Welcome to Slavonski Brod, the sixth largest Croatian city, situated on the banks of the Sava River and at the crossroads of major European roads, and beside the Croatian border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In terms of culture the most important monument is the Brod fortress built in the 18th century where tourists who visit the city in organized groups are welcomed by costumed characters. The Franciscan monastery is one of the most striking baroque buildings in Slavonia and has a memorial room to the great Croatian poet Dragutin Tadijanović. There is the summer residence of Ivana Brlić Mažuranić, a world-famous writer of fairy tales who spent most of his life in Slavonski Brod. In terms of the cultural institutions, there is Branko Ružić Gallery, an eminent Croatian sculptor, born in Brod, where there is the first permanent exhibition of contemporary Croatian art in the second half of the 20th century.
A rich gastro offer is found in the twenty city restaurants, and in addition to the bed and breakfasts and private rooms you can spend the night in one of the two cities luxury hotels or four bed & breakfasts.
The heritage of Slavonia includes two exceptionally valuable forts in Osijek and Slavonski Brod.
Osijek’s Tvrđa represents a successful combination of military, urban/administrative and sacral architectures. Its central square is dominated by the General Barracks building from 1726 with the most luxurious stone baroque portal in Croatia, and Kužni pil (a monument to Holy Trinity), the only one of its kind in Croatia in addition to the one in Požega.
Built during the Habsburg Empire era, the Brod Fort still lives in its original form. This is the largest fort from its era with the largest central building. Its fortification system used to ensure permanent peace for Slavonia for two and a half centuries.
While his father Ivan was commander of the Brod Fort in the 1820s, the legendary Franjo Trenk often stayed in Brod. He demonstrated his restless military spirit and particular interest in weapons even in his early youth. In addition to begin described as a good soldier, a good strategist, commander and duelist, Franjo Trenk was also known as a gambler, adventurer and lover of beautiful women and a good drink.
Live historical programs are performed for organized tourist groups in the wine cellar of the Brod Fort commander, featuring, in addition to Franjo Trenk, other Fort characters in costumes, while the tourist can try the old Brod wine, the so-called bermet.