Sisak

Sisak is located 60 km south of Zagreb in central Croatia, at the confluence of the Odra, Kupa and Sava rivers. Its geographical location and natural beauties have contributed to its development. For this reason, Sisak has become a hub of Sisak-Moslavina, one of the largest counties in Croatia. Sisak has the largest inland port in the country and is also an industrial center for river fishing. Agricultural activities and heavy industries (metallurgy, chemistry, food processing, energy) also play an important role in the city’s economic development.

Sisak’s history

The town was founded by the Celts 400 years before our era and was named Siscia by the Romans. Sisak’s history is linked to the Roman Empire and the town still has a lot of ruins. Archaeological research revealed an ancient Roman city and its walls. They included an imposing gate to the north, an inner courtyard and a defensive trench. The remains of this Roman site are located in the city park opposite the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. During the persecutions of Diocletian, the martyr Quirinus of Siscia, was thrown into one of the rivers with a grinding stone tied to his neck. He escaped unharmed and continued to preach and is now considered the patron saint of the city.

In 1593, Sisak managed to contain the attack of the dreaded Ottoman army, which was advancing dangerously inland, with the help of the Slovenes. For this feat, the warlord Tamás Erdődy was honored and is now a regional hero.

During the Second World War, a concentration camp for children was located in Sisak. The war of independence in the 1990s also left many traces of conflicts and abuses that are still visible today.

What can you see and do in Sisak?

• The old town’s triangular fortress dating from the 16th century is a must-see when visiting Susak. This fortress was used to push back the aforementioned Turkish army.
• Other historical attractions include the old Stari most bridge across the Kupa, the baroque palace Mali Kaptol and the classical Veliki Kaptol.
• The ethnological park completes the city’s cultural offer.
• Fishing, hunting and some nautical activities can also be practiced in Sisak’s surroundings.

Lonjsko Polje

The Lonjsko Polje Nature Park is located not far from Sisak, upstream from the town, along the left bank of the Sava River. Most of the park is made up of marshes with a rich and preserved fauna and flora. Visiting the park allows you to walk along the Sava River. This is the best way to discover the region’s picturesque landscape and the small authentic villages built along the river.

The park’s fauna includes native horses and wild boars as well as a wide range of freshwater fish. The villages inside the park have traditional wooden houses. Storks live on many of their roofs and are a unique attraction! As a result, the village of Čigoć was proclaimed the “First European Stork Village” in 1994.