HAVE A NOBLE TIME IN NAŠICE: The noble Pejačević family knew. And now so do you. Published 24/06/2024

HAVE A NOBLE TIME IN NAŠICE: The noble Pejačević family knew. And now so do you.

Live the life of a nobleman in Našice, learn about the nobility of Slavonia, their titles, legacy, and ways of life in the city.
This is the city of the Pejačević family, and it serves as proof that the Croatian nobles not only had estates,

titles, endless land and forests, but also an excellent sense for where to build a home,
live and do business, and grow their economic and social power.

The Castle Museum

Not two hundred years ago, the Great Pejačević Castle was a building of modest dimensions and serious classicist lines. Over the decades, it grew with the noble family as they rose in the social and economic ranks. It had its first remodeling at the end of the 1860s, when the reserved classicist style took on a playful neo-baroque, some would even say historicist look. Mansards and gables, domes and balustrades, cornices and stucco, all became features of the great castle. It was home to generations of Pejačevićs, one of the most powerful and famous Croatian noble families. They resided there from 1734 until World War II, when they left the city, leaving an indelible mark on its economic, political, social and cultural life.

The castle’s interior invites you to step into the past as told by the recently renovated Local History Museum, where a permanent exhibition is opening in early June. As you step out, stretch your legs and enjoy a walk through the quiet park with its many paths, a pond, cascading garden and another, so-called small castle. Strolling through the castle/museum, you are walking in the footsteps of the first modern Croatian composer Dora Pejačević (1885 – 1923). The nobility knew her as the countess, while for the Croatian modernist music scene she was the delicate artistic soul whose equally delicate fingers caressed the black and white keys of the piano, creating the most intricate sonatas for piano, violin, cello, right here in Našice... Her music is now among the greatest treasures of Croatian national music heritage.

A Haven of Spirituality and Faith

Explore the nearby city center with the beautiful villa Gröger (today housing the city library), as well as the Franciscan monastery complex with the church of St. Anthony of Padua.
This is a haven of spirituality and faith, where the Franciscans arrived in the second half of the 13 th century.
Tradition states that the church and monastery were built by the people of this region. The church dates back to the first half of the 14 th century. It changed from a Gothic to the Baroque style with the renovation at the beginning of the 18 th century. A tall bell tower was built next to it, while the monastery then reached its present appearance. In the 18 th and 19 th centuries it was an important center of pastoral, educational and artistic life.
Nowadays the church premises are a treasure trove of art, among which baroque sculptures and paintings stand out, but it also boasts a valuable baroque organ. The interior is adorned with frescoes and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Discover Našice on a walk through its charming city center, have your coffee in one of the cafés, sit down for a break, and support the economy by shopping
for local food, treats or souvenirs.

Fauna of Distant Regions

Dare to follow the paths of the Templars – visit Martin in the immediate vicinity of Našice and explore the church of St. Martin, the only preserved Templar church in Croatia which has stood there for more than eight centuries. If you happen to visit Martin in May, you’re in for a treat. You might just get to experience the famous Knight's Tale Festival at the old fortress of Bedemgrad, which will take you back to medieval times. Pair your visit to the fortress with a hiking trip on the trails surrounding Našice. Krndija, one of the Slavonian mountains, is also abundant with bicycle paths "hugging" some other locations, including the picnic area at lake Lapovac. Visit the fishponds of Našice, some of the largest in Croatia, as well as the Ribnjak restaurant, whose tradition dates back to 1905. Treat yourself to local fish and other specialties on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enosophia – the Wisdom of Wine

After a delicately tender fish meal, reward your palate with top-quality wines from the nearby Feričanci vineyards. In a word, Feravino – Enosophia.
The widely known and established frankovka wine, the famous red variety, has been produced in this area for generations.
Old knowledge and winemaking traditions are preserved by several excellent small winemakers and one large winery.
The old cellar dates to 1804, while the new one opened in 2020.
Here, tradition and new technologies go hand in hand. Enosophia - Wisdom of Wine – presents two centuries
of tradition in a new guise, showing all wine enthusiasts and unsuspecting travelers how the old and the new merge into a unique experience. This enotourism story includes the gastronomic delights of the Goveđa Glava restaurant, at the wine location of the same name, set to open this spring. This open-style restaurant is in the heart of a vineyard, providing an idyllic setting for an unforgettable gastronomic experience for all senses. Finally, let us wrap up this food & wine story by introducing a brand-new heritage hotel project of the reconstructed Mihanović manor, conveniently located right next to the winery.

We’re telling you, the noble Pejačević family made the right decision by choosing Našice. And so did you.

Written by: Suzana Župan / Luka Jakopčić