From Giovanni Luppis to the Rock Band Whiteheads: The History of the Rijeka Torpedo and a Musical Tribute

Rijeka is a city with a rich industrial history, and one of its most famous inventions is the torpedo, a revolutionary device that transformed naval strategy and tactics.

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The idea of the torpedo originated with Giovanni Biagio Luppis, a naval officer in the Austrian Navy from Rijeka, who in the 1860s attempted to develop a spring-powered vessel that could be controlled from the shore.

Luppis approached Robert Whitehead, an English industrialist, whose expertise and experience helped turn the idea into reality. In 1866, the first autonomous torpedo, then known as Minenschiff, was introduced to the public, marking a key milestone in modern naval warfare. By 1943, Rijeka had produced more than 20,000 torpedoes, becoming a global centre for the production of this groundbreaking technology.

The Rijeka torpedo - The first in the world

Rijeka has remained a hub for torpedo development, and in 2007, thanks to the dedication of enthusiasts and experts, the City Museum of Rijeka hosted an exhibition titled “The First in the World – 150 Years of the Rijeka Torpedo.” This exhibition was a collaboration between the City Museum of Rijeka and the Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral Rijeka, with contributions from experts like Goran Pernjek, who played a key role in restoring and preserving the torpedo.

One of the most remarkable moments of the exhibition was the visit of Peter Whitehead, great-grandson of Robert Whitehead, who toured Rijeka and paid tribute to this significant history.

Whiteheads - A musical tribute to Rijeka

This history is not only tied to industry but has also inspired a musical tribute in the form of the Rijeka-based band Whiteheads. The group, founded in 2015, has released original compositions that capture the spirit of their city. In 2018, the band held a special promotional event at the City Museum of Rijeka as part of Museum Night, where visitors had the chance to experience a unique rock performance.

We invite all music and history enthusiasts not to miss this fascinating blend of past and present. Visit the exhibition, learn about the Rijeka torpedo, and enjoy the musical tribute of the Whiteheads band, with the direct support of Peter Whitehead and the indispensable organization of Away.