Free entry to mark five years since Vukovar Water Tower reopened

(Photo: Miroslav Šlafhauzer)

The Vukovar Water Tower will mark its fifth anniversary since reopening on 30 October 2025 with free admission for all visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The celebration offers a special opportunity to honour five years of preserving history, promoting unity, and welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors to one of Croatia’s most recognisable landmarks.

Established under the name Vukovarski vodotoranj – simbol hrvatskog zajedništva d.o.o., the memorial centre manages the site as a monument to the courage and sacrifice of those who defended Vukovar during the Homeland War.

Through its memorial exhibition and guided tours, the Water Tower educates visitors about the city’s wartime history while preserving its authentic structure, a lasting symbol of resilience, hope, and national unity.

In addition to the memorial complex, the Water Tower also houses Najpar, a subsidiary company that includes a souvenir shop, Caffe Bar Najpar, and the Riverside restaurant.

Last year, with the support of the Fund for the Reconstruction and Development of the City of Vukovar and the City of Vukovar, the souvenir shop was expanded and now showcases products from twenty local artisans, mainly from the Vukovar area.

The Water Tower’s vision goes beyond memorial tourism. It seeks to promote and preserve Croatia’s rich cultural and historical heritage, sharing a powerful message of peace, tolerance, and togetherness with all who visit.

Today, it attracts over 100,000 visitors annually from across Croatia and abroad and has welcomed more than 530,000 guests since its reopening.

The landmark holds the prestigious Good Travel Seal, an international certification recognising destinations committed to sustainability and positive community impact. This distinction reflects careful evaluation across environmental, social, and cultural dimensions.

Proudly, the Vukovar Water Tower is also a member of the World Federation of Great Towers, standing alongside iconic landmarks around the globe. It has received the “Plautilla” Gold Plaque Award for the best project in cultural heritage restoration and valorisation.

The Water Tower is an active participant in the IRIS – Inclusive Routes of Eastern Slavonia project, which promotes accessible tourism for all.

Visitors can explore interactive multimedia displays, use QR codes to compare the Tower before and after restoration, and experience an augmented reality exhibition via tablet. The Tower’s website also features a virtual tour, digital games corner, and a multilingual digital guide.

(Photo: Miroslav Šlafhauzer)

Throughout the year, the Water Tower serves as a venue and partner for numerous cultural and community events, including the “Svi zajedno Hrvatsko naj” intangible heritage festival, the Vukovar Film Festival, and the Vukovarski 198 sports race.

With more than 8,000 positive reviews and an average rating of 4.9, the team continues to strengthen its digital presence and visitor engagement.

“We are proud to be part of a story that connects the past with the present while inspiring belief in the future,” said Mirela Janković, Director of Vukovarski vodotoranj – simbol hrvatskog zajedništva.