TunelRi is a short, catchy name for the underground tunnel located below the city centre. The 330-metre long structure was built by the Italian army between 1939 and 1942, providing refuge from aerial bombings to citizens of Rijeka during the dark times of World War II.

The entrances had been sealed for decades, until 2017 when the tunnel was restored and ceremoniously reopened. The city gained a new tourist attraction, the locals gained a new convenient shortcut from one side of the centre to the other. It especially comes in handy during the summer months – what better way to hide from the scorching sun than to literally go underground?

It’s a great way to cool down for a moment and escape the roaming crowds, and as far as tunnels go, this one is pretty inviting. It’s well lit, spacious enough not to make you claustrophobic, and short enough to only take a couple of minutes of your time. You’ll find the entrance to the left of the Cathedral of St. Vitus – go explore!