Europska Avenija (European Avenue)

Europska Avenija (European Avenue)

Osječko-baranjska županija

65/10090 min

European Avenue, located in Osijek, Croatia, is the city's most representative and architecturally significant street. It features an impressive collection of historic buildings primarily in the Secessionist style, built between the early 20th century and 1915. The avenue includes notable structures such as the Gillming-Hengl building, now serving as the City and University Library, and the Neumann Villa, which houses the Museum of Fine Arts. Its architectural ensemble also includes the Korsky building and the Post Palace, unique examples of Hungarian Secessionist architecture in Osijek. The avenue has undergone several name changes reflecting the region's complex history, including names like Aleksandrova, Bulevar generalisimusa Staljina, and Bulevar Jugoslavenske narodne armije, before receiving its current name in 1993 following Croatia's independence. The street is a cultural hub, showcasing the city's rich heritage through its historic facades and important municipal buildings like the Royal Court Palace, now the municipal and county court. The avenue’s blend of historicism, Italian Renaissance, and Secessionist styles makes it a unique destination for visitors interested in architecture and history.

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Astuce: The best time to visit European Avenue is during the spring and early autumn months when the weather is pleasant for walking along the street to admire its architecture. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Museum of Fine Arts located in the Neumann Villa and the City and University Library in the Gillming-Hengl building. While entrance to the street is free, checking opening hours of individual institutions in advance is recommended. Discounts may be available for students and seniors at the museum. Comfortable footwear is advised due to the avenue’s length and the number of buildings worth seeing.

Faits intéressants

  • The Post Palace on European Avenue is a rare example of Hungarian Secessionist architecture in Osijek.
  • The Gillming-Hengl building was originally a wedding gift to Matilda Gillming and her husband, Vjekoslav Hengl, who later became the mayor of Osijek.
  • A model of the Post Palace, made from 165,000 LEGO bricks and weighing 150 kilograms, won first place in the large buildings category at Brickworld 2016 in Chicago, marking the first Croatian entry to win this prize.

Histoire

Until the late 19th century, European Avenue was merely an extension of Kapucinska Street with few buildings.

1894

In 1894, the Palace of the Economic or Trade and Crafts Chamber was constructed in the historicist style.

1897

The Neumann building, built in 1897 in the Italian Renaissance style, now houses the Museum of Fine Arts.

1904

From 1904 to 1906, a series of Secessionist buildings were erected on the northern side, leading to the street being named Chavrakova Street.

1919

Throughout the 20th century, the avenue underwent several renamings reflecting political changes-from Aleksandrova in 1919, to Ulica dr.

1941

Ante Starčevića in 1941, to Bulevar generalisimusa Staljina in 1946, and Bulevar Jugoslavenske narodne armije in 1948.

1993

It was finally named European Avenue in 1993 after Croatian independence.

Guide du lieu

1
Gillming-Hengl Building1906

Constructed in 1906, this building was originally the private residence of the Gillming family and today serves as the City and University Library. It is a prime example of Secessionist architecture and holds significant cultural value for Osijek.

2
Neumann Villa1897

Built in 1897 in the Italian Renaissance style, the villa currently houses the Museum of Fine Arts. It is an architectural gem on European Avenue and a cultural center showcasing fine art collections.

3
Post Palace1912
Gordan Grgurić (model maker)

Completed in 1912, the Post Palace is a unique example of Hungarian Secessionist architecture. It is notable for its elaborate facade and cultural significance. A LEGO model of this building won an international award.

4
Royal Court Palace1898

Built in 1898, this palace currently houses the municipal and county courts. It is an important historic building representing the judicial heritage of Osijek.