10. points of Eden destination Vukovar – Vučedol – Ilok

1. CASTLE ELTZ

The construction of the castle was started in 1749 by the owner of Vukovar’s feud Count Anzelmo Kazimir Eltz. Initially only the central part was built, and later the castle was upgraded several times. The first enlargement was made in 1781, and its final appearance was at the beginning of the 20th century. according to plans by the Viennese architect Siedek. It is quite large, luxurious concept, abundant wealth of stylistic details, but retained a harmonious relations. It is one of the most representative baroque periods on the Croatian soil. Since 1968, the Vukovar City Museum has been located in Eltz Castle. The building was damaged in 1991 and the castle was completely restored in 1948 with the donation of Roman money, furniture, weapons and art paintings donated by Dr. Antun Bauer to his town.

The local museum has presented the history of Vukovar from prehistoric times till today, and among the most important collections were excavations from the archaeological site of Vučedol and a cultural and historical collection which provided documents, furnishings and artworks showing faithfully the life of the Vukovar middle class and the Eltz family.

The Bauer collection contained the most complete section of modern Croatian art from the end of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, with a special emphasis on the period between the two world wars. Among more than a thousand works of art, a collection containing works by Vlaho Bukovac, Mate Celestin Medović, Ice Kršnjav, Ivan Meštrović, Fran Kršinić, Emanuel Vidović and many others.

At the end of 1992, a collection called Vukovar Museum was established in exile, thus creating a collection of donations of Croatian and then European artists for the town of Vukovar. Till today, more than 1,400 works of contemporary Croatian and European art have been collected in this collection. The Vukovar City Museum today operates in the Eltz Castle complex, which is a unique museum-gallery, scientific and multimedia center where the cultural heritage is preserved and presented as an element of national identity and continuity of life in this area.

In 2013, the City Museum of Vukovar won the prestigious Anton Štifanić award for a special contribution to the development of tourism in the Republic of Croatia, and in 2016 the Silletto Prize which was awarded to a museum that paid special attention to incorporating its local community into its work.

2. BAJADERA

Water bus “Bajadera” – is primarily intended for sightseeing of Vukovar and the coast of the Danube. In this way, tourists get a completely different picture of the city and this part of Croatia. It is owned by the Tourist Agency Danubium Tours.

The panoramic tourist boat can accommodate up to 60 people, and is particularly interesting because it is encased with tempered glass. It is a catamaran type, so it is full of feeling the water. More precisely, some say, the impression is like walking on the water. The inside of the boat is heated and can be used during the winter months, since the seats are not fixed and can be used for various purposes. With an ordinary touristic tour, it can also be used for holding meetings, conferences and similar.

3. HISTORICAL BAROQUE CENTER OF THE VUKOVAR CITY

The historic baroque center of Vukovar, which gives the city a recognizable vision, is a wider area and includes the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Street, Old Vukovar on the right bank of Vuka, and Josip Juraj Strossmayer Street and the County Street in Novi Vukovar on the left bank of Vuka. The center is protected as urban historical complex.

The center of the Old Vukovar is recognizable by houses with baroque arches built in typical style Mary Teresian provincial Baroque. Once upon a time they were craft workshops and shops that spoke eloquently about the economic power of the richer layer of Vukovar citizenship. At the same time, with the recognizable baroque construction of Stari Vukovar during the 18th century, with the remarkable stylistic distinction, the space of Novi Vukovar is being developed. Most of the buildings in that part of the city on the left bank of Vuka bear the marks of pure and restrained late baroque classicism. The Baroque ensemble so far has remained the dominant stylistic layer of historic Vukovar, with its many architectural monuments of immense artistic and environmental value.

4. VUČEDOL

The archaeological site Vučedol is situated along the Danube River (5 kilometers downstream from Vukovar) and is one of the most significant location of eneolithicism. What makes it special is the fact that because of the value of the finds and the possible determination of the profile of the entire manifestation, it gave the name to an eneolithic culture – the Vučedol culture – and at the same time it was the space of its origin.

