Governors Door and the Louisiana Road: A Historical Gem of Croatia
The Louisiana Road (Via Ludovicea) is one of the most important roads in Croatian history, connecting Rijeka and Karlovac, and also one of the most significant routes in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Filip Vukasović was responsible for the design and construction of the road, which was built between 1803 and 1811. The road was named after Marie Louise, daughter of Austrian Emperor Francis II and the second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The most challenging construction feat was passing through the steep Rječina canyon, where few residents of Rijeka believed it would be possible to build a road. For this reason, Filip Vukasović had the inscription “Per gli increduli” (to those who do not believe) carved into a recess in front of Rijeka at the Governors Door.
After Ban Jelačić’s victory over the Hungarians in 1848, the door was renamed the Governors Door, and the old inscription was replaced with one dedicated to Ban Jelačić.
With the construction of the Rijeka-Zagreb highway, Louisiana lost its traffic significance, but it is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Gorski Kotar and the Rijeka hinterland.
The Governors Door is one of our tour destinations because it offers a perfect view of the canyon, the former Italian-Yugoslav border, Katarina Hill, and the impregnable WWII fortress, Katarina B.
It is also the starting point for the only mountaineering route in the center of Rijeka.
Opposite Katarina is Trsat Hill, which rises 138 meters above sea level and is home to Trsat Castle, a Liburnian observation post from prehistoric times that controlled the route from the interior to the sea. This location was also vital to the Romans during the strengthening of the defense system—the Liburnian limes, with Tarsatica, a city-fort, as the transit point, located on the site of today’s Old Town.
Ready to experience history firsthand? Join us on our tours and discover the charm of the Governors Door and the Louisiana Road! Book your spot today and embark on a journey through time.