Vinkovci, a city of eight millennia of uninterrupted existence, is opening the doors to its rich historical treasury in a completely unique way this summer and autumn. Through the innovative project "Living the Vinkovci Destination," the Vinkovci Tourist Board invites all citizens, visitors, and history lovers to immerse themselves in the stories that have shaped this Slavonian pearl. The initiative offers a series of free, professionally guided thematic walks and romantic fiaker rides, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the city from a perspective they have never had the chance to experience before.

Discover the hidden stories of the oldest city in Europe

The "Living the Vinkovci Destination" project was designed with the aim of deeper connecting the local community and tourists with the authentic spirit of the city. Instead of a classic sightseeing tour, the emphasis is placed on interactive storytelling and bringing history to life on the streets where Romans once walked, where pages of military history were written, and a rich cultural heritage was created. Licensed tourist guides, passionate connoisseurs of Vinkovci's secrets, will take you on a journey through time, revealing lesser-known details and anecdotes that cannot be found in standard guidebooks. These free tours are an ideal opportunity not only for tourists but also for the people of Vinkovci themselves to rediscover their city and become its best ambassadors. If you are planning a visit, be sure to explore the accommodation offer in Vinkovci to fully immerse yourself in everything the city has to offer.

The program began at the beginning of June, specifically on Friday, June 6th, with a thematic walk titled "Jews in Vinkovci." The walk, which started from the famous Vinkovci Lamp, shed light on an important but often neglected part of the city's history. Participants had the opportunity to hear about the rise and tragic fate of the Vinkovci Jewish community, which left an indelible mark on the economic and cultural development of the city during the 19th and early 20th centuries, until their suffering in World War II.

A journey through eight millennia of life

One of the most anticipated walks is scheduled for September 5th at 18:00, bearing the symbolic name "8,000 Years of Life." The starting point is Dr. Franjo Tuđman Square, and this tour represents the very essence of Vinkovci – a city that proudly calls itself the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. Guides will lead you through the incredible layers of history that lie beneath today's streets. The story begins in the Neolithic period, with the first settlements of the Starčevo culture, with special emphasis on the Vučedol culture period. It was in Vinkovci that archaeologists found the Orion, a vessel believed to be the oldest Indo-European calendar, a testament to the astonishing astronomical knowledge of the ancient inhabitants of this area. Orion is not just a ceramic vessel; it is a symbol of the spiritual and intellectual depth of the people who lived here nearly five thousand years ago.

The journey continues into the Roman era, when Vinkovci was named Colonia Aurelia Cibalae. At that time, the city was an important urban center of the Roman province of Pannonia, and its importance is confirmed by the fact that it became the birthplace of two Roman emperors – Valentinian I and his brother Valens. The walk will bring to life images of Roman streets, forums, and baths, telling the story of a city that was a key point on the map of the mighty Roman Empire. Passing through the Middle Ages, the period of Ottoman rule, and up to the city's awakening in the Habsburg Monarchy, participants will gain a complete picture of the resilience and continuous duration of life on the banks of the Bosut river. This is a unique opportunity to experience history at the place where it was made, so don't miss securing your stay and find accommodation in Vinkovci in time.

A tribute to the women who indebted Vinkovci

Autumn in Vinkovci brings another intriguing thematic walk. On Friday, October 17th at 18:00, the "Women to Women" tour is scheduled, starting in front of the Alojzija Ulman passage. This walk is dedicated to the heroines of Vinkovci's history – women whose contributions to culture, art, science, and social life have often remained in the shadow of grand historical narratives. The tour celebrates their strength, intelligence, and the influence they had on shaping the city's identity. The name Alojzija Ulman, a prominent figure from the turn of the 19th to the 20th century, serves as a starting point for discovering the stories of other notable women from Vinkovci. Through this walk, the city pays homage to its daughters and mothers, artists and benefactresses, and corrects a historical injustice by placing them in the spotlight they deserve.

Tradition revived in a romantic fiaker ride

In addition to walking tours, the City of Vinkovci and the Vinkovci Tourist Board, in cooperation with local horse breeders, are reviving another recognizable symbol of Slavonia – the fiaker ride. This summer attraction offers visitors the opportunity to experience Vinkovci in a slower, more romantic, and traditional way. The sound of horseshoes on the city streets and the gentle trot of the horses take you back to past times, offering a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The first in a series of free fiaker rides is scheduled for Saturday, June 22nd, 2025, starting at 18:00. The departure is from Ban Josip Šokčević Square, from the heart of the Vinkovci city park, which is in itself one of the most beautiful city oases. The ride through the city center, along the bank of the Bosut river and past the most important sights, provides an unforgettable experience for families with children as well as for couples in love. This program is not just a tourist offer, but also support for the preservation of the precious tradition of horse breeding, which is deeply rooted in Slavonian culture. The rides will be organized several times during the summer months, and all interested parties are invited to follow the detailed schedule on the official website of the Tourist Board. For a complete experience, consider staying in the city and see the available accommodation units in Vinkovci. All additional information and the exact calendar of all events can be found on the Visit Vinkovci portal.