Written by Katarina Anđelković

At the very center of Našice stands what many consider its most important building. The impressive Pejačević Castle, with its park, garden and lake, is bound to stop any random passerby in their tracks, inviting them to pause and reflect for a moment. Along with questions about nature, time and life, a practical question arises – what was it like to live here?

The story of who, when, and how they lived here is carried by the castle itself, or more precisely, the Našice Local History Museum housed within it. Members of the Pejačević family lived in Našice from 1734, and the castle was built for them in 1811 on the site of an old manor. The original, simple, late Baroque-classicist castle underwent several significant renovations, the most recent of which has just been completed. On October 3, 2024, a round 50 years after its founding, the Našice Local History Museum reopened its doors to visitors with a refreshed permanent exhibition.

As the view of the castle promises, the exhibition takes us back centuries only to leave us breathless. The ceilings here are high, the lines gentle, the materials timeless, and the style inimitably and unobtrusively elegant and refined. There is no doubt, this is a place where noble people lived.

Our tour starts in the foyer, where the long wide hallways and numerous wooden doors boldly hint at what awaits us. “The first salon is blue, the second one green, the third red, while the last one is yellow,” explains the curator, and we’re taken through the rooms, including Dora's chambers and the family library. From the beautiful, solid wooden furniture that has withstood centuries, personal items, and lavish portraits, to the porcelain dishes and the library which once held over 5,000 books in six languages, all is displayed with utmost consideration and respect.

Items and spaces dedicated to the first Croatian female composer, Dora Pejačević, hold special significance. Her belongings, like portraits, books, piano, and even a pair of golden shoes have been either carefully preserved or beautifully restored. This exceptional noblewoman developed her talent in the elegant, spacious salon that overlooks the park and lake in the castle’s yard. Right by the lake there is a birch pavilion where Dora would compose in the warmer weather. And it’s easy to imagine inspiration simply flowing in this beautifully arranged piece of nature.

We think we found our answer. If you, too, are curious about the noble life and what secrets the castle holds, we recommend you visit the Našice Local History Museum, open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Visitor information:

Address: Trg dr. Franje Tuđmana 5, 31500 Našice

Telephone: 00385 (0)31 613 414

Web: www.zmn.hr