Općina Nuštar: Churches, Castle History and the Vuka Valley

Organs from Vienna, a castle with a history of changing uses, and archaeological finds give Općina Nuštar a multifaceted character. The municipality lies in the far east of Vukovar-Srijem County, between Vinkovci and Vukovar. Churches, landscapes and historical traces offer different themes to explore as you plan your trip.

Finding your way between the Vuka and the cities

Nuštar lies in the Vuka Valley and along the Vinkovci–Vukovar road and railway line. This connection places the municipality between the two cities. If you are planning to travel by train, check the connections for your travel dates.

The former manor hunting ground of Zverinjak has a distinctive landscape setting: it lies on a large island surrounded by a marshy former meander of the Vuka. The valley, the river’s course and the area’s former use as a hunting ground each tell a different part of the landscape’s history.

The castle and churches as traces of history

The oldest Baroque section of Dvorac Gosseau-Sandor-Khuen was built through the work of Count Maximilian Eugen Gosseau d’Heneff. Almost the entire estate behind the castle was turned into a large park. The former uses of some buildings are also part of the estate’s history: a granary in the park was converted into a stable, and a circular riding arena was laid out in front of it.

The castle chapel Uznesenja sv. Križa served as Nuštar’s parish church until 1860. Further building phases can be distinguished at the parish church of Duha Svetoga: its tower dates from 1840, while the nave was built in 1860. The church also houses organs by G. Peter Titza, made in Vienna in 1863. The building history and furnishings complement each other, but do not represent the same period.

Churches in Marinci and Cerić also tell of different events. The new church Crkva Male Gospe in Marinci was completed and blessed on September 8, 2005. The new Crkva sv. Katarine in Cerić was completed in 2008, after the former church was destroyed in 1993. These dates record both a completion and blessing, and a destruction followed by a new building.

Archaeological evidence and digital search

At the archaeological site of Nuštar–Dvorac, a child aged between zero and five was buried with a complete, 39-piece belt set. This find draws attention to a single burial and its distinctive grave good. Grave 102 at the Avar site of Nuštar also contains ceramic vessels and an iron ring among its grave goods. The two records concern different archaeological details.

A digital search by grave number is available for the Avar site of Nuštar. It provides a targeted way to explore the archaeological records, while the finds mentioned here reveal different objects and burial features. If you are interested in history, you can complement Nuštar’s architecture and landscape with a digital route to individual grave numbers.

Commemorative days and regional themes

Every year from late September to mid-October, the municipality holds the Days of Defence and Municipality Days, with commemorative events. The exact programme may vary, so check the dates for your travel year if you would like to plan your trip around these events.

Beyond Nuštar, Vukovar-Srijem County also offers distinct archaeological themes. The Vučedol site is in Vukovar-Srijem County, four kilometres downstream from Vukovar. The Museum of Vučedol Culture is located at an archaeological site on the banks of the Danube and presents its historical and archaeological significance through contemporary interpretation. This lets you extend your exploration of Nuštar’s local church, castle and archaeological history to take in the wider region.

Discover more destinations: Marinci, Vukovar, Općina Bošnjaci, Vinkovci, Trpinja, Općina Vođinci, Općina Ilok, Općina Nijemci.

View the wider travel overview: Vukovar-Srijem.