Baron Franjo Trenk

A nobleman, a warrior, a commander of pandurs, an adventurer, a gambler, and an excellent soldier who survived being wounded 14 times, and allegedly won in no less than 102 duels, who was finally imprisoned and died in a dungeon. Baron Franjo Trenk, a Slavonian of Prussian origin is even more than a legend, especially in the Požega region. There are so many interesting and fantastic stories about his life that he has almost become a myth.

In Kutjevo you will hear a story about the passionate relationship between empress Maria Theresia and Baron Franjo Trenk who spent full seven days in the old Kutjevo cellar in 1741 enjoying the love powers of their wines. This is illustrated by notches on the wall and an indent in the middle of the stone table. If you place your palm on it, allegedly all your love wishes will come true.

Besides introducing military music into the fight, the Baron introduced cuffs to the military uniform, but also an obligatory tying of a decorative scarf around the neck, which was later called a tie (kravata) after the word Croat, which is French for a Croatian.

One more thing. When you come to Golden Slavonia, raise a toast with Trenk brandy from Zvečevo that is aged in Slavonian barrels, and make sure not to miss the Baron Trenk steak. It’s finger-licking good!