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Đakovo (Djakovo, Diakovár) is a town in the region of Slavonia, Croatia, 37 km to the southwest of Osijek and 34 km southeast of Našice elevated 111 m above the sea level and with population of 27,769 in 2001. The centre of the fertile and rich Đakovo agricultural region of so called (Đakovština).
Principal occupations do include farming, livestock breeding, leather and wool processing.There is horse selection centre here. Major industries are related to the timber and wood processing, (furniture), textiles, chemicals and food processing, building material, printing and tourism. Đakovo is located at the intersection of the main road (M17.01, E 73) Osijek - Đakovo and the regional road Našice - Đakovo, also conected to railroad Ploče - Sarajevo - Vrpolje - Osijek - Budapest.
The magnificent Cathedral of Đakovo is the symbol of the town and the most important sacral object not of the whole region of Slavonia. Đakovo is the seat of the Đakovo and Srijem Catholic diocese. The landscaped park from the 19th century near the bishop's palace is a horticultural monument under special protection as well as the nearby Small Park (Mali Park) dating from the turn into the 20th century.
The central traditional event is called Đakovački Vezovi (Đakovo Embroidery), a folklore show of the regions Slavonia and Baranja. It begins in July, presenting traditional folk costumes, folklore dancing and singing groups, customs. The Cathedral hosts choirs, opera artists, and art exhibitions are organized in the exhibition salon. The horse and wedding wagon show is a special part of the program. During the sports program on the racecourse, pure-bred white Lipizzaner horses from the horse-breeding centre in Ivandvor, which has been breeding outstanding horses ever since 1506, can be seen.
The town and the surroundings offer many sports and recreation facilities, such as tennis courts, racecourse, (hypodrome), gym, swimming pool, etc. The lakes Jošava, Mlinac, Borovik as well the fishponds, backwaters and canals do offer really excellent angling opportunities. High and low game hunting is possible in the immediate surroundings or farther on Dilj Mountain.
The traditional Slavonian cuisine is famous for its meat specialities as kulen, (smoked pepper sausage), sausages, smoked ham, venison and freshwater fish dishes. Thera are exquisite wines of the Đakovo region as Weissburgunder, (another name for Pinot Blanc, and the brands like Traminer, Riesling) being offered both in Đakovo and its surrounding area.
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