OSIJEK
www.osijek.hr
OSIJEK, a city and port on the
right bank of the Drava river, 25 km upstream of its
confluence into the Danube in eastern Slavonia. It is the
largest city in eastern Croatia.
The most important sights in the city include the main
square, Trg Ante Starcevica, Trg sv. Roka, the promenade
along the Drava ("promenada"), the hanging pedestrian
bridge toward Baranja; the Municipal Park of King Petar
Kresimir IV and Tomislav Park both from the beginning of
the 20th century, are protected as horticultural monuments.
One of the few Croatian zoological gardens is located in
Osijek, along the Drava river.
Numerous events take place in the city throughout the year.
The most important of them are the Croatian Tambura Music
Festival (in May), attended by tambura orchestras from
entire Croatia, the Osijek Summer Nights (during June, July
and August) a series of cultural and entertainment programs
in the open, accompanied by excellent food and fairs. The
Day of the City of Osijek is celebrated with a cultural and
artistic program and thematic exhibitions.
The recreational and sports centre Copacabana, located on
the left bank of the Drava river, provides opportunities
for various water sports (outdoor swimming pools, a sand
beach with various facilities) during the summer months.
The city offers various playgrounds: football, handball,
basketball, tennis courts, etc.
The surroundings of Osijek provide excellent opportunities
for hunting and angling on the Drava river and its
backwaters. Hunting in the area known as Kopacki Rit (in
Baranja) is famous beyond the Croatian borders.
The exquisite gastronomic offer, includes traditional
Slavonia-style specialities (kulen, paprika-flavored
sausage, other kinds of sausages, ham, bacon, dairy
products, etc.), venison and fish dishes (the famous fish
paprika stew), making Osijek a kind of gastronomic
metropolis of Croatia. The Osijek beer (Eseker) and Baranja
wines are offered in restaurants in the town and its
surroundings.
