Vukovar

http://www.vukovar.hr/

Location (county, municipality)

The town of Vukovar is situated in the north-eastern part of the Republic of Croatia and it is the seat of Vukovar-Srijem County. It lies on two rivers, the Danube and the Vuka. It is located on important traffic routes: main route Osijek-Vukovar-Ilok, railway direction Vinkovci-Vukovar, the river Danube route. The river Danube is also a border line between Croatia and Serbia (2010).

Historical background and development

The Vukovar area has been populated for five thousand years in a continuous flow, which is proved by numerous archaeological sites. The Copper Age is characterized by Baden, Kostolac and Vučedol culture, which is especially important for this area. It was named after the site Vučedol near Vukovar. The Roman civilization left significant clues in these areas and it had a great impact on the development of the entire area. Downfall of the Roman civilization, great human migration and expansion of the Avars and Slavs since 6th century brought about great changes in these areas. In the 14th and 15th century Vukovar area was ruled by numerous noble families. In the 16th century the Turkish rule began, during which Vukovar lost its strategic importance. During the Habsburg monarchy this area becomes multinational, with the majority of the Croatian population. The town of Vukovar became administrative, economic, traffic and cultural centre. Significant industrial development followed in the period between the two world wars. It continues to develop also after the World War II. Vukovar suffered great damages during the Homeland war (1991-1995), but infrastructure, economy, social and cultural life have been continuously reconstructed.

Current situation (Economy, public institutions, tourism advantages, etc.)

Economy of Vukovar is based on agriculture, food industry, textile industry, shoes industry, construction materials, viticulture, wine production and tourism. Before the Homeland war, Vukovar was one of the most developed areas in Croatia. Industry suffered heavy damages during the war. Reconstruction of the town as well as industry city was carried out after reintegration. In Vukovar there is a College, 5 secondary and 7 primary schools and other scientific and educational institutions. Municipal infrastructure has been mostly restored. In Vukovar there are two ports on the Danube: passenger and cargo port. Tourism is also one of the important economic activities of the town, where the Danube plays the key role, as the river connecting this area to Europe. The number of tourists arriving to Vukovar on cruisers on the Danube is constantly on the increase.

Tourism attractions by importance (emphasis on sports related to the river Danube; monuments, events, hiking, cycling, eco-tourism)

Although Vukovar suffered great devastation during the Homeland war, a larger part of tourism attractions of the town have survived and they have been reconstructed. They can be divided into several groups: cultural heritage; cultural institutions and sport and recreational sites:

Cultural heritage and cultural institutions:

• Eltz castle (1749), one of the best examples of the baroque period in Croatia; there is also the Town museum in it (1966); it is not possible to see the interior of the caste due to restoration works
• Baroque city centre, a protected urban historical unit; built in the provincial baroque and late baroque classicism;
• Stage coach building (18th cent.); fully restored after the Homeland war
• Town magistrate building (18th cent.), built in the classic late classicistic architecture
• Central pharmacy Kirchbaum-Švarc (1787), secession
• Old water tower (1913)
• Archaeological site Vučedol, along the Danube river bank, 5 km upstream from Vukovar; one of the most significant sites of eneolithic and Vučedol culture (3000-2200 BC) which was then spread over today’s ten European countries
• Franciscan monastery with the Church of St. Philip and Jacob (1723), monumental Franciscan complex and the oldest and the most exquisite building of Baroque Vukovar; devastated in the Homeland war, restored; 
• Palace of the Sirmium County (1777); late baroque; cultural monument; devastated in the war; restored
• Birth house of Lavoslav Ružička (1887-1976); won the Nobel prize for Chemistry in 1939
• High school (1891); devastated in the Homeland war, restored;
• Sacral facilities: Church of St. Nicolaus (1737); St. Roch Chapel (1740); Chapel of Our Lady of Oak (Priljevo) (1892); St. John Nepomuk Chapel (1749); St. Petka’s Chapel (1811)

Many people died in Vukovar during the Homeland war, and there are several monuments dedicated to victims, among which:

• Memorial cemetery of the victims of the Homeland war
• Monument on Ovčara and Memorial (2006)
• Museum Vukovar war hospital
• Water tower, memorial area

Vukovar area also offers other activities for tourists.

Danubian streams and backrivers are great place for fishermen, which is confirmed by the fact that there are 13 fishermen association. Vukovar is a part of the European cycling route “Dunav” which connects the towns Vukovar and Ilok.

The route is very dynamic. It goes over the slopes of Fruška gora, through vineyards and picturesque villages with interesting monuments and churches worth stopping by. The starting point is the hotel “Lav” in Vukovar, through Sotin, Opatovac, Mohovo, Šarengrad to hotel “Dunav” in Ilok. Both hotels are specialized for cyclo-tourists, i.e. they have bike&bed as part of their accommodation offer.

Sport and recreational centre As offers tennis courts, a gym, and also a horse riding school. Horse riding club Dunavski raj is near the archaeological site Vučedol, at the river bank of the Danube.  

Near Vukovar there is also a wine route, as the town is surrounded with vineyards. Wine tasting can be found on the family farm Goldschmidt and in the Winery Šmidt.

Many events traditionally held in Vukovar are of local, regional and international character. One of the more important international events is Vukovar film festival, where movies of the countries in the Danubian region are presented, than Vinkovo na Vučedolu and Chamber Music Festival.

Tourism and accommodation

Vukovar has a rich gastro offer, from fish specialties to rich Slavonian table. There are more than 10 restaurants in the town.

Accommodation in the town is offered by the hotels Vukovar, hotel Lav (****), hotel Dunav (**) and by the place for overnight stays Villa Bonaca.

Source: http://www.vukovar.hr/; http://www.turizamvukovar.hr/index.php?lang=hr&catid=13; http://www.tzvsz.hr/?&page=odrediste&article_id=6; http://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vukovar