OSIJEK
Osijek is the fourth largest city in Croatia with a
population of 114,616 in 2001. Croats make up the
majority of Osijek's citizens - composing 86.58% of the
city's population (2001 census).
It is the largest city and the economic and cultural
centre of Slavonia (eastern Croatia), as well as the
administrative center of the Osijek-Baranja county.
Osijek is located on the right bank of the Drava river,
25 km upstream of its confluence into the Danube, at an
elevation of 94 m. Transportation links include major
railway and highway junctions, a river port, and a
regional airport.
Major institutions in the city include the University
Josip Juraj Strossmayer (established in 1975), the
Croatian National Theatre, the Museum of Slavonia (established
in 1877), and the printing house dating to 1735.
It also has several gymnasiums, the oldest of which
dates to 1729, a drawing school from the 19th century, a
zoological garden, a centre for the promotion of
livestock breeding, and the Institute for sugar beet
farming.
Osijek is a major industrial centre that manufactures a
broad range of goods and products. The match factory
Drava was established here in 1856 and the factory
Saponia is an important chemical refinery.
Other industries include production of synthetic
materials metal processing (agricultural machinery,
metal furniture), wood and timber, textile, footwear,
silk, printing industry. The local agricultural economy
is strong, based upon farming, livestock breeding and
fishing, with mills, sugar processing plant, brewery.
Osijek remains a popular domestic tourist destination
for its Baroque style, open spaces and ample
recreational opportunities. The most important sights in
the city include the main square, Trg Ante Starcevica,
Tvrda the 18th century Baroque citadel, the promenade
along the Drava ("promenada"), and the suspension
pedestrian bridge toward Baranja.
The Municipal Park of King Petar Krešimir IV and the
Tomislav Park date from the beginning of the 20th
century, and are protected national landmarks. Osijek is
also home to one of the few Croatian zoological gardens,
along the Drava river.
Numerous events take place in the city throughout the
year. The most important of them are the Croatian
Tambura Music Festival (in May), attended by tambura
orchestras from all over Croatia, the Osijek Summer
Nights (during June, July and August), a series of
cultural and entertainment programs in the open,
accompanied by excellent food and fairs. The Day of the
City of Osijek is celebrated with a cultural and
artistic activities and exhibitions.
The recreational and sports centre Copacabana, located
on the left bank of the Drava river, provides
opportunities for various water sports (outdoor swimming
pools, a sand beach with various facilities) during the
summer months. The city offers various playgrounds:
football, handball, basketball, tennis courts, etc. |