Church of St. Peter and Paul, Osijek
Osječko-baranjska županija
The Church of St. Peter and Paul, also known as Osječka konkatedrala, is a neo-Gothic co-cathedral located in Osijek, Croatia. It serves as the co-cathedral of the Đakovo-Osijek Archdiocese and is one of the most significant religious buildings in the region. The present church was built between 1894 and 1898 on the site of an older Baroque parish church dating from 1732, which had become too small for the growing city. Designed by German architect Franz Langenberg, the church features a striking 94-meter tall tower and a spacious interior with three naves covering an area of 1062 square meters. The interior decoration was completed between 1938 and 1942 by renowned Croatian painter Mirko Rački, who adorned the walls and ceilings with vivid frescoes depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The cathedral is notable for its rich neo-Gothic ornamentation, colorful stained glass windows, and stone altars. Despite suffering heavy damage during the Croatian War of Independence in 1991, the church remained a place of worship throughout the conflict. Today, it is the third largest church in Croatia, after the cathedrals in Zagreb and Đakovo, and the tallest church outside Zagreb, with a capacity to hold over 3,000 people during services. The church is an important cultural and spiritual symbol for Osijek and the wider Slavonia region.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to attend weekday or Sunday masses to experience the church's spiritual atmosphere. The best time to visit is during spring and early autumn for pleasant weather. Tickets are generally not required for entry, but donations are welcome. Guided tours may be available through the parish office. Due to the church's active use, visitors should respect service times and dress modestly. Check the official website or contact the parish for the latest mass schedules and special events.
Interesting facts
- •The church's tower is 94 meters tall, making it the highest church tower in Croatia outside of Zagreb.
- •It is the third largest church in Croatia, after Zagreb Cathedral and Đakovo Cathedral.
- •The building contains over three and a half million bricks and stone altars made of colored stone.
- •The four bells in the tower weigh a combined total of 5,288 kilograms.
- •During the Croatian War of Independence in 1991, the church was directly hit by projectiles more than 100 times but remained functional for worship services.
History
The original parish church on the site was built in 1732 but eventually became inadequate for Osijek's growing population.
In 1866, Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer initiated plans for a new church.
After a slow fundraising process, construction began in 1894 following a design competition won by Franz Langenberg.
The old church was demolished, and the new neo-Gothic co-cathedral was completed externally by 1898, with consecration occurring in 1900.
Interior decoration continued until 1942, including significant frescoes by Mirko Rački.
The church sustained heavy damage during the Croatian War of Independence in 1991 but was preserved and maintained as a place of worship.
It was elevated to co-cathedral status in 2008 with the establishment of the Đakovo-Osijek Archdiocese.
Place Guide
Main Tower1898
The 94-meter tall neo-Gothic tower dominates Osijek's skyline and is a landmark visible from many parts of the city. It was designed to symbolize spiritual aspiration and architectural grandeur.
Interior Frescoes1938-1942
Painted by Mirko Rački between 1938 and 1942, the vivid frescoes cover the walls and ceilings illustrating key biblical scenes from both the Old and New Testaments, enriching the spiritual ambiance.
Neo-Gothic Ornamentation1898-1942
The interior is richly decorated with neo-Gothic motifs, including stone altars crafted from colored stone and abundant stained glass windows that illuminate the nave with vibrant light.
Contact
Phone: 031 310 020
