Discover Vinkovci: Culture, the Bosut and Accommodation

• The theatrical tradition dates back to a performance in 1917.
• The Orion vessel dates from 2600 BC and belongs to the Vučedol culture.
• Vinkovačke jeseni takes place every year on the third weekend of September.
• Rimski dani takes place in early June.

The Orion vessel is a tangible link to the Vučedol culture. It can be viewed at the Gradski muzej Vinkovci and is considered a calendar as well as the oldest calendar in Europe. The city’s theatrical history 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 and other festivals, among others.

Sacred buildings are also part of the city’s cultural landscape. The early Romanesque Church of St. Elijah on Meraja is considered the oldest sacred monument in Vinkovci; its foundations are still visible. A Baroque church is dedicated to Saint Eusebius and Saint Polion and contains valuable works of art. Those interested in the city’s cultural history will also find a cultural centre with around 169,000 volumes at the Gradska knjižnica i čitaonica Vinkovci. Its collections include the Ivan Vanja Radauš Memorial Collection, “Cibaliana” and a local history collection of manuscripts and first editions by notable figures from Vinkovci.

Vinkovačke jeseni is an annual event held on the third weekend of September. It focuses on promoting traditional folk culture and arts and preserving musical heritage. The event showcases Slavonian traditions, costumes and customs. Its programme includes a festive parade with riders, Lipizzaners and decorated carriages. If you would like to experience this event, the September weekend is a clear indication for planning your dates.

Rimski dani takes place in early June. This historical, tourist and educational event presents Vinkovci through lively depictions of Colonia Aurelia Cibalae. The programme includes children’s workshops, a mini gladiator school and reenactments of historical battles. The two events therefore have distinct themes: Vinkovačke jeseni focuses on Slavonian traditions, while Rimski dani looks to the Roman past. A monument on the Bosut riverbank in Krnjaš also commemorates Marija and Ivan Kozarac. Erected in 2016, it depicts the two sitting on a bench and holding hands.

A three-kilometre walking and cycling path along the Bosut connects the Sopot Archaeological Park with the city centre. You can walk or cycle the route. A path and promenade follow the Bosut from the centre to Sopot and back. Nextbike rental bicycles are available at three locations in Vinkovci: at the main railway station, in the centre near the post office and in Lenije Park.

The picnic area in Sopot includes six reconstructed Sopot houses. Their historical predecessors were once built in the marshes along the Bosut; the reconstructions are based on finds from this archaeological site. Sopot also has a children’s playground. The combination of the archaeological park, reconstructed houses and playground offers several reasons to visit, without requiring you to focus on just one thing.

Swimming at Banja and taking a boat trip on the Bosut are among the water-based activities in Vinkovci. Wednesday and Saturday are recommended for visiting the market. Cultural events, activities on the water and a market visit therefore offer different options for planning your trip.

To find your way around the local pages, you can also visit Mirkovci and Vinkovci. To compare other destinations, you can also explore Općina Nijemci, Općina Bošnjaci, Općina Ilok, Trpinja, Općina Vođinci and Općina Nuštar.

When does Vinkovačke jeseni take place?

It takes place every year on the third weekend of September.

Where can you see the Orion calendar?

The Orion calendar can be viewed at the Gradski muzej Vinkovci.

How long is the route between the city centre and Sopot?

The walking and cycling path along the Bosut that connects Sopot with the city centre is three kilometres long.

On which days is a visit to the market recommended?

Wednesday and Saturday are recommended for visiting the Vinkovci market.

For the broader travel overview: Vukovar-Srijem.