Tag Archive for: Slavonia city

OSIJEK

REGION: SLAVONIA (SLAVONIJA)


How could history possibly be boring? History is stories—not a list of dates and places, but a retelling of the lives of people who walked on the same cobbled streets and admired the same buildings we see today. That couldn’t be more true than in a city like Osijek, whose stories include marauding Ottomans, the land-hungry Habsburg monarchy, and a modern war that left the scars still visible on the town’s lovely Baroque buildings.

Slavonia has been prized throughout history for its location between primary rivers, its abundant natural resources, and its fertile growing regions. As with much of Croatia, the region’s ancient history features the Illyrians and Celts. Located on the Drava River, the city of Osijek gained prominence in this region and was an important center in Roman times under the name Mursa. 

Osijek was settled by Croats in the 7th century. The city was almost completely destroyed by the Ottomans in 1526, rebuilt in their distinctive style, and occupied by them. In 1687, Osijek was the site of a standoff between the Ottomans and the Habsburg and Bavarian armies, which led to the Ottomans’ fatal defeat at the Battle of Mohacs. This opened the way for centuries of growth and development, bringing many features that are similar to other central European cities.

Trznica Osijek farmer's market
Europska avenija Secessionist architecture

So grab a good guidebook—better yet, find a local guide—and discover the stories that this walkable city is waiting to reveal. A good place to begin is Tvrđa, a Habsburg star fortification with the largest collection of Baroque buildings in Croatia. In its time it was the largest Habsburg fortress on the border with the Ottoman Empire, protecting this gateway city from reinvasion. Tvrđa is home to the wonderful Museum of Slavonia, which contains many historical artifacts. While you’re there, don’t miss Crkva svetog Mihaela (the Church of St. Michael), built on the site of the Turkish Kasim-Pasha mosque; you can find yellow paving from the Ottoman period, and the church bells are said to ring every Friday at the exact moment of liberation from the Ottomans in 1687. And be sure to indulge in Croatian coffee culture at one of Tvrđa’s many outdoor cafés.

Then take a leisurely stroll to Europska avenija (European Avenue), lined with the elegant Secession-style Austrian manors that Osijek is famous for. Find a fresh snack or fill your shopping bag at Tržnica Osijek, the lively farmer’s market that features fruits and vegetables from some of the richest agricultural areas in all of Croatia. Finally head toward the main square, Ante Starčević Square, to visit Osijek’s stunning cathedral.


Osijek is alive with history, culture, and traditional crafts.


Explore the four unique historic and cultural regions of Croatia

VINKOVCI

REGION: SLAVONIA (SLAVONIJA)


Vucedol pottery, Slavonija

Ancient cultures settled and thrived in locations with access to natural resources—particularly fresh water, necessary for every aspect of life. For thousands of years, various people groups have populated the area of Vinkovci in Slavonija. Located on a raised bank of the Bosut River, Vinkovci is safe from flooding but within proximity of the river’s benefits. The earliest known cultures settled here around 6200 BC, making this the oldest continuously inhabited area in all of Europe. They brought farming and domesticated animals, and produced pottery and other crafts. 

The oldest known Indo-European calendar was discovered here in 1978, inscribed on a ceramic pot from the Vučedol culture of 3000–2200 BC. The Vučedols, contemporaries of Troy, the Old Kingdom of Egypt, and Mesopotamia, found order in the stars, and marked the seasons with the dominant constellation of Orion. Their society was highly developed, and they have left us with fascinating artifacts from their main craft of copper smelting, as well as other materials.

Slavonia was also once part of the Roman Empire; a Roman commercial center was established here in pottery and agriculture, beginning in the 1st century AD and reaching its pinnacle in the 4th. We are reminded that two Roman emperors were born here into an Illyrian family. The first brother, Valentinian I, ruled the western half of the empire and was considered the last great Western emperor. He gave control of the eastern half to his brother, Valens, as co-emperor. Just 35 years after the dramatic story of these two brothers and their over-sized territory came the disintegration and fall of the Roman Empire.

Agatha Christie fans will recognize Vinkovci from “Murder on the Orient Express”; it was a major station on the Simplon Orient Express route between Constantinople and Paris, connecting east and west. Today, a pleasant walk through the lovely 18th-century Baroque town square barely hints at the many stories, achievements, and hardships that have left their mark here. But the craft and artistry that continue today have been practiced throughout Vinkovci’s history, and we at DOMA Trading are happy to have found extraordinary artisans who are keeping those traditions alive.

Vinkovci baroque town center, Slavonija


We feel fortunate to have found some of Vinkovci’s extraordinary artisans who continue to practice traditional crafts.


Explore the four unique historic and cultural regions of Croatia