A ring of high mountains surrounds **Požega-Slavonia**. This area is called the **Golden Valley wine route** because of its rich harvest. The soil here is very special because it was once the floor of an ancient sea. Stop at the **Kutjevo cellars** to see where the magic happens. These wine tunnels were built by monks in the year 1232. You can walk through the dark halls and see giant oak barrels that are older than the city. Some of these tunnels run right under the town streets. Legend says that an Empress and a General once spent a week hiding in these cellars. The hills of **Papuk and Psunj** are covered in thick green trees. You can find the ruins of **Ružica grad** which was a massive medieval castle. It is a bit of a hike to get there but the view is worth the effort. The roads through the vineyards have many curves and offer great views of the valley. You will see small chapels dedicated to Saint Vincent who protects the grapes from storms. The history of the Romans is still felt in the wine culture of this valley. They were the first to see that this land was perfect for making wine. Visit the **Papuk Nature Park** and take the "Count's Trail" at Jankovac to see two-century-old beech trees and the 35-meter Skakavac waterfall. For a culinary stop head to Požega and order "vinogradarski ćevap" which is a local meat specialty roasted on a spit between vineyard rows. Stop at the **Krauthaker** or **Enjingi** wineries for a tasting of world-class Graševina. If you are interested in geology the **Zvečevo** area features rare volcanic rocks that are millions of years old. The best time to drive this route is during the "Aurea Fest" in September when the town squares are filled with traditional music.

Požega Slavonia highlights

Part of these road trips

Follow the routes that cross this destination

The Scenic Route

The Heritage Drive

Is this a good destination for road trips?

We're curating expert road-trip insights for this destination — check back soon.

When is the best time to visit?

Detailed seasonal travel advice is coming soon.

How long should I spend here?

Our itinerary team is building personalised duration guides — coming soon.

What are the top attractions nearby?

A curated list of must-see nearby highlights is on its way.

History of Požega Slavonia

The Požega valley is a **Golden Crater** surrounded by five mountain ranges that protect it from the wind. Millions of years ago, this was an island in the Pannonian Sea, and you can still find shark teeth and **fossilized whales** on the mountain slopes. This geological bowl created the perfect microclimate for Rome's favorite wines, earning it the nickname "Vallis Aurea" in ancient texts. This unique geography created the perfect microclimate for Rome's favorite wines. In the 1200s, Cistercian monks built the **Kutjevo wine cellars**, creating an underground world that is still used today. Legend says Empress Maria Theresa and Baron Trenk spent seven days locked in these cellars, leaving a permanent dent in the stone table during their discussions. The monks’ meticulous records of harvests and soil conditions laid the groundwork for the region's modern agricultural success. The region is a mix of **high-proof history** and deep mountain mystery. The peaks of Papuk are a **UNESCO Geopark** because they hold the oldest rocks in Croatia, dating back over 600 million years. Ruins like Ružica Grad tower over the forest, showing where **medieval knights** once guarded the valley’s wealth. These ruins are so extensive that archeologists believe they once housed a significant standing army and a royal mint. For a road trip, it is the best place to find high-altitude views in the middle of a flat land.

Požega Slavonia