Đakovo is the only city in Croatia that boasts visits from two English queens, two popes, and members of Mozart's family. First mentioned in 1239, it has a 785-year written history at an elevation of 111 meters in the heart of the Slavonian plain, home to 23,000 residents today. There are countless reasons to visit, and we've chosen the top 5 tourist experiences.

1. Cathedral – “The Most Beautiful until Constantinople”
No navigation needed – from any direction, you will be guided by the two 84-meter-high towers of St. Peter’s Cathedral. Its builder, Bishop Strossmayer, expertly positioned it at the most visible spot in 1866 in what was then a small town on the edge of the Monarchy. It took 16 years to build and is the largest church in Croatia. When visiting Đakovo in 1927, Pope John XXIII, then Cardinal Roncalli, called it “the most beautiful from Venice to Constantinople,” a sentiment echoed by John Paul II in 2003. Entrance to this historicist building, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, is free, and nearby, the Archdiocese sells religious items in a modern space. Adjoining the cathedral is the Archbishop's Palace, an impressive one-story castle in late Baroque style from the 18th century. Beneath it lies an old wine cellar with mass and other premium wines from the Đakovo-Osijek Archdiocese, complete with sales counters and rich wine shops.

A step away from the Palace is Strossmayer Park, where the Đakovo Craft Beer Festival is celebrated in September, showcasing the art of brewing craft beer in a relaxed atmosphere. The cathedral, Palace, and park, along with the Seminary and other historic buildings, frame the central square that leads to the old town, mostly enveloped in historicism.

2. Lipizzaner Stud Farm – Aristocracy with Manes
Returning to the square, head down Gupčeva Street from the cathedral to the Lipizzaner Stud Farm, home to the State Stud Farm Đakovo and Lipik. Founded in 1506, it is among Europe’s oldest stud farms, with Lipizzaner breeding starting in the early 19th century. This maned aristocracy has made Đakovo famous worldwide through equestrian sports, dressage, and breeding. The farm operates on two sites – the Stallion Stud and Ivandvor, which still offers the authenticity of its beginnings in 1912. The main herd of mares and foals is at Ivandvor, while stallions are at the Stallion Stud, which includes an indoor riding arena with a souvenir shop and café overlooking the hall where the Christmas Lipizzaner Ball has been held for a decade. The farm houses 170 horses, visited by 18,000 people in 2023. In 1972, Queen Elizabeth II marveled at the horses, followed by Queen Consort Camilla in 2016.

3. Đakovački Vezovi – Open-Air Stage
Lipizzaners are an integral part of Đakovački Vezovi, the largest traditional cultural event in Croatia, transforming the city into an open-air stage from late June to early July since 1967. Dozens of folklore groups from around the world gather for the grand parade. The air fills with the sounds of tamburica, the scents of traditional Šokac cuisine, and the sight of bridal carriages. Concerts, exhibitions, literary meetings, and more take place. Remember the event with handmade ceramics by Đakovo, other crafts, and gastronomy. Đakovo and its surroundings now offer 61 accommodation options with 528 beds, from hotels to apartments, guesthouses, holiday homes, and rooms, many with pools and other amenities.

4. Wine Region – From Vine to Tasting Room
Accommodation is increasing in rural areas, offering the beauty of the flat and hilly, forested Slavonia, especially around the serene Borovik Lake. Here, find refreshment in the local restaurant, cheer on the boat marathon (Borovik Cup) in summer, or try sport fishing. Đakovo is ideal for hunting enthusiasts, with hunting grounds like Mačkovac and luxury hunting lodges. The crown jewel is the variety of premium wines from the Đakovo wine region, with vineyards in Trnava and Mandićevac, both hosting wineries. Graševina, Traminac, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon are among the varieties produced by numerous winemakers. Young generations open family farms, tasting rooms, and other enological and gastronomic attractions. Wine routes like Zlatarevac and Mandićevac, and events like the Open Cellar Days, showcase these wines along with excellent cuisine and concerts.

This wine story wouldn’t be complete without the bishops of Đakovo, who first planted vineyards in Trnava and Mandićevac. Strossmayer built a wine cellar in Trnava in 1870, and the Archdiocese now runs a winery on that foundation. Today, Đakovo's mass Chardonnay and especially Traminac are among the most esteemed Slavonian wines. The Archdiocese's vineyards span 30 hectares, producing 150,000-180,000 liters of premium wines annually, including Traminac, Graševina, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon, managed by the Archdiocese’s company, Misna vina.

5. Ljelje – Pentecost Procession
Đakovo's legacy includes Mozart’s brother-in-law and sister-in-law, who lived here from 1806 to 1826 – Sophie and J. P. Jakob Haibel, a composer. Invited by Bishop Antun Mandić, Jakob became the choirmaster and composed 16 masses here. Sophie's letter from Đakovo is considered the most authentic account of Mozart's last days. Their presence inspired the creation of Haibel’s pralines and Sophie’s hearts, a treat to enjoy before toasting with mass wines, created by students and teachers of the Antun Horvat Vocational School.

After these sweet delights, continue exploring Đakovština with the Spring Procession of Queens, or ljelje, recognized by UNESCO in 2009. Held on Pentecost in Gorjani, this event features women dressed in colorful attire and men’s hats, wielding sickles and scythes. According to legend, they scared away Turkish invaders, thinking they were spirits, and freed the captured men. The ljelje's unique attire, decoration, song, and dance command respect and admiration wherever they appear.