Josipa Lisac's verse from 1987 „Where Danube kisses the sky“, perfectly describes the beauties of the Ilok vineyards.
Gentle slopes of the Croatian part of Srijem where juicy grapes of Chardonnay, Rhine Riesling, Frankovka, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Silvanac, Pinot, inevitable Traminac have been cultivated for the centuries, as well as sun riped pears, apples, apricots, quinces...
combined with the magic of the Danube River offer each visitor a dream vacation.
The old royal city of Ilok of rich and turbulent history is located on the right bank of the Danube River
in the area of Srijem, surrounded by the slopes of Fruška gora and the mentioned fragrant vineyards.
It was first mentioned back in 1267 while its most famous owner was Nikola of Ilok in the 15th century,
a Croatian-Hungarian aristocrat. During his reign the city flourished.
The city walls were built which even today are in most of its part well preserved.
Nikola of Ilok also restored the Franciscan monastery and the church of St. John of
Capistrano from the 14th century who was a famous fighter against the Ottomans.
Valuable monuments of Islamic culture are preserved from the Ottoman period.
The town is dominated by the Odescalchi castle which represents the medieval core together with
the wall remains and St. John of Capistrano church. It is assumed that Nikola of Ilok built it in the Middle ages.
Many reconstructions and renovations have been made on the Castle,
the last one after the recent war during which the town suffered great destruction and occupation.