The Free Royal City of Virovitica

Institucija slobodnog kraljevskog grada zauzima bitno mjesto u hrvatskoj povijesti jer predstavlja početke temelja današnjih gradova. Govoreći o njima, prvenstveno se misli na povijesnu vrstu gradova koja su se u srednjem vijeku odlikovala pravima i povlasticama (sloboštinama) dobivenih od vladara. Tako su, unatoč tome što su gradovi potpadali od feudalnu vladarevu vlast, građani kraljevskih gradova bili slobodne osobe koje su uživali jednakost pred sudom, imunitet i pravo sudjelovanja u donošenju propisa za grad. Uz određene obveze pojedinih davanja, imali su pravo raspolaganja imovinom, useljenja i iseljenja te osnivanja cehovskih organizacija. Na sličan način bila je uređena i Virovitica kojoj je Koloman 1234. godine dodijelio sloboštine slobodnog kraljevskog grada. Ondje je i potpisana Zlatna Bula 1242. godine kojom je Bela IV. Zagrepčanima dodijelio mnoge sloboštine. Srednji vijek je u Virovitici obilovao različitim povijesnim događajima kao što su dolazak Franjevaca i Dominikanaca te izmjenjivanje kraljica i kraljeva od kojih je najbitnije spomenuti kralja Sigmunda koji je zbog dugova i založio Viroviticu. Nakon prvih seljačkih buna, 16. stoljeće su u Virovitici obilježila Turska osvajanja tijekom kojih je postala glavni teret obrane na granici. Nakon što je oslobođena od Turske vlasti, 1684. godine, započelo je novo doba Virovitice koje je u prvom dijelu bilo obilježeno bunama, potresima i požarima, ali nakon toga i povijesnim, gospodarski i kulturnim rastom i uzdizanjem. Nova je era obilovala gradnjom različitih znamenitosti kao što su Dvorac Pejačević, prve ljekarne, dobrotvornog bolničkog društva, razvojem školstva i ostaloga što i danas čini temelje ovog malog, ali povijesno ponosnog grada.The institution of a free royal city takes an important place in Croatian history, as it represents the beginnings of the foundations of today's cities. Speaking of them, it is primarily thought of the historical type of cities that in the Middle Ages were delighted with the rights and privileges (liberties) gained by the rulers. Thus, despite the fact that the towns were subjugated from the feudal ruler's power, the citizens of the royal cities were free persons who enjoyed equality in the court, immunity and the right to participate in the adoption of regulations for the city. In addition to the specific obligations of individual donations, they had the right to disposition of property, immigration and eviction and the establishment of guild organizations. Similarly, Virovitica was awarded the liberty of the free royal city by Koloman in 1234. There was also the Golden Bull signed in 1242. with which Bela IV. gave the liberties to the citizens of Zagreb. The Middle Ages in Virovitica were rich in various historical events such as the arrival of the Franciscans and Dominicans, as well as various queens and kings, of which the most important was King Sigmund who pawned the Virovitica for his debts. After the first peasants rebellion, in the 16th century Virovitica marked the conquest of Turkey during which it became the main burden of defense at the border. After being liberated from the Turkish government in 1684, the new era of Virovitica began, which in the first part was marked by rebellions, earthquakes and fires, but also with historical, economic and cultural growth and uplift. The new era was abundant with the construction of various landmarks such as the Pejačević Castle, the first pharmacy, the charitable hospital society, the development of education and everything else that still lay the foundations of this small, but historically proud city