User:Iamneven/Pejačević Manor

Pejačević Castle is located in the center of Našice. It is situated in a park, now a city park, along with a smaller castle, agricultural buildings, and recently constructed residential buildings and a hotel. It is named after the renowned noble Pejačević family.

History
The foundations of the original castle were laid in mid-January 1811 by Count Vincencije Pejačević (1780 - 1820), and on March 11, they were blessed by Abbot Stjepan Darašević in the presence of a large crowd. By January 1812, the castle was completed. This old castle was built in the Neoclassical style and was smaller than the present one. It had a rectangular floor plan with nine window openings on the southern entrance facade. The central part of the castle, spanning three window axes, was emphasized with larger windows and a balcony supported by three arches.

It is known that the castle was repaired after an earthquake in May 1817, and a significant renovation took place during the time of Count Ladislav Pejačević (1824 - 1901) around 1850.

However, its appearance was completely changed during the renovation that began in January 1865, undertaken by Count Ferdinand Karlo Rajner (1800 - 1878). He had the building enlarged, so the north and south facades acquired thirteen window openings, and the side risalits were shaped like towers with domed roofs. The balcony was replaced with a deep extension adorned with decorative cornices, volutes, a balustrade, and a clock. It was covered with a mansard roof. Due to the sloping terrain, the castle has one floor on the entrance side and two floors facing the park. The rather modest Neoclassical castle was transformed into a representative Neo-Baroque castle with rich architectural ornaments.

The castle was richly furnished with stuccowork, wooden paneling, and built-in furniture. In the grand foyer, there was a double semi-elliptical staircase with a stone railing. Interestingly, the kitchen was located in a separate building in the park, and food was transported via an electric railway in an underground tunnel that connected the castle to the kitchen.

In addition to its artistic value, the castle also holds historical significance. It was the residence of the renowned Croatian composer Dora Pejačević, the daughter of Croatian ban Teodor Pejačević.

During World War II, the castle was utilized by the German military from 1943 to 1945, and the basement served as a German military hospital. The facades and roof of the castle were damaged during the war. In the second half of the 20th century, the building had various uses. Today, it houses the Našice Local Museum, a library, and a gallery.

The Small Castle
The small castle is a single-story building located a few hundred meters away from the main castle. It was constructed in 1904-1905 in the Neoclassical style. The building is notable for its original technical solution for protection against moisture and groundwater, using reinforced concrete foundations, which was innovative in the early 20th century construction. In front of the castle, there was a beautifully landscaped terraced garden. Today, the castle houses the premises of a radio station, a music school, and several associations.

Park
The history of the park surrounding the large castle is largely unknown. The park could have been established only after the construction of the castle, which means it would have been developed after 1812. Unfortunately, there is limited information available regarding the specific details or significant events related to the establishment and development of the park.

It is likely that prior to the construction of the castle, the area that now encompasses the park was covered by natural groves and forests, especially in the lowland part. The fact that the park is marked on the cadastral map from 1862 indicates its existence at that time, separated from the forest to the north by a canal. This suggests that the park was established and developed as part of the castle grounds, providing a landscaped and organized green space for the estate.

It is likely that the park was designed around 1850 when Count Ladislav Pejačević was refurbishing the castle. Ladislav's political career, as the future Croatian ban, rapidly developed in the 1850s, necessitating the improvement of both the castle and the park to befit their esteemed owner. It is possible that a greenhouse was also constructed during this period, as indicated on the old cadastral map, although its historicist facade may have been added at a later date.

The park from the mid-19th century exhibits the characteristics of a landscape park, with historicist flower beds in front of the main facade of the castle and the greenhouse. In the second half of the 19th century, the park was expanded to the north, encompassing a natural forest area where a lake with an island was created. It was during this time that the park began to acquire romantic features, reflecting the trends of the period.

The extension of the castle in 1865 certainly prompted the renovation of the park as well. There is no doubt that the park was finally shaped and impeccably maintained from the late 19th century until the 1930s, during the time of Count Teodor Pejačević. Under his stewardship, the park would have likely undergone further enhancements and meticulous care, attaining a high standard of beauty and maintenance.

Literature

 * Mladen Obad Šćitaroci, Dvorci i perivoji u Slavoniji, Zagreb 1998. ISBN 953-97121-0-6

Outside Links

 * Dvorac Pejačević na stranicama TZ Našice
 * O dvorcu Pejačević na stranicama Zavičajnog muzeja Našice