Đakovo cathedral is one of the newest cathedrals in Croatia, but its foundations are set back in the past. In the 13th century, the Bosnian bishop together with Kaptol because of the security, was forced to abandon his former residence, and transferred its headquarters to Đakovo. Soon they built the Đakovo bishop’s palace and cathedral and got the status Diocese of Đakovo and Srijem.

During the centuries and constant Turkish attack the cathedral was often demolished and rebuilt. After the Turks, its been a while until all conditions were harmonized, and until a right man for the assignment of building a cathedral as it is today appeared. Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer accepted this assignment. In collaboration with the architect Rosner, and later architect Schmidt, Strossmayer has successfully achieved its plan. Instead of five, cathedral was built sixteen years, but today it is a trademark and spiritual foundation of Đakovo.

The cathedral was built in the neo-Romanesque style, and its floor plan takes the form of a Latin cross. Its interior is decorated with 43 beautiful frescoes with biblical themes from the Old and New Testaments. At the intersection of frescoes, there is an altar, a symbol of Christ. Christ is the spiritual foundation of the entire cathedral.

The main altar is a masterpiece of architecture, it is 15 meters high and it is dedicated to St. Peter, the patron saint. There are six additional altars along with a ceremonial pulpit. Statues and reliefs that surround the altars are true a work of art. Large crypt with the tomb of Josip Juraj Strossmayer and other bishops takes up space beneath the main altar.

The main building component is red brick because of which the cathedral has a distinctive and unique look. There are three entrances to the cathedral through the ceremonial portals, and it is adorned with two bell towers. At the grand ceremony on the 1st of October in 1882 was opened for public.

Working hours:

Cathedral is opened every day  from 6:30am till 12 pm, and from 15pm till 19:30 pm on weekends.

Contact

The Cathedral of St Peter in Đakovo
Custodian of the cathedral: Msgr. Luka Strgar
+385 (0) 31 802 306