Historical background to Brijuni
The Brioni Islands had some Ancient Roman settlements, but up to the late 19th century the islands were mainly used for their quarries. The islands belonged to Venice from the Middle Ages. The stone from the islands was used to build the palaces and bridges of the city. After Napoleon's brief annexation the islands were part of Napoleon's Illyrian Provinces.
In 1815 the islands became part of the Austrian Empire. During this period of the Austria- Hungary islands' quarries first supplied stone to Vienna and Berlin. With the erection of a naval base in the harbour of Pula, together with minor fortifications on some of the others, the Austrians erected a strong fortress on Brioni Island.
In 1893, when the Austro- Hungarian Navy abandoned the fortress, the Viennese business magnate Paul Kupelwieser bought the whole archipelago and created an exclusive beach resort. The estate was supplemented with first class hotels, restaurants, beach resorts, a casino and a yacht harbor. Kupelwieser also established a sailing regatta and a golf course. and due to the flourish of Austrian Culture various music concert and literature events. The islands became popular as a vacation and were visited by members of the Imerial family and wealthy European elites and aristocrats.
In 1918 after World War I Brioni got separated from its Austrian hinterland and became part of Italy. By 1930 the islands were acquired by the Italian state.
In 1945 after World War II Brijuni became part of Yugoslavia and state leader Josip Broz Tito made Brijuni Islands his personal State Summer Residence. Jože Plečnik, architect from Slovenia designed a pavillion for Tito. Almost 100 foreign heads of state visited Tito on his islands, along with film stars. In 1983 the islands were declared a National Park of Yugoslavia, 3 years after Tito*s death.
In 1991 Croatia gained independence and made Brijuni Islands an International Conference Center. Four hotels on Veli Brijun were re-opened. The Safari Park holds animals given to Tito. The International Polo Tournament, dating back in 1924, has been re-continued since 2004.