A vessel dating from 2600 BC gives Vinkovci an unusual starting point for its history: Orion belongs to the Vučedol culture and is described as a calendar and Europe’s oldest calendar. The Orion Calendar can be seen at the Gradski muzej Vinkovci. Alongside this testimony from an early period, theatres, festivals and paths along the Bosut tell more stories of the city.
Orion, Theatre and Traces of the City’s History
The theatrical tradition also has a clear starting point. It dates back to 1917, when the amateur theatre performed the one-act plays “Prosci” by Ise Velikanović and “Začarani ormar” by Ferdo Ž. Miler. The Gradsko kazalište Joza Ivakić Vinkovci takes part in the Festival glumca, among many other festivals. Thus, the theatre’s dated beginnings and its festival involvement go hand in hand.
A monument to Marija and Ivan Kozarac was erected on the banks of the Bosut in Krnjaš in 2016. It depicts the two sitting on a bench and holding hands. On Meraja, the foundations of the early Romanesque Church of St. Ilija are still visible; it is considered the oldest sacred monument in Vinkovci. A Baroque church in the city is dedicated to Saint Eusebius and Saint Polion and contains valuable works of art.
The Gradska knjižnica i čitaonica Vinkovci is also part of the city’s cultural life. The modern, functional library holds about 169,000 volumes, including the memorial collection of Ivan Vanja Radauš, the “Cibaliana” collection and a local heritage collection containing manuscripts and first editions by prominent figures from Vinkovci. If a particular collection is important to you, check the library’s current information before your visit.
Two Festivals with Different Themes
Vinkovačke jeseni takes place every year on the third weekend of September. The festival aims to promote traditional folk culture and artistic expression on an ongoing basis and preserve the musical heritage. It showcases Slavonian traditions, folk costumes and customs. The programme includes a festive parade featuring horse riders, Lipizzaners and decorated carriages.
Rimski dani takes place in early June and is a historical, tourist and educational event. Vinkovci is brought to life through vivid depictions of Colonia Aurelia Cibalae. The programme includes children’s workshops, a small gladiator school and depictions of historical battles. The two events therefore offer different cultural perspectives: Slavonian traditions on the one hand, and depictions of Colonia Aurelia Cibalae on the other.
Along the Bosut: Paths to Sopot
Vinkovci lies on the Bosut’s northernmost meander; its left bank was protected from flooding. A path with a promenade follows the river from the city centre to Sopot and back. Sopot Archaeological Park is connected to the city centre by a three-kilometre walking and cycling path along the Bosut.
The Sopot picnic area includes six reconstructed Sopot houses. They were originally built in the marshes along the Bosut and reconstructed based on finds from this archaeological site. Sopot also has a children’s playground. The route makes it possible to combine the archaeological theme with a riverside journey, on foot or by bike.
Nextbike rental bikes are available at three locations in Vinkovci: at the main railway station, in the centre by the post office and in Lenije Park. As availability can change, check before making plans. A boat trip on the Bosut is also recommended as an activity for visitors; if you would like to include one in your plans, check availability in advance.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Vinkovci, Mirkovci, Općina Bošnjaci, Općina Nijemci, Općina Vođinci, Vukovar, Općina Ilok, Trpinja.
For the parent travel overview: Vukovar-Srijem.
