Ljetna Pozornica

Ljetna Pozornica (the Open Air Theatre) in Opatija is one of the largest outdoor stages on Croatia's Adriatic coast. It sits on a peninsula in Angiolina Park, right by the sea, at roughly 45.335° N, 14.310° E. In summer it hosts concerts, festivals and stage productions, and the setting itself, with the park's greenery and views over the Kvarner Bay, is part of the appeal.

What is Ljetna Pozornica?

It is a theatre under the open sky. The main auditorium seats about 2,500 people, and for standing concerts the crowd can reach 5,000. The stage measures around 21 by 12 metres. A smaller stage next to it holds about 600 spectators and is used for more intimate events.

How did the theatre come about?

The story is tied to Opatija's history as a health resort. In the early 20th century a spa palace was planned for this spot, and an architectural tender was held in 1911. After the First World War, under the 1920 Treaty of Rapallo, Istria, Opatija included, came under Italian rule. Instead of the palace, an open-air stage was built.

Build dates are given differently. Some accounts say the theatre was built in 1954 as one of few such stages in the Mediterranean. Others credit its present form to a 1957 design by architect Neven Šegvić. It is safest to say the place has a long tradition and that its current shape dates from the mid-20th century.

What has happened on the stage?

The venue has a rich concert history. In 1934 Beniamino Gigli, one of the most celebrated tenors of his time, gave a concert here. A year later, in 1935, the first international operetta festival, devoted to the works of Franz Lehár, took place on the same stage.

Today the stage is a key part of Opatija's summer festival programme. Check the schedule before you go, because dates and tickets depend on each event's organiser.

What to know before visiting

• Location: Angiolina Park, in the heart of the resort, reachable on foot from the seafront promenade and most hotels in town.
• Weather: the stage is uncovered, so performances depend on the weather. The city has considered a movable roof covering about 3,300 m² of the 7,200 m² total area. For now it is a proposal, not a finished change.
• Capacity: for big concerts, arrive early, especially when tickets do not carry assigned seats.

Frequently asked questions

How many people does Ljetna Pozornica hold? The main auditorium has around 2,500 seats, or up to 5,000 standing places. The smaller stage takes about 600.

Where is the theatre? In Angiolina Park in Opatija, on a small peninsula above the Adriatic.

Is the theatre roofed? No, it is an open-air stage. A roof is a city project, but there is no certainty it will be built.

When is the best time to visit? In summer, during festivals and concerts. Outside the season you can still see the venue on a stroll through Angiolina Park.

How old is the venue? Sources differ on the exact date. The 1950s is usually cited, while concerts were already held here in the 1930s.