Slavonski Brod is a city in Croatia. The city was known as Marsonia in the Roman Empire, and as Brod na Savi 1244–1934. Located in the region of Slavonia, it is the centre of Brodsko-Posavska county, and a river port on the Sava river. It is 197 km southeast of Zagreb and at an elevation of 96 m. Although 'brod' is the word 'ship' in modern Croatian, the city's name bears witness to an older meaning - 'water crossing'.
The city developed at the strategically important crossing over the Sava river towards Bosanski Brod in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is an important intersection of the Posavina part of the highway and a railway junction, since it is located on the highway linking Zagreb–Lipovac–Belgrade (E70, A3) and the Zagreb–Vinkovci–Belgrade railway. The ship port 'Brod' on the Sava river is under construction.
There is also new modern highway under construction, on the Pan-European Corridor Vc, which will connect Northern Europe and Hungary with Croatia (region of Slavonia), Bosnia and Herzegovina and again Croatia (coastal region of Dalmatia). Alignment of this highway is some 16 km far away from the center of the town. With completion of this route, the area of the town Slavonski Brod will become one of the major highway intersections in this part of the Europe connecting directions west-east and north-south.
PLACE TO VISIT
The Brod Fortress from the Baroque period, was constructed during the Austro-Hungarian Empire to serve as a stronghold against the Ottoman Empire, which was situated on the other bank of the Sava river. It is in the Vauban style, named after one of the best European experts in the building of fortifications in 17th and 18th centuries. It is one of Europe's best preserved fortresses, and also one of the biggest on the former Austro-Hungarian Military Frontier. In a way, it is the continental obverse of Diocletian's Palace in Split, by its monumentality.
Franciscan monastery dates from the 18th century, and is also Baroque in style, with exceptional architecture, especially of the church yard, and monastery church interior, with its beautiful altar and paintings. In 1720, a faculty of philosophy was opened here.
Central town square, one of the two or three biggest in all of Croatia, Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić square, named after a popular children's writer, whose house is on the square. This square is also home to numerous cultural events and has a perfect view of the beautiful Sava river. The square is also dotted with galleries, book stores, cafes, night clubs, shops etc., which make it perfect place for entertainment. Close to the square, another attraction is the romantic promenade next to the Sava river - 'Kej' as it is called by citizens of town.
Slavonski Brod is home to monuments to bishop Josip Stadler and Croatia's first president Franjo Tuđman.
WHAT TO DO
The most important annual cultural event in the town is the children's festival 'In the World of the Fairy Tales of Writer Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić', in April and May. The Brod Circle Dance, an annual show of original folklore, is held in mid-June, while the Festival of Patriotic Folk Songs takes place in May. The artistic 'Sava' colony cherishes the tradition of watercolour painting.
Poloj is a sand beach on the Sava river, situated about 5-10 minutes drive from the city center. Locals swim in the river, but it is an imperative to remain cautios while being in the river, as this is a large and fast river. Greatest caution is advised to people who have no experience with swimming in rivers.The beach was not used for many years during and after the war and is now being renovated. The ambitious plan includes many sport grounds, a restaurant and a bar.
Motorijada (Motor fest) is an annual biker's gathering which takes place on a weekend around the day of the city (15th May). The fest lasts for two nights (Friday and Saturday) and gathers many biker clubs from Croatia, Bosnia and other European countries. The line-up constists of one very popular Croatian rock band per night and a number of Croatian demo bands. The accompanying events include a mix of international activities (such as mechanical bull riding) with a feel of Slavonian village gathering (tents with beer and food). The event takes place on Poloj, a beach on the Save river.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Slavonski Brod is the largest city in Croatia without an international airport. The closest major airports are in Zagreb and Belgrade. Due to significantly better traffic connections with Zagreb, it's airport is the prefered option. Osijek airport (approx. 100 km away) operates seasonal flights by Croatia airlines to Split and Dubrovnik and recently, German Wings flights from Cologne/Bonn are also scheduled.
By train - From Zagreb: Trains run several times per day. The ordinary fast train travels about 2 hours 30 minutes. Tilting Intercity train Slavonia is one of the best trains in Croatia, with seats of European standards, travels slightly over 2 hours and complimentary coffee is served on board. The difference in price compared to a regular intercity train is negligible (approx. 7 kunas = 1 euro), but the seats are often hard to get in the last minute on weekends. The passenger trains also run several times a day, but travel significantly longer and are not reliable. From Belgrade: Direct lines from Belgrade are availabe (travel time approx. 3,5 hours). However, there is an option of changing trains at Vinkovci.
By bus - Several services operate to Slavonski Brod from any major Croatian city, as well as from Belgrade, Novi Sad, Subotica (Serbia) and many cities in Bosnia. Direct lines are also available to and from many German, Swiss and Austrian cities: Munich, Vienna, Graz, Zurich (daily), Stuttgart, Cologne, Dusseldorf (twice a week). Buses are operated by Croatian bus companies and are reasonably reliable.
By car - Slavonski Brod lies very close to A3 motorway Zagreb-Slavonski Brod-Belgrade. Motorway has recently been renovated and it is one of the most important routes for traffic between the South-Eastern European countries and the Western Europe. It is advisable to prepare for gridlocks during state and major Catholic holidays, especially around Zagreb. New C5 motorway which connects Budapest to Southern Croatian via Bosnia (Budapest-Osijek-Sarajevo-Ploče) is projected to run very close to Slavonski Brod, but for now, only small pieces of the road in Croatia and Hungary are built. Other roads connect city to Pecs (Hungary), Osijek and Sarajevo.
By boat - Although river Sava is suitable for sailing, it is currently only used for freight traffic. However, ambitious projects are under way which would include tourist boats from other cities on the Sava river.
