Daruvar Castle

Daruvar Castle (Dvorac Janković) is a Baroque palace standing right in the centre of Daruvar, a spa town in Croatia's Bjelovar-Bilogora County. The building is a first-category protected cultural monument and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the region.

What is the history behind the castle?

The palace was built between 1771 and 1777 for Count Antun Janković, though the name of the architect behind the design has never been established. Shortly after construction was finished, the German travel writer Friedrich Wilhelm von Taube visited Daruvar and praised the residence as one of the most beautiful in the whole kingdom, remarking that it would not look out of place even in Vienna.

Between 1868 and 1870 the building underwent a major renovation commissioned by Count Julije Janković Daruvarski, carried out without significantly altering its original appearance. A columned balcony was added above the main entrance, and several interior rooms were reconfigured. The renovation was directed by the Viennese architect König, while the interior design was handled by another Vienna-based figure, Julije Manstein.

The town's own name traces back directly to the Janković family. In 1765 Empress Maria Theresa granted Count Antun Janković the title "de Daruvar," drawing on the Hungarian words "daru" (crane) and "var" (town or castle), together symbolising vigilance. In 1771 the count renamed the settlement of Podborje to Daruvar, after a building of his own known as the "Crane's Castle."

In 1920 the local municipality of Daruvar purchased the palace and used it to house a school for several decades.

What can visitors see inside today?

The ground floor now hosts the wine salon of the Daruvar Wine Road together with an exhibition of documents related to the Janković family, presented in both Croatian and Hungarian. Upstairs, visitors move through a series of themed rooms: a music salon, a room dedicated to the Janković family, a room devoted to Jewish culture and tradition, and a permanent exhibition covering the 1990s Homeland War in Daruvar.

The park surrounding the castle is an integral part of the estate. Construction of the grounds began alongside the palace itself, based on designs by Viennese architects, and the park was completed in 1780. During the height of the Janković family's tenure, the grounds covered roughly 14 hectares of greenery in the heart of the town.

How do you get to Daruvar Castle?

The palace sits right in the centre of Daruvar, so wherever you arrive from, reaching it on foot from the bus station or nearby parking areas usually takes only a short walk. Daruvar itself lies in northern Croatia, a region known for its thermal springs and centuries-old winemaking tradition, which makes the castle a natural stop while exploring the town.

When is the best time to visit?

Given Daruvar's character as a spa town, the castle and its park are especially rewarding to visit in the warmer months, when the greenery is in full bloom and a walk through the grounds adds an extra layer to the experience beyond the interior exhibitions. The rooms inside the palace, however, are open to visitors year-round.

Frequently asked questions

Who built Daruvar Castle? The residence was constructed between 1771 and 1777 for Count Antun Janković; the architect behind the design remains unknown.

Where does the name Daruvar come from? It comes from the title "de Daruvar," granted to Count Antun Janković by Empress Maria Theresa in 1765, referencing the Hungarian words for crane and town/castle.

What is inside the castle today? The ground floor holds a wine salon and an exhibition on the Janković family, while the upper floor features a music salon, themed rooms, and a historical exhibition on the 1990s Homeland War.

Is there a park next to the castle? Yes, the park surrounding the building was completed in 1780 and once covered around 14 hectares during the Janković family's era.