The original core is a settlement of a rural traditional type (Bačići). It was founded near the way where wood and coal were driven for export as well as sheep were taken on hibernal pasture lands, from Poljane and Veprinac to Veli mul (today «Ribarski put» Fishermen`s way). At that period of time an olive mill «toš» existed in Ičići, which was demolished by the beginning of the 20th c., and it was situated between villas Vlašić and Münz. Then maritime affairs developed in this area, which made it possible for the development of a civic class and civic architecture, which still held some of the traditional features. Its just with the beginning of the pre-touristic epoch that Ičići orient towards the sea and fishing industry, so that urbanism begins to follow communications parallel to the sea.

From the second half of the 19th c. health tourism of Opatija`s riviera changes drastically the complete character of Ičići. The building of larger objects surrounded with greenery falls upon the rural base. The main axis of today`s settlement is the road by the coastline. «Poljanska» road is constructed in the southern part of the settlement. Recently there have been built houses and summer houses.The houses are also built along old roads leading to the hinterland.

Villa Münz (1907) is situated at the northern edge of the settlement, on an extended part between the road and the sea. This area is widened with arcades above the coastal way «lungomare». The complexitiy of the ground plan, the use of various precious materials, wall paintings of the interior, as well as art nouveau details all give an exceptional character to this structure.

The Town Of Opatija Cultural-Historical Heritage Veprinac Opatija Volosko Mala Učka

© Ineco, 1995./2005.