Osijek

Osijek (Hungarian Eszék) is the fourth largest city in Croatia, population 114,616 (2001). It is the economic and cultural centre of Slavonia, located in the Osijek-Baranja county on the right bank of the Drava river, 25 km upstream of its confluence into the Danube; elevation 94 m. It is the largest city in eastern Croatia.

Osijek consists of Gornji Grad (Upper Town), Tvrđa, Donji Grad (Lower Town) and Novi Grad (New Town) (19th c.), as well as of Retfala. Major institutions in the city are: the University (established in 1975), the Croatian National Theatre, the Museum of Slavonia (established in 1877), the printing house from 1735, the gymnasium (grammar school) from 1729, the drawing school (19th c.), the Zoological Garden, the Centre for the Promotion of Livestock Breeding, and the Institute for Sugar Beet Farming.

Osijek is a major industrial centre that manufacture a broad range of goods: a match factory (established in 1856), foodstuffs (mills, sugar processing plant, brewery), a chemical refinery (Saponia), textile, wood and timber, metal-processing (agricultural machinery) industries, footwear, synthetic material, metal furniture, silk, brushes. The city is also home to a printing industry. The local agricultural economy is based on farming, livestock breeding and fishing. Transportation links include major railway and highway junctions, a river port, and an airport that serve eastern Croatia, Vojvodina in neighboring Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Hungary.

Osijek's earliest statutes establishing it as a city within the Austro-Hungarian Empire go back to the end of the 17th century. Since its founding, the city has developed along the lines of other central European cities, with cultural, architectural and socio-economic influences filtering down from Vienna and Budapest.

During the 19th century, cultural life mostly revolved around the theatre, museums (the first museum was opened in 1877 by private donations), collections and printing houses (the Franciscans). City society, whose development was accompanied by a prosperous economy and developed trade relations, was related to religious festivals, public events (fairs), entertainment and sports. The city's geographical riverside location, and noted cultural and historical heritage — particularly the the Baroque Tvrđa, one of the most attractive structures in the region — facilitated the development of tourism.

Osijek remains a popular domestic tourist destination for its Baroque style, open spaces and ample recreational opportunities. The most important sights in the city include the main square, Trg Ante Starcevica, Trg sv. Roka, the promenade along the Drava ("promenada"), and the suspension pedestrian bridge toward Baranja. The Municipal Park of King Petar Kresimir IV and the King Tomislav Park date from the beginning of the 20th century, and are protected national landmarks. Osijek is also home to one of the few Croatian zoological gardens, 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 the 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 activities and 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 Kopački Rit (in Baranja) is famous beyond the borders of Croatia. The abundance of game and agriculture has made Osijek the country's semi-official gastronomical capital. Local dishes include traditional Slavonia-style specialities (kulen, paprika-flavoured sausage, other kinds of sausages, ham, bacon, dairy products, etc.), and venison and fish dishes (the famous fish paprika stew). The Osijek beer (Eseker) and Baranja wines are offered in restaurants in the town and its surroundings.