Due to its extraordinary geostrategic position, Vučedol was the area of permanent settlements. In the deepest layers remained the traces of the oldest neolithic culture named Starčevac. Nevertheless, the continuous life of Vučedol in mutual intercourse is followed in the time of Eneolithicism, when here in the period of 700 years the Badens, Kostolac and Vučedol cultures are exchanged. The biggest climb to Vučedol was certainly experienced during the time of Vučedol culture, which for all its duration dates back to 3000 to 2200 BC.

Life at Vučedol took place on three strata of settlement plateau as the harbor surrounded Gradac which with its isolated position and appearance had the meaning of acropolis. It was a settlement of farmers, cattle farmers, hunters and copper processors. Material culture, in which ceramic production is particularly prominent, with its extraordinary technological quality and aesthetic values, speaks of a highly developed civilization. It is distinguished by the impressive artistic inspiration and creative power that has triggered a new civilization flow. Vučedol ceramics captures the attention to the perfect harmony of shape and decoration of the ornaments. The most famous pottery vessel is the Vučedol dove, a bird-shaped bowl, richly decorated with incrustations, and found in 1938 at Gradac.

Vučedol culture also belongs to Vučedol Orion, considered the oldest European calendar. The vessel with a calendar was found in Vinkovci, at the site of today’s hotel Slavonia. The four fields on which the vessel is divided symbolize the four seasons, and the individual signs that are systematically repeated represent the shift of months. The discovery of this oldest calendar is evidence of a developed, high civilization and culture in these areas more than five thousand years ago.

5. MUSEUM OF VUČEDOL CULTURE

The unique museum in the world is dedicated to a prehistoric cultural phenomenon from the era of Eneolithic, 3000 to 2500 BC, which at its peak occupied the space of today’s thirteen European countries. Culture has been named after the eponymous locality of Vučedol, one of Europe’s most significant archaeological sites on which the museum is located today.

In the museum you can experience and discover the mystical history of Europe, the universe of discovery and inspiration with its incomparable and unique combination of location, architecture, pleasant atmosphere and historical values presented in a contemporary way. At the tour of the museum you can experience:

• The first true Indo-European Vučedol house – basket
• The oldest four-wheeled prehistoric carriage
• The oldest Indo-European calendar based on the observation of the winter sky
• The prehistoric foundry in which the first serial production of metals took place
• Production of the first bronze in the world and a lot more with an excellent guide.

6. ILOK (ILOK CELLARS)

History

The earliest archaeological finds testify to the population of the Ilok area in the younger era, and numerous finds are found in copper, bronze and ironic times. Rich sites were discovered  of Vinkovci and Vučedol culture. The Romans, by conquering these areas, built a border fortress called Cuccium for the control of the Danube-Pannonian Way and the border. Ilok cellars d.d. inherited a traditional wine growing and wine production dating back to the 15 century. Currently it owns 350 ha and in co-operation about 500ha. The wine market with its own label and a label of controlled origin has been produced since the 18th century. Each year, 4.5 to 5 million liters of wine are produced with a label of controlled origin. The new cellar has a capacity of 90 000 hl. They are particularly interesting and famous for the unique old wine cellar under the castle of Odescalchi. The basement complex has been remodeled into a 3 * category tourist resort. For this is the basement were the known Ilok Traminer was ordered by the court of England for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Also there is a beautifully restored country estate Principovac located in the vineyards above Ilok. Sort: Graš evina, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Traminer, Franconia, Cabernet Sauvignon, sparkling wine. Tourism: a tourist train for sightseeing of the city and vineyards on the desired route or by recommendation, bicycle rental, accommodation, restaurants, sightseeing, cafe & wine bar, sports grounds and equipment: tennis, badminton, GOLF training ground and shooting area. Old cellar – is located in the special ambiance of the former winery, making it authentic and giving it a distinctive charm of Srijem. Cozy and warm, with local delicacies paired with an astonishing wine of wine cellars of Ilok, even the restaurant does not leave ethno gastronomic connoisseurs indifferent.

