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Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul

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Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul (Croatia)

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The Co-cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul in Osijek is an imposing Neo-Gothic structure and one of the most prominent landmarks of the Slavonia region. It was built between 1894 and 1900 on the initiative of Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer, replacing an older Baroque church. With a spire reaching 90 meters, it is the second tallest religious building in Croatia, dominating the skyline of the city of Osijek. Approximately 3.5 million red bricks were used for its construction, following the designs of German architect Franz Langenberg and Viennese architect Richard Jordan. The interior is decorated with elaborate stained glass windows and murals by the painter Mirko Rački, depicting biblical scenes and historical motifs. Despite suffering severe damage during the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s, the cathedral has been meticulously restored and continues to function as a vital religious and cultural heart of the city.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C0271217222424181371
Rain mm464847508183615762575047

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The cathedral is open to visitors; you can tour the nave and side chapels. Entry is free, donations are welcome.
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Typical hours
The cathedral is typically open during daytime, usually 10 AM to 6 PM, with breaks for services. Sunday mornings may have restricted access.
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Photography
Photography is allowed without flash or tripod; during services, refrain from taking photos. The high vaults and colorful windows are impressive subjects.
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Time needed
Allow about 20-30 minutes for the interior to admire the neo-Gothic architectural details. Those who wish to climb the tower should add another half hour.
Combine with
The cathedral is in the center of Osijek; combine the visit with a walk through the pedestrian zone and to the Tvrđa fortress. The Drava promenade also invites relaxation.
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Getting there
The cathedral is centrally located and easily reached on foot from the main square (Ante Starčević Square). By bus, take it to the 'Katedrala' stop.
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Insider tip
Visit the cathedral in the late afternoon when the sun shines through the colorful stained-glass windows. The 90-meter-tall tower features a great view over the city and the Slavonian plain.

Geography

Coordinates
45.56030, 18.67610

Facts

  • Built between 1894 and 1900 in the Neo-Gothic architectural style.
  • The spire reaches a height of 90 meters, making it the tallest building in Osijek.
  • Approximately 3.5 million red bricks were used to construct the massive facade.
  • The interior contains five altars, with the main altar dedicated to Peter and Paul.
  • Murals inside the church were painted by Mirko Rački between 1938 and 1942.
  • The cathedral was struck by over 100 shells during the war in the early 1990s.

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Sights in the town Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul (10)

Županijska palača🏰 castle

Županijska palača: public administration building in Osijek, seat of the county, built in the 18th century.

konkatedrala svetog Petra i Pavla

konkatedrala svetog Petra i Pavla: neo-Gothic co-cathedral in Osijek, built in 1898, with a 90 m tower.

Hrvatsko narodno kazalište u Osijeku

Hrvatsko narodno kazalište u Osijeku: theatre in Osijek, opened in 1866, featuring a classicist facade.

🕒 Mo-Fr 10:00-19:30; Sa 10:00-13:00

Palača Normann🏰 castle

Palača Normann: government building in Osijek, built in the 18th century, now houses city offices.

Crkva sv. Jakova

Crkva sv. Jakova: convent church in Osijek, baroque style, with an 18th-century Franciscan monastery.

Evangelička crkva

Evangelička crkva: evangelical church in Osijek, built in 1902 in neo-Gothic style.

Muzej likovnih umjetnosti🏛 museum

Muzej likovnih umjetnosti: art gallery in Osijek, displaying works by Croatian painters from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Secesijski zdenac

Secesijski zdenac: Art Nouveau fountain in Osijek, decorated with floral motifs and sculptures.

Zgrada Solarskog ureda

Zgrada Solarskog ureda: manor in Osijek, former salt office, built in the 18th century.

Stakleni vidikovac

Stakleni vidikovac: glass viewpoint in Osijek offering panoramic views of the city and the Drava River.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How high is the tower of the Osijek Co-cathedral?
The tower is 90 meters high, making it one of the tallest church towers in Croatia.
What is the architectural style of the church?
It is built in the Neo-Gothic style with red bricks, typical of the late 19th century.
Who initiated the construction?
Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer was the driving force behind the construction of the church.
Can you visit the interior of the church?
Yes, it is open daily. The wall paintings by Mirko Rački are definitely worth seeing.
Was the church damaged during the war?
Yes, it suffered heavy damage during the Croatian War of Independence but has since been restored.
Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul: where is it located?
Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul is located in Croatia.
Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul: what is there to see?
Highlights include Županijska palača, konkatedrala svetog Petra i Pavla, Hrvatsko narodno kazalište u Osijeku.
Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
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