In Vrbas, you can explore dated architectural history, the town museum and cultural events; at Šlajs, the canal bank offers another distinct focus. The first written mention of Vrbas dates back to 1387.
Churches, chapel and architectural history
The Serbian Orthodox church was built in 1738 in the Baroque style and is the oldest church in Vrbas. The Evangelical Lutheran church was built between 1816 and 1820, also in the Baroque style. A new tower gave it its present appearance in 1862. At the Reformed (Calvinist) church, construction dates from 1821 to 1824, and the tower was completed in 1861. It is protected as an immovable cultural monument of great importance.
The Vodice chapel also brings together architectural and artistic history: it was built in 1794 at a spring with healing waters. The chapel preserves remnants of frescoes by Novak Radonić from 1863.
The Toman family, a family of large landowners, had the Toman Villa built in the early 20th century to a design by architects from Budapest. It too is protected as an immovable cultural monument of great importance. The building of the “Žarko Zrenjanin” Gymnasium has its own sequence of construction phases: it was built in 1888, extended in 1898 and given its present appearance in 1910.
Town museum and finds
The Vrbas Town Museum was founded in 1969 as a local heritage collection and became the town museum of the Cultural Centre in 2015. Its permanent exhibition displays artefacts from archaeological sites in Vrbas. The museum thus offers another way to explore the town’s history, alongside the churches, chapels and historic buildings whose construction dates are documented.
At Šlajs: canal bank, walking path and fish cuisine
At Šlajs, the canal bank has been prepared for bathers, and there is also a paved walking path. Near Šlajs, a monument marks the burial site of Jožef Kiš, the intellectual originator and planner of the Great Bačka Canal. The memorial site gives a visit to the canal a specific historical connection. Restaurants at Šlajs prepare various fish specialities.
Cultural events in June
The June Festival takes place in the first week of June. Its programme is divided into three sections. The Days of Tradition include a showcase of traditional and folk creativity, as well as an Ethno Bazaar featuring an exhibition of traditional crafts and domestic handicrafts. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check that year’s programme before your trip.
The Panonski Vašar is a three-day cultural event. Its programme includes an Ethno Cuisine Fair and a traditional crafts fair, connected with the social life of various ethnic communities in Vojvodina. This offers two distinct cultural experiences to choose from: the Days of Tradition at the June Festival, and the cuisine and crafts at the Panonski Vašar.
Plan your swim and journey
The indoor pool at the “Drago Jovović” Centre for Physical Culture measures 25 × 8 metres and has four swimming lanes. The outdoor pools are open to visitors during the swimming season. If you plan to swim, check the centre’s latest information before your trip.
Vrbas is a transport hub on important road, railway and water routes. Choose the specific connection to suit your starting point and the mode of transport selected for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Irig, Bela Crkva.
Return to the main travel overview: Vojvodina.
