December 14, 2019 – Another fantastic addition to the renaissance of Osijek’s old town – a former military bakery with a modern twist and some very old graffiti.
One of the many highlights in another exceptional year in this beautiful country was the opportunity to explore Slavonia and the east in greater detail. I still have more to write on my October visits to Ilok and Kopacki Rit, but one place that grows on me more and more with every visit is Osijek. I don’t think anyone who visited Days of Croatian Tourism will forget the outstanding display put on by the organisers of the Osijek part of the itinerary. The old town really came to life, and I could see that many first-time visitors from Zagreb and the coast were visibly surprised at the beauty and show. It was a wonderful experience, and you can capture a glimpse of the action in the impressive official video below.
While walking around the old two, the Osijek maestros and top Croatian photographers, Mario Romulic and Drazen Stojcic, took me around their native town, pointing out things of interest, including a stunning new square at Tvrdja that had until recently been a muddy car park. But they made no mention of THIS – a superbly renovated former military bakery in the old town, exquisitely adapted for modern use, while preserving much of the character of the past, including the 200-year-old graffiti.
Perhaps it is best explained by architect Bruno Rechner, the project architect, before enjoy the fruits of his work through the lens of Romulic and Stojcic.
In the middle of Tvrdja in Osijek there’s a special building, great cultural heritage. 200 years ago it was a military bakery. The preserved graffiti on the walls and great ovens are telling us the story. Today it is reconstructed to a multifunctional space. Every level has it’s own functionality, but they all are very complementary.
Exterior is like it was before, we have only added new glass staircase.
On the ground level there’s a lobby, cafe, restaurant, co-working space and meeting areas. On the first level there’s a hostel with 15 rooms. On the second level there are offices and workshops. On the roof level there’s a great conference hall.
Reconstruction cost: 40 million kuna, 80% EU funding
Old bakery…reconstruction designed by Rechner architects…
Learn more about the Slavonian capital in the Total Croatia Osijek in a Page guide.
For the latest news from Osijek, check out the dedicated TCN section.
