This eastern Croatian town has a grand 19th-century cathedral and a long tradition of horse breeding at its state stud farm, dating back to 1506.
In eastern Croatia's Slavonia region, Đakovo draws visitors to its magnificent Cathedral of St. Peter, where you can climb the twin spires for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. At the State Stud Farm, you'll find Lipizzan horses training in one of Europe's largest riding halls. During July's Đakovački vezovi Festival, dancers fill the streets in colorful regional costumes, while local winemakers welcome visitors to taste their Weissburgunder and Traminer wines in centuries-old cellars.
Getting to Đakovo
You can reach Đakovo by taking the A5 motorway, located 37 kilometers southwest of Osijek. The town connects to Osijek via state road D7, to Požega via D38, and to Vinkovci via D46. The town sits at 111 meters elevation on the Đakovo plateau in central Slavonia.
Cathedral of St. Peter
Built between 1866 and 1882 under Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer's direction, this red-brick cathedral contains seven altars and detailed frescoes painted by Roman artists. You can walk around one of Europe's largest church squares, bordered by the Archbishop's House, Theological Seminary, and the Church of All Saints.
State Stud Farm
Visit the stables at the eastern edge of town to watch morning training sessions of Lipizzan horses. Daily tours take you through one of Europe's largest riding halls, where trainers demonstrate classical dressage movements. The recently renovated Ivan dvor area includes a visitor center, café, and viewing areas where you can learn about the breeding programs.
Đakovački vezovi Festival
During the first week of July, dancers perform traditional circle dances called 'kolo' throughout town. Watch equestrian shows, browse art exhibitions, or join international dance performances. Take a short trip to nearby Gorjani to see the UNESCO-protected Ljelje procession, where women perform ritual dances in traditional dress.
Local Food and Wine
Walk through vineyards that have produced wine since Roman times, sampling local Weissburgunder, Traminer, and Riesling varieties. Try traditional kulen sausage and ham at local restaurants, along with venison and fish caught in nearby lakes Jošava, Mlinac, and Borovik. Many restaurants serve čvarci (crispy pork cracklings) as appetizers, made following centuries-old recipes.
