About Požeško-slavonska county

Požega – Slavonia County is one of the smallest counties of the Republic of Croatia, comprising an area of 1815 km2 and it is populated by more than 85 800 citizens. It is situated out of main traffic routes running along Sava and Drava rivers. That is precisely what gives it a particular charm. Požega – Slavonia County does not conform to a usual view of flat Slavonian plains, since this relatively small area abounds with fertile plains, as well as mountains and hills, graced by renowned vineyards and capped by forests.

The county consists of two distinct areas – Požega valley and Pakrac-Lipik region, and its organizational structure comprises 5 cities (Požega, Pakrac, Lipik, Pleternica and Kutjevo) and 5 municipalities (Brestovac, Velika, Kaptol, Jakšić and Čaglin). Požega valley is surrounded by mountains and hills, namely Psunj (984 m), Papuk (953 m), Krndija (792 m), Dilj (461 m) and Požeška Gora (618 m). A number of brooks flow don their slopes into two main rivers – Orljava and Londža.

Požega – Slavonia County has a long history. Numerous archaeological sites indicate human presence in the area since prehistory. During Roman era, the valley was called “Vallis aurea” – golden valley. History of the county may be reliably traced through records since the Middle Ages, as its oldest historical record dates back to 1210. In 1227, Požega was first mentioned in a document as a fortress, seat of the county and one of the most prominent cities of medieval Slavonia. Apart from Požega, settlements of Kaptol, Kutjevo, Pleternica, Velika and Pakrac were also important at the time, the latter being also a site where banovac coins were minted. During 150-year long Ottoman rule, Požega was seat of a sanjak (administrative division of Ottoman empire) encompassing large portion of Slavonia, while Pakrac was also briefly seat of a sanjak. In the middle of the 18th century, following expulsion of the Turks, Požega County was restored, and it comprised significantly greater area than the medieval Požega County. At the same time, Požega gains status of a free royal city. In the 19th century, as it gains importance as cultural, education, economic and religious centre, Požega is commonly styled "Slavonian Athens".
We shall briefly describe major towns and cities of the county, starting from the west and proceeding to the east.

Lipik is well known as a thermal spa and Lipizzaner horse breeding centre.

Pakrac gained importance during the Middle Ages as a major fortress and mint (banovac coins). Pakrac and Lipik region, as well as the western portion of Brestovac municipality have been severely damaged during Homeland War.

Požega treasures a long urban, administrative, cultural, education, religious and economic tradition. Today it is the seat of Požega Diocese, Požega – Slavonia County, Požega Polytechnic, and a number of other cultural and educational institutions.

Pleternica is well-known pilgrimage site to Our Lady of Tears, and an important traffic hub.

Kutjevo is one of the most prominent winemaking centres of Croatia, treasuring vine growing and winemaking tradition lasting since 1232.

Kaptol features one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in its centre.

Velika is well-known not only after its thermal spring, but also as an excursion site and a base for visitors to Nature Park Papuk, which has been recently joined network of European Geoparks.

In Čaglin region, at the heart of Dilj mountain, there is well-known, and recently more frequently visited Sovsko Lake, the last remnant of former Pannonian Sea (Paratethys) in the country.