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Vukovar, Croatia

Julia Tompman

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Vukovar (Hungarian: Vukovár) is a city in Croatia, population 20,301 (2001). It is located at the confluence of the Vuka river into the Danube and is the center of the Vukovar-Srijem county.

It is located 20 km east of Vinkovci, 36 km southeast of Osijek with the elevation of 108 m. Vukovar is located on the main road (M7) Osijek-Vukovar-Ilok and on the railroad Vinkovci-Vukovar.

Vukovar is the largest Croatian town and river port on the Danube. Its economy is based on farming, viticulture, livestock breeding, textile and food-processing industry. However, the city has been gravely impacted by the Yugoslav wars when the Serbian troops laid siege to it for three months and the shelling destroyed the majority of buildings in the city.

Among a number of attractive buildings, severely damaged in the recent war, the most interesting are the castle of the Eltz family from 18th century, Baroque buildings in the centre of the town, the Franciscan monastery, the parish church of St. James, the Orthodox church of St. Nicholas, the birth house of the Nobel prize winner Lavoslav Ru?i?ka, etc.

Outside the town, on the banks of the Danube toward Ilok, lies a notable archaeological site, Vu?edol. The ritual vessel called the Vu?edol Dove (vu?edolska golubica) is considered the symbol of Vukovar. Vu?edol is also a well-known excursion destination, frequented by anglers and bathers, especially the beautiful sand beach on Orlov Otok (Eagle's Island).

Sports and recreational opportunities are provided at the attractive confluence of the Vuka river into the Danube, on the promenades along the Danube and maintained beaches. Bathing is possible in the summer months. Angling is very popular both on the Vuka and the Danube (catfish, perch, carp, pike, sterlet).