Andrija Ljudevit Adamić

Who was Andrija Ljudevit Adamić?

Andrija Ljudevit Adamić was a Croatian trader from Rijeka, builder, supporter of economical and cultural development.

Adamić was born into a wealthy Jewish family of Simon Adamić, tobacco merchant and large estates owner. Adamić was the founder and owner of many factories and manufacturers, and a shipowner.

As the building chancellor of the Rijeka Gubernium in 1790, he tried to transform Rijeka into a modern city. His works on the plan of urbanism are also noted. In 1805 he financed and built a theatre with a capacity of 1,600 people, which was subsequently razed.

After the Napoleonic wars, Rijeka harbour was blocked, and the city was upon the brink of starvation when the English and French navies left. Adamić managed to revive the city's economy, and allowed it to prosper and evolve fully in the age of industrial revolution

Adamić was a visionary, and a great man in history of Rijeka. He spoke 6 languages, and had a vast influence in political and merchant circles.

The Formula One racing driver Andrea de Adamich is a distant descendent.