This calm town in eastern Croatia has a restored 13th-century Pejačević Castle at its center, surrounded by parks and a central square with baroque buildings.
Virovitica, a small city in northeastern Croatia, has preserved its 19th-century Pejačević Castle with its surrounding park of ancient oak and maple trees. You'll find a working theater staging regular performances, an art gallery inside the castle, and hiking trails in the nearby Papuk Nature Park. The city lies two hours from Zagreb, with weekly markets selling traditional Slavonian food and crafts.
Getting to Virovitica
You can reach Virovitica by car via state roads D2 and D5, with the drive from Zagreb taking about 2 hours. The city's train station connects to the R202 railway corridor, and the central bus station runs daily services to Zagreb, Osijek, and other major Croatian cities.
Pejačević Castle and City Museum
The 1804 Pejačević Castle combines classical and baroque elements, with its distinctive yellow facade and symmetrical wings. Inside, the city museum's exhibitions tell the story of regional life through artifacts, documents, and archaeological finds. The castle grounds contain a park with 200-year-old oak and maple trees, where locals often gather for morning walks and summer concerts.
St. Rocco Church and Monastery
The 18th-century Church of St. Rocco has a white baroque facade and painted ceiling frescoes. Next door, the Franciscan monastery contains a library of rare manuscripts. On August 16, the St. Rocco feast day brings the city to life with food stalls, music performances, and a traditional procession through the streets.
Climate and When to Visit
Summer temperatures reach 28°C (82°F), while winters drop to -2°C (28°F) with occasional snow. Plan your visit between late May and mid-September for warm weather suitable for walking tours and outdoor festivals. The city organizes weekly concerts in the castle park during July and August.
Sacred Route Through the Region
The Sacred Route in Virovitica-Podravina County leads to medieval churches and monasteries. Walk through the Gothic Church of the Visitation in Voćin to see its restored stone carvings, visit the white-columned parish church in Suhopolje, and examine the Russian-style frescoes in the Church of St. Barbara. The route takes 2-3 days to complete if you want to see all the main sites.
