WELCOME

NAME Osijek(‘osjek) is the 4 th largest city in Croatia,situated on the right bank of river Drava.The mane was given to the city due toits position on ground which prevented the city beeing flooded.It’s name comes from the Croatian word “ oseka” which means “ ebb tide”.In roman times Osijek was called Mursa,and because of Hungarian minority through history it was called Eszek,as well.

HISTORY The earliest mentions of Osijek date to 1196.The city was destroyed by the Otoman empire in 1526.,and then the Turks came and brought oriental style.Suleiman the magnificent built a famous 8 km wooden bridge,consired to be one of the wonders of the world.The town was officially promoted to a city by the end of the 17 th century. The same position,but more than 5 centuries later,this is the “beauty”of town.

HABSBURG EMPIRE In 17 th century,the town was occupied by the Habsburg Empire and new Austrian authorities built a fortress,known as Tvrdja and in the middle is a monument to the plague.Today lots of schools are here in this beautiful surrounding,as well as,many coffee bars and restaurants.

18 th,19 th,20 th century In 1809 Osijek got the title of a Free Royal City.It developed along the lines of other Europian cities,with the influence from Vienna and Budapest.Cultural life revolved around the theatre,museums,galeries.In town,secessiinist architecture was,in modern language,very “ in”. Tvrdja today, from the air,with the main plague square.

TVRDJA FROM THE PAST

SECESSIONIST ARCHITECTURE The cinema “Urania” The art gallery today

PARTS OF THE TOWN Town was devided into Upper Town and later Lower Town and Tvrdja until 1786.At the end of 18 th century Osijek became the centre of the county.The New Town was built in the 19 th century,as well as Retfala to the west.

THE CITY IS GROWING… The newest parts,built in the 20 th century,are Sjenjak,Vijenac,Jug 1&2.During the war in Croatia from the city was heavily damaged,especially the centre,the main church of St.Peter and Paul and the Croatian National Theatre.Now the city’s facades are in a good shape,due to preserving the charm of Austro-Hungarian Baroque architectur in the old parts of town. The inside of the Croatian National theatre after restauration.

We call this church “cathedral” and we are very proud of this building

SOME MORE… Seccession facade in the centre St. Michael’s Church in Tvrdja-baroque

CULTURAL EVENTS Through the year,many events take place in town.Tambura festival in May,Osijek summer nights in June,July and August,many rock concerts held in and out,exbitions,sports events. Music school”F.Kuhač” in Tvrdja,place where concerts of classical music are held.

SPORTS AND RECREATION Copacabana – no,it’s not a mistake,because we have it.On the left bank of the Drava river,gives us oporunities for many water sports.Rowing club”Iktus” gave world class rowers like Mrs Mirna Rajle Brodjanac,who won several medals on the world rowing competitions.

FAMOUS FOOTBALLERS FROM OUR TOWN Davor Šuker & Goran Vlaović

WE HAVE WORLD FAMOUS GYMNAST,TOO Robert Seligman

PLACES TO REST If you like jogging,come to our Promenada.It is located along the banks of the river Drava and it is pleasant walk past the marina,cafes and parkslands.You can cross the river using the pedestrian bridge.If you are hot, you can go near some of the fountains all around the city.

TRANSPORT A small tram network runs through the city since 1884 and,except Zagreb,Osijek is the only town in Croatia which has it. The first trams were pulled by horses,but today they are modernized. Buses also drive along the city and if you prefer flying,it is possible from the Osijek Airport. Osijek tram and the main Square-Ante Starčević Square.

ARE YOU HUNGRY OR THIRSTY? NO PROBLEM Osijek is gastronomical capital,too.Slavonian style ( kulen,paprika sausage,ham,bacon,fi š paprikaš( fish stew with chilli paprika).Two brands of beer are made here,and Baranja wines you can taste too.

FAMOUS PEOPLE FROM THE PAST They were born in Osijek:J.J.Strosmayer bishop,politician,writer,a man who supported our church construction-19 th century Jagoda Truhelka-the writer

Dora Pejačević-the composer Franjo Krežma-the violin virtuos

Hollywood producer Branko Lustig Nobel prize winners for chemistry- Lavoslav Ružička & Vladimir Prelog

SOME MORE PICTURES Early morning view on Drava River Autumn in Osijek park

The town libraryThe Croatian National Theatre

SUMMARY If you want to see something nice, to meet friendly people, to be in town, but to enjoy in peacefull place, to taste delicious food, to have a holiday to remember…What can we say except : YOU ARE WELCOME ! ( oh,yes,bring your friends and families-you won’t regret it ). This is not a farewell,it’s only GOODBYE ! Teachers and pupils-primary school Višnjevac,Croatia.