April the 28th, 2026 – An enormous tourism project in Slavonia connects tourism, food and tradition. A huge sum of cash is being poured in to attempt to level up the neglected east with the rest of the country.
As Baustela/Nina Santek writes, a brand new attraction in eastern Croatia will celebrate one of the most beloved meat products of the region – and much more. The main project for Slavonia’s Kuća šunke in Stari Mikanovci, in the western part of Vukovar-Srijem County, was actually completed back in June 2022. In true Croatian fashion, the news has only recently spread throughout the nation. The facility has been designed as a place where visitors can learn about local eastern Croatian production, taste products from local OPGs (family farms) and also spend the night there.
slavonia – connecting tourism, food and tradition
A tender for the construction of the aforementioned facility focusing primarily on local ham (šunka) has now been opened in public procurement. The entire job is estimated to be worth 1.26 million euros. Interested parties can submit their bids until May the 14th, with the procedure being conducted as a tender for the construction of an accommodation and restaurant building.
As stated in the architectural project, the future complex has been designed as a multi-purpose catering, hospitality and tourist building that combines local food, accommodation, and the promotion of local products. The Municipality of Stari Mikanovci is investing in its construction, aiming to develop the local tourist offer and valorise traditional Slavonian products, of course, this refers primarily to the region’s iconic cured meats. The idea is that visitors can taste the products made by local family farms, as well as enjoy hospitality, catering and accommodation facilities all in one place.
The project envisages the future complex’s construction on a plot spanning 2,656 square metres. The building should have one underground and two above-ground floors and a total height of 9.3 metres to the roof ridge. The project further states that the roof will be a classic gable roof, with a slope of 30 degrees and a clay tile roof, in accordance with Slavonia’s local construction tradition.
According to the details of this commendable project, the future eastern Croatian tourism hot spot will be functionally divided into three main units. The basement will house a space for selling and tasting local products, including products from local family farms. The ground floor will be reserved for a restaurant with a capacity of about 150 seats, with a covered terrace and accompanying facilities such as a kitchen, bar, toilets and special areas for ripening the meat. The attic is planned to house a hostel with 18 rooms and a total of 25 beds, which also allows for accommodation for guests who come on a tourist tour or for a shorter stay.
in relatively un-croatian fashion – the complex already has a permit!
In addition to the catering function, the project would also have a broader development role. It aims to stimulate the local economy, and see Slavonia finally totally connect tourism, food and tradition through agricultural production. It will therefore create a recognisable place for the promotion of Slavonian gastronomy. At the same time, emphasis has been placed on preserving traditional architecture, meaning that the materials and design elements will be characteristic of the Slavonian climate and surroundings.
A courtyard with a car park and a playground is also planned for the building, and the functions will be separated by separate entrances – the main entrance for restaurant guests and tasting will be located on the street side, and additional entrances, including access to the hostel, will be located in the courtyard. All together, it forms a complete tourist complex that should contribute to the visibility of this somewhat forgotten part of Slavonia.
The investor for the construction also already has a permit for the construction of the building issued back on November the 24th, 2022.
financing through the itu mechanism
In addition, back in December 2025, a decision was made to finance the construction of the project. At the meeting of the Council for Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem, it was confirmed that the project would be financed with 2.2 million euros through a development agreement, while an additional 900,000 euros for equipment would be provided through the Vinkovci ITU mechanism.
The project represents an important development step for the Municipality of Stari Mikanovci, which wants to stimulate the local economy and improve the tourist offer. In addition to the restaurant and tasting room, there will also be a hostel with a capacity of 25 beds.
The aim of the project is to strengthen livestock production and support local producers, especially in the context of recovery after problems caused by African swine fever. In cooperation with the association of breeders and producers, the project should contribute to the production of top quality domestic cured meat products, but also to additionally promote the tradition of Slavonian pig farming.
