The status of a free and royal city, which it acquired at the beginning of the 19th century, enabled Osijek to develop its economy. This would be especially evident in the second half of the same century, when numerous factories are opened in the "city on the Drava" and the population increases. Additionally, Josip Juraj Strossmayer from Osijek was elected bishop in the middle of the century, and was remembered in history as a great patron of culture and art. He had a gymnasium, a seminary and other buildings built in his hometown, including the parish church of St. Peter and Paul, which is located in Osijek's city center today. It was thanks to his initiative, according to the designs of the German architect Franz Langenberg, in the period from 1894 to 1900 that a magnificent neo-Gothic style church was built, which still inspires admiration today. Throughout its history, the church has experienced numerous casualties, of which those from the Homeland War in 1991 and 1992 left the biggest mark. Reconstruction began immediately following the end of the war, and it continues today, which means that there is still a lot of time left until it is finished. Regardless of everything, the parish church of St. Peter and Paul remains the unique symbol of the city of Osijek, as it has been since the first day.