Kutjevo Abbey

Kutjevo Abbey is a medieval Cistercian monastery in the town of Grad Kutjevo, in the Croatian region of Slavonia, roughly 23 km northeast of Požega. Also known by its Latin name Vallis honesta de Gotho, or simply Gotó, it stands as one of the most significant traces of the Cistercian order on the territory of present-day Croatia, and for nearly eight centuries its story has been closely tied to the region's winemaking tradition.

How was the abbey established?

The monastery was founded in 1232 as a daughter-house of Zirc Abbey in Hungary, part of the filiation of Clairvaux. The Cistercian monks who settled here quickly recognized the potential of the surrounding hillsides and began planting vineyards. It was these monks who introduced, for their time, advanced methods of viticulture and winemaking, laying the groundwork for a tradition that has continued almost without interruption ever since. The cellars carved into the rock during this early period are today regarded as among the oldest working wine cellars in this part of Europe.

What happened after the Turkish invasions?

Following an attack by Ottoman forces in either 1521 or 1529, monastic life at the abbey came to an end and the complex itself fell into ruin. The buildings remained devastated throughout the period of Ottoman presence in the area. The situation changed only in 1689, when Emperor Leopold I granted the former monastic estate to Ivan Babić, a canon from Zagreb, awarding him the title of titular abbot. In 1698 the property passed into the hands of the Jesuits, who administered it until 1773, when the Pope suppressed their order. It was the Jesuits who, during the 18th century, erected a new complex of buildings on the foundations of the old Cistercian monastery — a complex that has largely survived and today forms the core of the abbey site.

What is there to see on a visit?

Modern Kutjevo is, above all, a story told through wine. Inside the former monastic cellars a winery now operates, carrying forward the tradition begun by the Cistercians, and visitors can walk through the stone corridors, see part of the production area, and view the so-called archive cellar, where tens of thousands of vintage bottles are kept — one of the richest collections of its kind in Croatia. Among the oldest items on display is a bottle of white wine dating back to 1947. A visit is best paired with a tasting, which gives a feel for a place where a sacred past meets a winemaking business that is still very much alive today. The best time to come is between May and October, when the weather favors walks through the surrounding vineyard-covered hills and local wine-related events tend to take place. Kutjevo is most easily reached by car, for example from Zagreb or Osijek.

Common questions

Does the abbey currently function as a monastery? No. Since the Jesuit order was suppressed in 1773, the site has not served any religious or monastic purpose. In 1882 the property was acquired by Vjenceslav Turković and Franjo Türk, who built up large-scale wine production there, and after World War II operations continued as a state-run wine enterprise.

What is the site known for today? Kutjevo is today primarily a wine brand recognized throughout Croatia. The cellars established by the Cistercians are considered among the oldest on the continent, and the tradition of uninterrupted wine production has continued since the 13th century.

Can visitors tour the cellars and taste local wines? Yes, the former abbey grounds are open for guided tours, and a visit can be combined with a tasting of wines produced on site, including reserves from the archive collection.

How do you get to Kutjevo? The town lies in Slavonia, close to Požega, and the most convenient way to reach it is by car, whether coming from Zagreb or from Osijek.