Tradition

Discover the traditional heritage of Spačva

Otočka suvara (The Dry Mill of Otok) is a unique masterpiece of traditional architecture and a symbol of Srijem and Slavonia’s pride, offering visitors the experience of milling grain in the traditional way. In Bošnjaci, the Muzej šumarstva (Forestry Museum), as the only specialized forestry museum in the region, gives a fascinating insight into the history and importance of forestry, while the šlingerajs (unique embroidery) of Bošnjaci highlight the value and beauty of the traditional embroidery techniques.

Otok

Otočka suvara (The Dry Mill of Otok)

The Suvara was the traditional dry mill in Slavonia and Srijem. Their construction began in the middle of the 18th century, when the watermills were dismantled by the decree of Empress Maria Theresa to regulate the watercourses and provide more successful defence against floods. Watermills slowed down the withdrawal of water after floods, the water flow in rivers, but also tramp trade. In winter, they were sometimes ice bound, in spring and autumn the roads leading to them were muddy and almost impassable because of the water.

On the other hand, the dry mills were built in settlements, so they could have been reached at any time of the year. Milling grain (wheat, barley, corn and oats), as well as milling salt for animal and human consumption, was cheaper there than in the water mills.

Dry mills were powered by horses, oxen and cows. They were built by the best craftsmen, and their construction was financed by wealthier families united in cooperatives. There used to be eight dry mills in Otok, while today there is just one completely preserved and restored building of this type in Croatia and the whole of Southeastern Europe.

The 19th century dry mill in Otok is a true masterpiece – a work of traditional architecture and a registered monument of the highest cultural value. At the same time, it is a symbol of the city of Otok, the pride of Srijem and Slavonia. Do not miss out on a visit: experience the dry milling of grain in the only horse-powered mill in the world.

Visit Spačva - Otočka suvara - Tradicija

Bošnjaci

Forestry Museum

The Forestry Museum in Bošnjaci is the only forestry museum in Slavonia and one of two in the whole of Croatia. It was opened in 2007, although the initiative to open such a museum was launched in the 60s and 70s of the 20th century. The opening was preceded by three years of collecting objects and exhibits representing the forestry of the Spačvan pool.

Today, this place offers an insight into the fascinating history of forestry in the region, and the museum exhibits reveal the significance of the Lužnjak oak forest, the widely known Slavonian oak from Spačva.

In the museum, you will learn about the development of forestry, find out a lot of interesting information about the forestry tradition, how it used to be done and how it is today, what the life and work of foresters was like in the past. The museum collection is divided into units that include work in the forest, from planting seeds, to felling and making wood assortments, exporting logs, all the way to the protection of the forest and the plant and animal species that live in this area.

You will see here traditional hand tools for making wooden objects and tools for working in the forest and exporting wood from the forest.

You will receive information about modern technologies and practices in the forestry industry, about the exploitation of the forest, but also its protection and preservation, because forests are extremely important in preserving the natural balance and biodiversity.

The Forestry Museum in Bošnjaci is not only a place of education and learning, but also a place where visitors will understand the importance of preserving forests for generations to come. Every day is made for visiting the Forestry Museum in Bošnjaci, but only one night is perfect.

During the Museum Night, which is held in Croatia every year in January, it is a special experience to discover the history and present of Spačva rainforest.

Visit Spačva - Šumarski muzej

Bošnjaci

The Bošnjaci šlingeraj

Šlingeraj is certainly the most famous and widespread traditional embroidery technique from Slavonia. It is omnipresent in Slavonian folk costumes, we find it on utensils of traditional everyday life, e.g. bed linen, tablecloths, napkins, traditional towels, curtains and aprons, but also on decorative items in churches, especially on altar cloths. Another name for šlingeraj is the Richelieu embroidery, named after the Cardinal Richelieu, who taught the locals in France to make this embroidery.

From France, the šlingeraj has spread to Slavonian villages, where it has been valued and used since the end of the 19th century. This white, punched and cut embroidery used to be done entirely by hand; back then, it was embroidered on canvas with needle and thread. With the advent of the embroidery machines, the production process was accelerated, but a human hand is still needed to make a šlinga.

In the last 150 years, šlinga has fed generations of people from Bošnjaci, whose women greatly supplemented their family incomes by making and selling šlingeraj in Croatia, Europe and the world.

Every year, the members of the Udruga bošnjački šlingeraji (the Bošnjački Šlingeraji Association) organize an exhibition of the traditional small Easter towels (otarčići). In the past, those towels were woven from linen or cotton and hemmed, but over time women began to decorate them. Otarčići are smaller and shorter than otarci, which were once used as kitchen towels, to cover bread and other food. Every Easter, at Easter basket blessing, the basket is covered with a new, even more beautiful otarčić. It is an opportunity to showcase all the creativity, imagination, effort and work of the women who competed for the most beautiful otarčić.

Bošnjaci

Slavonska kuća (The Slavonian house)

In an authentic Slavonian house in Bošnjaci, a complex that consists of four buildings, and is an exemplar of the traditional architecture characteristic of every Slavonian farmstead, you will find out what life in the countryside looked like 200 years ago. The main building is the owner’s house furnished with original furniture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The smallest details were taken into consideration, so the interior, just like in the past, is furnished with šlingeraj and handicrafts that give an authentic insight into a time when life was difficult and simple at the same time.

Next to the central building there is always a barn or a granary where grains were stored, a stable and a barn. You can also visit the exhibition of old agricultural machinery and old crafts.

The friendly hosts will be happy to show you the benefits of a traditional way of life without the stress of today’s busy reality.

Since time immemorial, Slavonian houses have been teeming with life, song and aromas of local food in the summer, while in the winter they have been a warm refuge and a place for family gathering and rejoicing.

Nowadays, events which introduce us to the rich tradition, culture and customs of the municipality are regularly held in the Slavonska kuća in Bošnjaci. It is a place where skills that are passed down from generation to generation are learnt, stories are shared, and traditions nurtured. Slavonska kuća is not only a house, but also a symbol of love for one’s country, family and community. Visit Slavonska kuća and find local products to take home.

Visit Spačva - Slavonska kuća

Vrbanja

Zvjezdangrad

Once upon a time, deep in the Spačva rainforest, along the Studva River (with Serbia on its other side), surrounded by deep and muddy canals like an island, the ancient, fortified castle of Zvjezdan stood guard. Although in folklore there are many stories and legends that associate it with fairies, templars and knights of the Slavonic plain, little is known about Zvjezdangrad and only few know its location.

Its size and chronology are still a puzzle for historians, because the archaeological research of this fort only started, but was not continued.

What has been confirmed is that the medieval Zvjezdangrad was built on very old foundations, with three archaeological layers recovered so far. Based on its size, it is assumed that the large inner moat around the fortress can only be dating from the Roman period.

The moat is now 10 meters deep and 23 meters wide. The remains of the walls, domes and underground corridors speak of a truly significant fortress that was destroyed in the wars over the centuries. The last time it was destroyed in the 15th century, to be rebuilt again later. Until research is finished and more is learnt about the ancient Zvjezdangrad, all visitors can enjoy the Sportsko i rekreacijsko izletište Zvjezdangrad (the Zvjezdangrad Sport and Recreation Picnic Area).

Visit Spačva - Zvjezdangrad
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