The restaurant has a capacity of 100 seats and an additional 60 under a covered garden terrace. The restaurant also offers a variety of receptions and banquets, such as seminars, congresses, meetings, anniversaries, weddings, christenings, garden parties, birthdays and the like. In addition to the restaurant offer, the Old Cellar offers guests the entire wine range of winemaking products with expertly guided wine tasting by enologists or sommeliers. In order, after each tasting palate to clean the taste of the previous wine, you will receive a portion of bread and cheese and allow you a new experience with each new glass …In order for the guests of the Old Cellar to take an enduring memory or a bottle of wine as the most famous Ilok souvenir, a souvenir shop is open. In its offer, it has a whole range of wines from the Ilok Cellars, as well as autochthonous souvenirs from the homemade work of Ilok craftsmen.

7. ILOK WINE ROAD

Ilok and wine have been inseparable for over two millennia. Ilok vineyards are a divine gift, so wines in Ilok are such – top quality, smells and flavors. Among the exceptional pedo-climatic conditions and wines stands a man: a wine-maker, a worker, a Srijemac who “serves” the vineyard throughout the year to later nurture in his cellar a product that hospitably offers to all visitors.

Interestingly, the Ilok wine cellars are located in the village. In almost every street there is at least one winery-cellar. Vineyards, however, are found on all surrounding hills. This combination created a special wine route that you can easily visit, but, of course, go to the vineyards and gazebos that are all around and round about are special Vukovo and Principovac (tourist destination). Our winegrowers and cellars have opened their doors to guests, offering tastings, cold homemade snacks, salty delicacies and, if necessary, everything a visitor wishes and can be fulfilled. Just choose between 15 wine makers, announce yourself and with a glass that fills the mind and body, enjoy the welcoming family atmosphere.

Of course, each visit must include the attractive Old Ilok Cellars located in the medieval core. They were built by the Odescalchi princes during the 16th and 17th centuries, based on the cellar of Nikola Iločki from the 15th century. Today they are owned by Iločki podrumi d.d. which are at the very top of Croatian and European wine map.

The varieties you can taste and buy in Ilok are: Graš evina, Chardonnay, White pinot, Gray pinot, Rhine risling, Silvaner and  Traminer of white wines, and from red varieties: Pinot Noir, Franconia and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ilok is especially known for Traminer. Evidence is also an interesting fact that the Traminer and Silvaner were served on the English court when Queen Elizabeth II’s was crowned.

A visit to the delicious wine kingdom is best ended with a meat or fish meal in one of the restaurants. And if you are allowed to have time and relax, make sure to plan it with tambourines that will entertain you with sound and song. Contact the desired location, express your wishes and arrange a visit, and winemakers, members of the Ilok Wine Road Association, will do it and accomplish it.
Complete list and contacts here.

8. COUNTRY ESTATE PRINCIPOVAC****

Near the center of the historical and wine town of Ilok, is located  the castle of Principovac on a landscape hill from where there is a stunning view of Ilok, Srijem and Bačka. It was built in 1864 as a summer residency of the princely family of Odescalchi, which was here during the time of hunting and grape harvest. Regardless of whether you are a true wine expert or just on the road to becoming one, when you taste the royal traminer and the excellent Graš evina of Principovac, you will find that wine is more than a profession here. The restaurant is located within the rebuilt castle of the Odescalchi Reigning family, and the rich gastronomic offer – the new age cuisine – is based on indigenous foods, prepared in a sophisticated way, fusion philosophy. In this way, each guest is approaching the taste of Srijem and Slavonia in a new way. Of course, drinking wine in glasses with each new course of food.

