Historic Walls of Ilok restored and opened

(Photo credit: Katarina Živković)

Ilok, May 2, 2024 – The release of balloons marked the beginning of the celebration to promote the revitalized historical core of Ilok, which will last until Sunday, May 5th.

On Thursday, more than two hundred guests and dignitaries from all parts of Croatia, guided by experts, toured the renovated medieval core of beautiful Ilok.

(Photo credit: Katarina Živković)

Not even rainy clouds deterred them from strolling through the new tourist attraction – the Ilok walls, and enjoying a unique view of the easternmost town in Croatia, which now offers not only top-quality wines but also a unique interpretation of its rich cultural heritage.

“The cultural heritage is our most valuable asset in Ilok, and with the completion of the renovation of the old core, the walls, the Franciscan monastery, the Žitnica building, and the Podrumareva house owned by Iločki podrumi, we have offered a new experience of the city. I am extremely happy that we have completed this extensive project, designed in 2012.

(Photo credit: Katarina Živković)

The works began in 2021 and were completed by the end of 2023. The project has been funded with just under nine million euros, with almost 6.7 million euros co-financed by the European Union from the Operational Program Competitiveness and Cohesion 2014 – 2020,” emphasized Marina Budimir, the mayor of Ilok, opening the rich program that the people of Ilok and their guests will enjoy until Sunday.

In addition to the free tour of the restored walls, workshops for children, an exhibition at the City Museum of Ilok, and open doors of Iloč wineries, from 5 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the people of Ilok can also enjoy a free ride on the tourist train along the route Old Cellar – Principovac – Old Cellar.

(Photo credit: Katarina Živković)

A Gem on the Danube

“The Ilok walls are the largest and best-preserved fortification complex in continental Croatia, but it is important to emphasize that cultural heritage is not an end in itself. Besides being an essential part of our national identity, it is also a resource that can be economically exploited. Therefore, this project and its implementation are important in the context of the economic utilization of cultural heritage,” said Marko Mikolašević, the head of the Conservation Department in Vukovar and representative of the Minister of Culture and Media.

(Photo credit: Katarina Živković)

This sentiment was echoed by Damir Dekanić, the prefect of Vukovar-Srijem County, who highlighted that with the completion of this project, Ilok has become a true gem on the Danube with exceptional historical and cultural heritage.

(Photo credit: Katarina Živković)

“It is our task to restore heritage as faithfully as possible and to make Ilok more accessible in terms of transportation. In Vukovar-Srijem County, we are making maximum efforts and striving to achieve this as soon as possible. I believe that there will be more and more visitors to Ilok from now on; that is what we aim for and what drives the development of every community. With more tourists, the economy will develop not only in the city of Ilok but also in its surroundings,” said Prefect Dekanić.

(Photo credit: Katarina Živković)

Cultural Heritage for Future Generations

“In addition to the eno-gastronomic offer, we have expanded our tourist offer to include cultural heritage. This project is a prime example of quality management and sustainable development. It is the duty of local government units and counties to take care of cultural heritage and preserve it for future generations,” stated Majda Jakša, director of the Vukovar-Srijem County Tourist Board.

(Photo credit: Katarina Živković)

One of the partners in this exceptionally demanding and extensive project to restore the medieval core is Iločki podrumi, which presented its premium line Sofija in the beautifully renovated cellar. Antonijo Kraljević, the president of the Management Board of Iločki podrumi, emphasized that with the project, long-unused facilities have been put into use. Iločki podrumi, as well as the city of Ilok, have gained new accommodation capacities – 12 rooms in the late Baroque Žitnica and two apartments in the Podrumareva house, thus partially solving the problem of their shortage in a city that is becoming an increasingly sought-after tourist destination.

(Photo credit: Katarina Živković)

Falling in love with Ilok is not difficult. It is a city that captivates at first sight, and you will remember the view from the restored walls for a long time.