Staro Petrovo Selo: History and Cultural Heritage

If you are looking for a hotel in Staro Petrovo Selo, you can choose where to stay based on specific cultural and landscape themes. The history of the Slavija dairy is linked to food production; near Oštri Vrh, archaeological finds meet traces of an earlier church. The wider destination of the Municipality of Staro Petrovo Selo also encompasses historic religious buildings, wine traditions and varied landscapes. This can help you decide which themes you want to shape your stay.

The history of the Slavija dairy

Staro Petrovo Selo has a food-production heritage associated with the Slavija dairy. The business began in 1911 with the collection and processing of milk. Milk powder production began in 1924, and a modern dairy factory was established in 1926. These three dates mark distinct stages in its development: from collecting and processing milk, to a new product, and then to a modern factory.

On 27 May 1941, the company was renamed “Herman Wentenze, mljekara Slavija.” The dairy is regarded as Croatia’s first factory for milk powder and condensed milk, in Staro Petrovo Selo. Thus, the town’s history offers a tangible connection to industrial food production, alongside religious buildings and landscapes.

Another local landmark is a 28-metre-deep artesian well next to the Zagreb–Lipovac motorway. In 1953, it was turned into a fountain. It is known as Lav; an otter’s head is carved into the stone slab above it.

Churches and historical traces

In the wider destination of the Municipality of Staro Petrovo Selo, Staro Petrovo Selo is home to the parish church of St Anthony of Padua. Built and consecrated in 1777, it is a single-nave Baroque building. Antun Keller painted three frescoes in the chancel in 1819: the Nativity of Jesus, the Transfiguration of Jesus and the Last Supper. The church’s construction history, architectural style and painted decoration offer different historical points of reference.

Oštri Vrh lies 2 km north of Staro Petrovo Selo. In the wider destination of the Municipality of Staro Petrovo Selo, the chapel dedicated to St Vitus is located there and belongs to the parish of St Anthony of Padua in Staro Petrovo Selo. Finds of clay, stone and bronze objects attest to settlement since prehistoric times; at the same time, the area has so far been insufficiently researched. Historical sources also mention the ruins of an earlier church of St Ladislaus on a hill among vineyards in 1730.

Landscapes in the wider destination

In the wider destination of the Municipality of Staro Petrovo Selo, the northern part of the municipality includes the southern slopes of the Požeška gora uplands. Deciduous forest covers the slopes, interspersed with vineyards and orchards. In the south, the land gradually descends towards the Crnac field. These descriptions show two distinct landscape areas within the municipality.

In the wider destination of the Municipality of Staro Petrovo Selo, the Jambrovac excursion site lies above Tisovac. In fine weather, it attracts many visitors looking for fresh air and time in nature. The reference to good weather is part of the description of how the site is used.

Wine traditions and getting there

In the wider destination of the Municipality of Staro Petrovo Selo, the “Sveti Vinko” association of winegrowers and fruit growers traditionally holds a folk festival in Staro Petrovo Selo for Martinje. During the wine-blessing ceremony, must is declared to be wine. This custom adds another connection to regional food and wine culture alongside the history of the dairy.

In the wider destination of the Municipality of Staro Petrovo Selo, Staro Petrovo Selo lies on the regional road between Nova Gradiška and Slavonski Brod, as well as on the Posavina railway line. If you are planning to travel by train or car, check the latest train schedules and road conditions before setting off.

For the wider travel overview: Municipality of Staro Petrovo Selo.