Ilok walls are open, additional tourism growth is expected

More than two hundred guests and invited guests from all parts of Croatia toured the restored medieval core of beautiful Ilok on Thursday with expert guidance. Even the rain clouds did not prevent them from taking a walk along the new tourist attraction - the Ilok Walls and enjoying a unique view of the easternmost city in Croatia, which, in addition to top wines, now offers a unique interpretation of the rich cultural heritage.

- Cultural heritage is the most valuable thing that we have in Ilok, and with the completion of the renovation of the old core, the walls, the Franciscan monastery, the Granary building and the Cellar's house owned by the Ilok cellars, we have offered a new experience of the city. I am extremely happy that we finished this extensive project designed in 2012. The work started in 2021 and was completed at the end of 2023. Just under nine million euros were invested in the project, and with almost 6.7 million euros, it was co-financed by the European Union from the Operational Program Competitiveness and cohesion in 2014-2020, Marina Budimir, the mayor of Ilok, pointed out, opening a rich program that will be enjoyed by the people of Ilok and their guests until Sunday.

In addition to a free tour of the restored walls, workshops for children, an exhibition in the Museum of the town of Ilok and the open doors of Ilok wineries, the people of Ilok can ride the tourist train for free on the route Stari podrum - Principovac - Stari podrum from 5 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

- The walls of Ilok are the largest and best-preserved fortification complex in continental Croatia, but it is important to point out that cultural heritage is not an end in itself. In addition to being an important part of our national identity, it is also a resource that can be used economically, therefore this project and its implementation are important in this context of the economic use of cultural heritage, said Marko Mikolašević, head of the Conservation Department in Vukovar and representative of the Minister of Culture and Media. .

The prefect of the Vukovar-Srijem County, Damir Dekanić, agreed with him and pointed out that with the completion of this project, Ilok has become a real pearl on the Danube with an exceptional historical and cultural heritage.

- Our task is to restore the heritage in as faithful an edition as possible and make Ilok more accessible in terms of traffic. In the Vukovar-Srijem County, we are making maximum efforts to realize this as soon as possible. I believe that from now on there will be more and more visitors in Ilok, that is what we strive for and what is the flywheel of the development of every environment. A greater number of tourists will develop the economy not only of the town of Ilok, but also of its surroundings," said Prefect Dekanić.

- In addition to the eno-gastro offer, we have expanded our tourist offer to include cultural heritage. This project is a true example of quality management and sustainable development. It is the duty of local self-government units and counties to take care of cultural heritage and preserve it for future generations, said Majda Jakša, director of the TZ of Vukovar-Srijem County.

One of the partners in this extremely demanding and extensive project of the renovation of the medieval core is Iločki podrumi, who presented their premium Sofija line in the beautifully renovated basement, which will soon be launched on the market. Antonijo Kraljević, President of the Management Board of Iločki podrumi pointed out that with the renovation project, long unused facilities were put into operation, Iločki podrumi, but also the town of Ilok, received new accommodation facilities - 12 rooms in the late-baroque Zitnica and two apartments in the Podrumar's house, and at least partially solved the problem of their lack in a city that is increasingly in demand as a tourist destination.

Because it is not difficult to fall in love with Ilok. It is the city that conquers you at first sight, and you will remember the view from the restored walls for a long time.