Osijek Travel Guide, Croatia

Osijek Travel-guide- Realm of legend

Proofs of Osijek as a settlement were found since Neolithic times. In 131, Emperor Hadrian gave the colony named Mursa special privileges. It also had a blooming life during the Middle Ages, but it was a scene for a succession of battles and reconstruction as the Turks took it away from the Korogyi family and adapted it to their architectural style. An eight miles long bridge was once built by Suleiman the Magnificent and it was considered one of the wonders of the world. Then the Habsburgs left their trace in the city, the most important being the military complex in the center of the city. Fortunately, World War II and the 1991 War did not bring serious damage to the city and the scars are restored now.

The history of attacks against the city led to the construction of many castles in Osijek and its surroundings. Even if they are in ruins they were generally built on hills or mountain tops, so visiting them gives you a spectacular view. A few examples are: Erdut- now a resting place for storks, Korod, which was not occupied by the Turks despite the fact that the entire region was, Bedemgrad- said to be built by the Templers. To add to the atmosphere of old chivalry stories, there is a stud farm at Davoko, home to Lipizzan horses since 1806, although it had been founded in 1239,by the bishops of Bosnia and Srijemon on an estate given by the Hungarian-Croatian King Koloman. Even the name of the region -Baranja sounds as from a fairy tale, in Hungarian “boranya” meaning "wine mother."

Osijek Travel-guide - Economy

Osijek has been a producer of goods since ancient times and although some industries declined after the 1991 War, efforts were done to reestablish all the old factories. According to other Osijek travel guides they are all functioning now. Osijek has had famous factories since the 19th century, such as: Drava, producing matches; Saponia –producer of detergents and cosmetics, Pivovara Osijek- a regional brewery, a sugar processing plant.

Osijek is promoting agricultural goods, be it cattle breeding for diary or meat and harvesting the necessary fodder, cultivating cereals, sugar beet or poultry rising. The young inhabitants of Osijek may attend the Josip Juraj Strossmayer University and enjoy a well developed entertainment industry, meaning clubs or events like Osijek Summer Nights, Tambura Music Festival, which also attract tourists. Helping the economy of the city is the fact that it is a harbor at river Drava, only 25 kilometers away from the confluence with the Danube. Soon, the Pan-European Corridor 5c (a 4 lane high way) will be available.There are 184 miles to Split and 202 miles to Dubrovnik

Osijek Travel-guide - Local Touch and Symbols

Osijek has many tourist attractions, amongst which parks, the banks of Drava River, the Baroque and Art Nouveau of the city, the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Paul. However, it is said the locals dislike being told the cathedral is the place of the bishop and the others are just churches. Very dear to the locals is a statue representing a life size Dying Soldier. It was sculpted by the local artist Robert Franges Mihanovic to commemorate those who died in World War I, but it became a symbol for all soldiers who died for defending their country.

On many postcards you will see the Bridge of Youth, a pedestrian bridge also much loved by Osijek citizens. If you want to feel the real flavor of the place, do not miss their cuisine. Besides agriculture, the city and its surroundings offer the chance of angling and hunting, so try the sausages (kulen is specific), the venison and fish stews.