Vrbas: Culture, Šlajs and Historic Buildings

• The first written reference to Vrbas dates back to 1387.
• Vrbas is a transport hub at important road, railway and waterway routes.
• The indoor pool at the “Drago Jovović” Center for Physical Culture measures 25 × 8 metres and has four swimming lanes.
• The outdoor pools at the same centre are available to visitors during the swimming season.

A good starting point for exploring the town’s history is the Vrbas Town Museum. It was founded in 1969 as the Vrbas local heritage collection and became the town museum of the Cultural Centre in 2015. The permanent exhibition also displays artefacts from the archaeological sites of Vrbas.

Several churches reveal different historical periods and denominational traditions. The Serbian Orthodox Church was built in 1738 in the Baroque style and is the oldest church in Vrbas. The Evangelical Lutheran Church was also built in the Baroque style, between 1816 and 1820; in 1862, it acquired its present appearance with a new tower. The Reformed (Calvinist) Church was built between 1821 and 1824, and its tower was completed in 1861. It is protected as an immovable cultural monument of great importance.

The Toman Villa is also among the protected buildings. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century by the Toman family of large landowners, based on a design by architects from Budapest, and is protected as an immovable cultural monument of great importance. The building of the “Žarko Zrenjanin” Grammar School was constructed in 1888, extended in 1898 and given its present appearance in 1910.

Another site of cultural and historical importance is the Vodice Chapel. It was built in 1794 at a spring with healing water. The chapel preserves fragments of frescoes by Novak Radonić from 1863.

At Šlajs, the canal bank has been prepared for swimmers, and there is also a paved walking path. The restaurants at Šlajs prepare various fish specialities. This brings together access to the water, opportunities for walking and regional cuisine, without requiring you to consider these themes separately.

The monument to Jožef Kiš is also located near Šlajs. It marks the burial site of the intellectual originator and planner of the Great Bačka Canal and adds a specific connection to the history of the waterways to your visit.

The tradition days of the June Festival include a showcase of original and folk art, as well as an Ethno Bazaar featuring an exhibition of traditional crafts and domestic handicrafts. The Panonski Vašar complements this cultural offering with an ethno-cuisine fair and a traditional crafts fair. Both fairs are connected with the social life of various ethnic communities in Vojvodina.

For more travel ideas, you can also explore Bela Crkva and Irig.

When does the June Festival take place in Vrbas?

The June Festival takes place during the first week of June. Its programmes are divided into three areas.

How long does the Panonski Vašar last?

The Panonski Vašar is a three-day cultural event. Its programme includes the ethno-cuisine fair and the traditional crafts fair.

What can you see at the Vrbas Town Museum?

The permanent exhibition displays artefacts from the archaeological sites of Vrbas. The museum grew out of a local heritage collection founded in 1969.

For the overarching travel overview: Vojvodina.

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Banja Luka: Vrbas, Fortress and Trip Planning | poezdka.de.