Sisacko-Moslavacka Zupanija, or Sisak-Moslavina County, one of Croatia's 20 counties, is located in the central part of the country. The area borders Karlovac County in the west, Zagreb County in the north, Bjelovar-Bilogora County and Požega-Slavonia County in the northeast, Brod-Posavina County in the east and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the south. The capital city, Sisak, is found in the northern part of Sisak-Moslavina County, bearing considerable historical heritage, with the city's origins dating back to ancient times.[1] By area, Sisak-Moslavina is one of the largest counties in Croatia, with its central and southeastern parts being dominated by nature areas Odransko polje, Posavina, and Lonjsko Polje. The highest peak in the region, Humko, at an altitude of 489 meters above sea level, is part of Moslavačka Gora, found in the northeast of the county.[4] Some of the protected areas in the Sisacko-Moslavacka Zupanija include the aforementioned Lonjsko Polje, protected as a nature park.[5] Within the nature park, people can also visit the ornithological reserve Krapje đol.[3] Some of the historical destinations within Sisak-Moslavina County include its capital, where visitors can explore the Old Fortress, the Old Bridge, Mali Kaptol, and Velki Kaptol, to name a few.[7] Another considerable landmark in the county is the Jasenovac village and its memorial site.[9]
Sisak, the capital city of the Sisacko-Moslavacka Zupanija, features several cultural landmarks, as the city's history dates back to the Roman era.[2] Tourists can visit the Old Fortress, a 16th-century stronghold that witnessed the Battle of Sisak in 1593 and is now a heritage site. It stands about 2 kilometers from Sisak, accessible by road or a mile-long promenade. In the city is also found an archaeological park called Siscia in Situ, showcasing remains of Roman architecture, including the southwestern walls with a tower from the late 2nd to early 3rd century as well as the barns within the walls that date back to the early 4th century. The Old Bridge, a symbol of Sisak, connects both sides of the banks across the Kupa River, while Mali Kaptol, a historic brick house, is home to the Sisak jazz club. People also tend to visit the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, with Diocese's seat housed in Veliki Kaptol, often visited for its architecture. Moreover, House Lieberman, known for its wrought ironwork, represents the history of Sisak's Jewish community. Additionally, every year in September, the city of Sisak celebrates the "Celtic Night," with illuminated floats, historical characters, and cultural attractions, reportedly highlighting the town and its heritage.[7]
Moslavina represents a micro-region within central Croatia, offering an array of attractions for visitors, from the natural attractions of Lonjsko Polje Nature Park and Moslavačka gora Regional Park to archaeological sites and cultural events. The Moslavina Museum showcases the area's history, while Moslavina wine roads attract wine enthusiasts as the area features native wine varieties, namely Škrlet. Additionally, Moslavina's historical heritage can be viewed by exploring over 300 kilometers of themed bike trails with forts, old towns, and monasteries along the way.[8]
In the southeastern part of the county near Bosnia and Herzegovina's borders is located the village of Jasenovac, visited for the Jasenovac Memorial Site with a former concentration camp. Jasenovac Memorial Site serves as a tribute to the victims and a place of remembrance. The village preserves the original camp buildings, execution sites, and mass graves, offering visitors insights into the historical events that took place in the area. At the site, there are various activities in which visitors can participate, including research, education, exhibitions, and commemorative events.[9]
Sisak-Moslavina County is one of the largest in Croatia, covering 4,463 square kilometers, representing approximately 7.9% of the country's land territory. It comprises various geographical regions. The central and southeastern parts are characterized by wetlands and forests, providing a habitat for animals and birds. The east and northeast transition into the hilly Moslavina region, with Moslavačka gora in the northeast. To the north, the[6] county contains low slopes of Vukomeričke Gorice, while the west is hilly with valleys of smaller rivers. South of Petrinja lies hilly terrain with the valleys of Sunja and Petrinjčica, and further south is Zrinska Gora, a sparsely populated continental low mountain. The county includes valleys of rivers Una and Žirovnica.[4]
In the eastern part of Sisak-Moslavina County is located the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, which is one of the most extensively preserved natural floodplains in Europe. The areas of Lonjsko, Poganovo, and Mokro Polje are flooded periodically by the Sava River and its tributaries, creating local biological diversity. The floodplain forests, lowland grasslands, and communal pastures of the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park support two-thirds of Croatia's bird population and also serve as spawning grounds for river fish in the Danube basin. Moreover, Lonjsko Polje's natural flood areas reportedly also contribute to flood defense, water purification, and climate change mitigation.[5] Additionally, within the nature park's borders lies Krapje đol, an ornithological reserve and Croatia's oldest reserve, covering around 25 hectares. The reserve protects a wetland habitat that hosts over "500 pairs of birds."[3]
Regarding climatic conditions and weather in the county's capital, Sisak, the warmest month is typically August, with an average daily temperature of 29°C. January tends to be the coldest month, as temperatures average high of 5°C. September is often considered the driest month in Sisak because it generally receives 54 millimeters of rainfall on average. The most precipitation falls during March, with an average of about 102 millimeters.[6]
Sisacko-Moslavacka Zupanija's capital city is Sisak, which used to be the ancient Roman city of Siscia. Positioned at the confluence of the Kupa and Sava rivers, Siscia was once a considerable Pannonian capital. St. Kvirin, the city's first Christian bishop, reportedly endured persecution during Diocletian's reign, which later became an object of several legends connected to the town. Sisak regained its prominence in later years when it was known for pivotal battles between European armies and the Ottoman Turks. Notably, the battle of 1593 marked the first significant defeat of the Ottoman army, led by the Ban Toma Bakač Erdedi.[1]
Concerning Sisak's recent history, the town of Sisak served as a district capital in the Zagreb County of the Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia. During World War II, it witnessed the establishment of the Sisak children's concentration camp, claiming the lives of many Serbian, Jewish, and Romani children. The city also played a significant role in the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s when it remained under government control while facing attacks from rebel Serb forces. In 2020, Sisak endured damage due to the Petrinja earthquake, impacting historic buildings and numerous homes in the region.[2]
Krapje—a village located in Posavina along the Sava River within Sisak-Moslavina County—is known for its traditional architecture of central Posavina. The town boasts wooden houses made of oak planks joined together with wooden dowels, some of which date back over one hundred years. Those houses have covered external staircases, porches, protective roofs, and decorated details on fences and pillars. Recognized as a village of architectural heritage, Krapje has over 80 wooden houses protected as a cultural heritage site within the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park. Krapje also hosts the annual event "European Heritage Days in Krapje" and is home to the Visitor Center Krapje, the ethnographic collection, and the reception and educational center for Nature Park Lonjsko Polje.[3]
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