Vrbica: Hotels and Accommodation

Vrbica was first mentioned as early as 1330 and has a multifaceted ecclesiastical and archaeological history. During the Ottoman period, a Catholic parish dedicated to the Holy Mary was established here, serving several surrounding villages. Even today, historic churches, archaeological sites, and the landscape on the southern slope of Đakovačka greda shape the town.

Culture and History

A large parish church in Vrbica was built in 1793 after the former wooden church and the parish house had fallen into disrepair. The Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary was renovated in 1924. The history of the area also includes a Franciscan monastery in the Vrbica area: it was approved by a papal decree in Avignon on February 16, 1376, and built in 1379. The monastery was abandoned in 1532 and was not rebuilt.

In 1660, three sites of ruined churches in the Vrbica parish were still being used for Masses. An example of a living local tradition is a parish Mass held on April 3, 2022: on this occasion, KUD Šokadija sang traditional Lenten songs in traditional dress and without instrumental accompaniment.

Landscape and Town

Vrbica lies at an altitude of 115 meters above sea level on the southern slopes of Đakovačka greda. The plateau surrounding the town is crossed by depressions where local streams once had their sources. Footpaths have been built and reconstructed along Kešinačka and Mikanovačka Streets.

Local Specialties

In Vrbica, the Pužijada is held as part of the Municipality Day of the Municipality of Semeljci. Snail specialties are prepared as part of the event.

Archaeology

The archaeological sites in Vrbica are interpreted as twin circles associated with the Sopot culture. The western double circle near Vrbica–Drake measures 173 × 176 meters, while the eastern double circle near Vrbica–Barićev bostan measures 160 × 165 meters.

A prehistoric archaeological site in Vrbica contains Eneolithic Vučedol pottery; the material and documentation are kept at the Archaeological Museum in Osijek. A separate medieval archaeological site in Vrbica is represented by pottery material and documentation kept at the Đakovština Museum.

The nearby Stara Vrbica lies about 2 kilometers east of Vrbica and contains archaeological material from antiquity and the Middle Ages. In the nearby area east of Vrbica, near Pepelana, remains are interpreted as a prehistoric settlement or a burned medieval village. Prehistoric material, a stone axe, and Roman pottery were also found in Pepelana.

Anyone wishing to book a hotel in Vrbica can continue their accommodation search afterward.

To the higher-level travel overview: Municipality of Semeljci.