Vrbica was first mentioned as early as 1330. During the Ottoman period, a Catholic parish dedicated to Saint Mary was established here, serving several surrounding villages.
Those who choose Vrbica as a travel destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment there.
Culture and history
A large parish church in Vrbica was built in 1793 after the former wooden church and the parish house had fallen into disrepair. The “Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary” in Vrbica was renovated in 1924.
A Franciscan monastery in the Vrbica area was approved by a papal decision in Avignon on 16 February 1376 and built in 1379. It was abandoned in 1532 and never rebuilt.
In 1660, Mass was still celebrated at three sites of ruined churches in the parish of Vrbica. At a parish Mass in Vrbica on 3 April 2022, KUD Šokadija performed traditional Lenten songs in folk costumes and without instrumental accompaniment.
Archaeology
The archaeological sites of Vrbica are interpreted as twin circles associated with the Sopot culture. The western double circle at Vrbica–Drake measures 173 × 176 metres, while the eastern one at Vrbica–Barićev bostan measures 160 × 165 metres.
In Stara Vrbica, approximately two kilometres east of Vrbica, there is archaeological material attributed to antiquity and the Middle Ages. Near Pepelana, east of Vrbica, remains are interpreted either as a prehistoric settlement or as a burned-down medieval village. Prehistoric material, a stone axe and Roman pottery were also found in Pepelana.
An archaeological site from prehistoric times in Vrbica contains Eneolithic Vučedol pottery; the associated material and documentation are kept at the Archaeological Museum in Osijek. A separate medieval archaeological site in Vrbica is evidenced by pottery material and documentation; both are kept at the Museum of Đakovština.
Landscape
Vrbica lies at an elevation of 115 metres above sea level on the southern slopes of Đakovačka greda. The plateau around Vrbica is crossed by depressions where the sources of local streams were once located.
Footpaths have been built and reconstructed along Kešinačka and Mikanovačka streets.
Local tradition
As part of Semeljci Municipality Day, the Pužijada is organised in Vrbica, featuring the preparation of snail specialities.