If you want to stay longer, the Complex of the Country Estate Principovac offers both luxurious and modernly decorated 5 apartments in the ☆☆☆☆ category, and a De luxe apartment. All rooms are located on a hillside, in the middle of the vineyard, providing privacy, peace and quiet with a view that enchants. The country estate also offers various additional facilities for recreation and enjoyment in nature. In addition to the tennis, volleyball and badminton terrain, there are 8 km of asphalted wine roads through vineyards that are ideal for hiking, running, cycling, mopeds and electric vehicles. If you want to relax at a picnic with your loved one, family or friends, there are small wooden houses located in several locations in the vineyard. In addition to the above mentioned activities, there is also a covered golf course, as well as a 3-field playground and a golf school. A special offer is organizing and team building activities of a competitive type, which develop a competitive spirit, but also deepen the friendships of co-workers and colleagues within the company. The panoramic elevator inside the castle leads to a glazed gazebo, from where there are numerous vineyards and gentle slopes of Fruška hill that descend towards the Danube. The horizon which makes you feel relaxing along with wine, food and ambience evokes hedonistic impulses, making you feel somehow “aristocratic” …

9. HOTEL DUNAV ILOK

The four-star “Dunav” hotel proudly carries the Michelin’s recommendation. The restaurant is located on the bank of the Danube, surrounded by greenery and a spacious terrace offering guests an unforgettable atmosphere.

There is also a hall for business and other gatherings and a river tourist boat “Danubius”. The gastronomic offer of continental cuisine, special dishes of fresh water fish (famous fish without bones), but along with excellent food there is also an offer of  top quality wines from Ilok winemakers.

The Danubius tourist boat as a part of the hotel’s content is a special and unique offer in the Croatian Danube region, only here, in Ilok you can experience a real, challenging, somewhat luxurious short or long drive route as desired. The shorter panorama, below the bridge, to the border itself or the Sarandrad Ade, or longer to Vukovar, Osijek or Novi Sad. Driving is for groups of 50 people, on board and during the ride it is possible to arrange catering, Ilok wine tastings, drink drinks and beverages, hold promotions, presentations, meetings, or simply in the bar or in the outside to enjoy driving.

In cooperation with the “Ilok Wine road” association, you can visit the wine cellars of small winemakers in the district.

10. CASTLE ODESCALCHI

The castle of Odescalchi has had different purposes throughout history, and today it is the location of the Ilok Museum and the City Gallery, and in front of the building there is a significant archaeological site. The reconstruction of the entire Ilok historical core which, apart from the Odescalchi castle, includes a new permanent exhibition of the Ilok Museum, which was entirely carried out by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia with the help of the City of Ilok and the Ilok Museum. The renovated Iloka City Museum is open for visitors since February 2010.

MEDIEVAL CORE of ILOK

The Ilok medieval core is a protected cultural and historical complex of the highest category. In this small space, there is a long way to the past and a walk through the centuries.

Imagine a massive, high and long fortress, a princely and royal castle, a high rised belfry, a church and a monastery with a tower, a rare Islamic building of turbe and hammam, a abudant park and a garden, a deep-seated old wine cellar, a viewpoint with unforgettable views across the Danube and the Bačka plain – you can truly see it and experience it in the medieval center of Ilok, on a small hill surrounded by the Danube and vineyards.
The old town is an inexhaustible source of material evidence of life in these areas that can be used to track the continuity of life from prehistory to the Middle Ages and the recent period.
The oldest finds testify to life in the younger stone age. There are also valuable material evidence from the Roman period when Ilok was called Cuccium and a rich heritage from the Middle Ages: the remains of the Basilica of St. Petar (13th century) and medieval court, church and monastery of St. Ivan Kapistran, first built by Duke Ugrin (14th century), the fortress walls built by Nikola Iločki (15th century). From the period of Turkish rule, remained the Turbe and Hamam (from the 16th century). The noble family Odescalchi left us a castle and below it an old wine cellar (from the 15th to the 17th century), and there are also the manor house of Barun Brnjaković (from the 18th century), the chapel of St. Ivan Nepomuk (from the 18th century) and a beautiful park and garden (from the 18th to the 19th centuries). In the park there are several busts and monuments of a recent date.

Archaeological excavations, new sites, restoration and conservation works are still common in the old town. This site is part of a project of the Ministry of Culture “Restructuring, research and restoration of the site Vukovar – Vučedol – Ilok”. Completion of research and presentation of the most interesting findings and locations is planned by the end of 2010, and Ilok, the old town, should be included in the list of UNESCO-protected and promoted cities and monuments.