219. Made of stone and oh so tiny, it is beautiful.
The other ancient stone churches I will endeavour to find another day.
Other Attractions
About half way up the hillside is a plateau with several functions. An open air gym, playground, small amphitheatre, and picnic area are the main contenders.
Also located around this area is a zoo and weather station. The weather station was built in 1924 and is still actively used today.
The zoo was opened in 1926 and is also still open. Since 2014, it houses only local domestic animals, such as donkeys and sheep and would be a lovely place to bring young children. The cost for one adult was 3 Euro.
I will definitely be returning to Marjan Hill for further exploration. There is so much to do and see on this gorgeous hillside. Including three beaches to find!
