This eastern Croatian town holds ancient Roman ruins of Colonia Aurelia Cibalae and sits along the Vuka River. Local culture comes alive during the annual Vinkovci Days festival.
In Vinkovci, eastern Croatia, you can walk through streets where people have lived for over 8,300 years. Visit the pre-Romanesque church on Meraja from 1100, examine the Roman silver plates at the Municipal Museum, or join thousands of visitors during the September Vinkovci Autumns festival to experience Slavonian folk music, dance, and traditions.
Vinkovci Autumns Festival
Each September, more than 75 folklore groups gather in Vinkovci for the ten-day Vinkovačke jeseni festival. You can watch traditional dance performances, join a grand procession with horse-drawn carriages, and see 2,000 children participate in the youth folklore parade. The festival extends into Vinski Šor for wine tasting, while evening concerts feature contemporary Croatian musicians.
The Bosut River Experience
The Bosut River flows through Vinkovci with an unusual characteristic - its water moves in two directions. Take a walk along the riverside paths or stop at one of the restaurants serving traditional Slavonian dishes like fish paprikaš or čobanac stew. Local fishermen often gather along the banks, particularly during early morning hours.
Transportation Hub
As Croatia's second-largest railway junction after Zagreb, Vinkovci connects routes from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Hungary and from Zagreb to Belgrade. The station processes both passenger and freight traffic, making it a key point for travelers exploring eastern Croatia.
Roman Past and Present
Two Roman emperors - brothers Valentinian and Valens - were born in Vinkovci when it was called Colonia Aurelia Cibalae. The ancient Roman city's layout matches today's city center, with the main square and park occupying the same location. Visit during the Roman Days festival in late May to see historical reenactments of daily life in ancient Cibalae.
Archaeological Discoveries
Construction workers in 1978 uncovered what became known as Europe's oldest calendar - a pot from 2,600 BC with distinct seasonal patterns. You can see these same patterns in the paving stones of the central pedestrian zone. The area contains artifacts from the Starčevo and Sopot cultures, with many pieces displayed in the Municipal Museum. For a deeper look into the region's early metalworking, visit the nearby Vucedol Museum, which explains how local inhabitants developed some of the world's first metal casting techniques.
