The Square of St. Christopher - Varoš

THE LARGEST SQUARE IN RAB SITUATED NEXT TO THE TOWN CENTRE

The Square of St. Christopher (sv. Kristofor), known as Varoš is the central and the largest square in Rab. It was named after St. Christopher (Sv. Kristofor) the martyr, saint and patron saint of Rab. It is located at the very entrance to the town centre. At the square, there is a fountain with the image of Draga, a shepherdess from Rab, with the statue of Kalifront below. They both represent the tragic love legends written by the poet Juraj Baraković.

DURING THE KNIGHT TOURNAMENTS IN RAB, THE SQUARE IS CROWDED WITH CURIOUS VISITORS

Today, a number of cultural, social and sacral events take place on the square, including numerous shows, carnivals, knight games, religious events and fishermen's nights. In the summer, the square comes to life owing to numerous visitors.

VAROŠ HISTORY IN A NUTSHELL

Varoš is a suburban area typical of all the Mediterranean medieval towns. At this site, in the proximity of the town walls, the vital facilities were positioned next to the main entrance to the town, just like the ones in Rab. On the western side of the town the walls and fortresses were the strongest, so the main entrance was protected with two square towers, while the upper gate is located in between the Galgliarda and the St. Christopher towers on top. The gate has been preserved, both the internal one belonging to period of the Middle Ages and the external one from the 15th c., as the bastions were reconstructed, upgraded and reinforced.

THERE WAS AN ARSENAL, WATER TANKS, A SLAUGHTERHOUSE AND THE MUNICIPAL CEMETERY HERE IN THE PAST

In the southern part of Varoš, at the foot of the city walls, there were three water tanks with well covers dating back to the 15th century. By the sea and the slipway there was a shipyard complex with the arsenal. There must have been a slaughterhouse there, as well, as it was quite common in costal towns and according to the image dating back to the 17th c., there was also a town cemetery. In the wider area of Varoš, there was the seat of a religious community that cared for the infirm and the sick.

WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO THE FORMER FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS WERE REMOVED

With the appearance of tourism, all the said buildings are removed, and hotels are built, as well as the accompanying tourist facilities. At that time, owing to the head forester Pravdoje Belija, vegetation was planted from here to the present cemetery, resulting in the magnificent municipal park of Komrčar.

Until recently, the real local market and fishmonger's were here that were relocated to the so-called Mali Palit (Šarengrad) commercial centre for no good reason.