Opérateur

The Academy of Arts and Culture in Osijek is a higher education institution realizing artistic and scientific courses of study at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels. Its' study courses all aim at interdisciplinary approach between different areas of art and science, whether their main area of study is applied art including use of creative technologies, theatre, art or music pedagogy, instrumental studies, media studies or cultural management.

Projet

The historic wine cellars in the Danube region (eastern Croatia) represent an exceptional aspect of the cultural and economic heritage, enriching the broader cultural heritage of the region. They were created during the period from the 13th to the 19th century, often as an indispensable part of feudal aristocratic or church estates. It is estimated that there are about fifteen of them in that area. The oldest in Croatia, their construction and architectural features are specific even in the European environment. They also bear witness to the centuries-old rich history of viticulture and wine production. Deeply rooted in the wine culture that has characterized the Danube region since the time of the Roman emperor Probus, historical wine cellars have played a key role throughout history, with an emphasis on the influence of the church in the Middle Ages and the flourishing since the 17th century on the estates of Croatian and European nobility. So far, the focus has often been on the architectural and cultural significance of castles and noble estates, while outbuildings and wine cellars have been less explored. However, these cellars, in addition to being associated with the production, aging and storage of wine, played a key role in shaping the social, economic and cultural history of this area, as well as its landscape. Within the framework of the proposed project, the goal is to investigate, document, valorize and interpret these unique objects in detail in order to preserve their authenticity, cultural value and enable integration into the modern context, especially through the development of wine tourism. Through mapping and analysis of their architectural features, we plan to create an information base that will include and compare examples from other relevant countries. This initiative is not only aimed at preserving the past, but also at reviving cultural heritage through activities such as virtual walks, cultural routes and proposals for the revitalization of selected cellars. The project will contribute to a better understanding of the rich history of viticulture in this area and highlight the cultural and touristic value of the historical wine cellars of eastern Croatia. Objectives of the project: 1. Research, document and map historical wine cellars in the area of eastern Croatia, assessing their age, architectural features and cultural and historical value. 2. Interpret different architectural types of wine cellars with a focus on their role in history and the local community. 3. Valorize and present these historical cellars through virtual walks, cultural routes and a website. 4. Develop interdisciplinary educational materials for the interested public, students, tourists and the local community. Organization of virtual, interactive and experiential activities and workshops related to wine culture and the architecture of historic cellars. 5. Creative interpretation of wine culture and its tangible and intangible heritage in order to encourage its resilience and sustainability. Project activities: 1. Research • Creating a database of information on historical cellars, including comparative examples from other relevant countries. Additional field research of selected locations in Croatia and abroad. • Mapping and documenting the identified cellars. 2. Interpretation, valorization and presentation • Identification of different types of wine cellars and their interpretation. • Recording virtual tours of wine cellars inaccessible to the public • Designing a cultural route connected to historical cellars. • Creating a website 3. Education • Creation of educational materials • Organization of educational workshops and activities

Partenaire(s) recherché(s)

Croatia, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Serbia, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Germany Historic architecture, cultural history, cultural studies, tourism 2025

Contact

Margareta Turkalj (margareta.turkalj@uaos.hr)