A ring of high mountains surrounds Požega-Slavonia. This area is called the Golden Valley wine route because of its rich harvest. The soil here is very special because it was once the floor of an ancient sea. Stop at the Kutjevo cellars to see where the magic happens. These wine tunnels were built by monks in the year 1232. You can walk through the dark halls and see giant oak barrels that are older than the city. Some of these tunnels run right under the town streets. Legend says that an Empress and a General once spent a week hiding in these cellars.
The hills of Papuk and Psunj are covered in thick green trees. You can find the ruins of Ružica grad which was a massive medieval castle. It is a bit of a hike to get there but the view is worth the effort. The roads through the vineyards have many curves and offer great views of the valley. You will see small chapels dedicated to Saint Vincent who protects the grapes from storms. The history of the Romans is still felt in the wine culture of this valley. They were the first to see that this land was perfect for making wine.
Visit the Papuk Nature Park and take the "Count's Trail" at Jankovac to see two-century-old beech trees and the 35-meter Skakavac waterfall. For a culinary stop head to Požega and order "vinogradarski ćevap" which is a local meat specialty roasted on a spit between vineyard rows. Stop at the Krauthaker or Enjingi wineries for a tasting of world-class Graševina. If you are interested in geology the Zvečevo area features rare volcanic rocks that are millions of years old. The best time to drive this route is during the "Aurea Fest" in September when the town squares are filled with traditional music.
Požega Slavonia highlights
- Kutjevo Wine Cellars Visit the tunnels built by monks eight hundred years ago to store their famous wine. The stone walls are cold and hold some of the oldest bottles in the land. Legend says an empress once hid in these cellars with a general.
- Papuk Count’s Trail Walk the forest path at Jankovac to see ancient trees and a hidden mountain stream. The air is very fresh and the waterfalls make a peaceful sound in the woods. You can follow the signs to see a cave high on the cliff.
- Požega Cathedral Square See the beautiful baroque church that sits in the heart of the golden valley town. The square is surrounded by yellow buildings and has a very old stone monument. It is a classic example of central European style and art.
- Sovsko Lake Visit the only remain of the ancient Pannonian sea hidden on a high green hill. The lake is round and surrounded by thick woods and many types of birds. A wooden tower nearby offers a view of the whole forest and the lake.
- Lipik State Stud Farm Drive to the town of Lipik to see the famous white Lipizzaner horses in their home. You can watch them run in the fields and visit the old stables. The town also has a beautiful park with old palm trees and glass houses.
- Zlatni Lug Farm Stop at this traditional estate to see how people lived and worked in the old days. They have a small pond and serve food made from their own garden crops. You can walk around the farm and see the local animals and plants.
- Velika Thermal Springs Take a dip in the pools at the foot of the Papuk mountain for a warm break. The water comes from deep in the earth and is perfect for a rest. The surrounding green hills make it a very beautiful place to swim.
- Omanovac Viewpoint Drive to the top of the Psunj mountain for a view that covers the whole of Slavonia. There is a lodge where you can eat and watch the stars at night. The forest road to the top is quiet and very green.
- Pakrac City Museum Learn about the first mint in the country where silver coins were made long ago. The museum is in an old stone building with a lot of local history. You can see how the coins were stamped by hand in the past.
- Pleternica Rose Path Walk through the town gardens filled with thousands of roses that bloom in the summer. The town is also famous for its old church and the music festival. It is a sweet smelling stop for any road trip through the valley.
The local Four
History of Požega Slavonia
The Požega valley is a Golden Crater surrounded by five mountain ranges that protect it from the wind. Millions of years ago, this was an island in the Pannonian Sea, and you can still find shark teeth and fossilized whales on the mountain slopes. This geological bowl created the perfect microclimate for Rome's favorite wines, earning it the nickname "Vallis Aurea" in ancient texts. This unique geography created the perfect microclimate for Rome's favorite wines.
In the 1200s, Cistercian monks built the Kutjevo wine cellars, creating an underground world that is still used today. Legend says Empress Maria Theresa and Baron Trenk spent seven days locked in these cellars, leaving a permanent dent in the stone table during their discussions. The monks’ meticulous records of harvests and soil conditions laid the groundwork for the region's modern agricultural success. The region is a mix of high-proof history and deep mountain mystery.
The peaks of Papuk are a UNESCO Geopark because they hold the oldest rocks in Croatia, dating back over 600 million years. Ruins like Ružica Grad tower over the forest, showing where medieval knights once guarded the valley’s wealth. These ruins are so extensive that archeologists believe they once housed a significant standing army and a royal mint. For a road trip, it is the best place to find high-altitude views in the middle of a flat land.