Dvorac Mihanović

Dvorac Mihanović is a historic manor house in Tuheljske Toplice, in the heart of Hrvatsko Zagorje, standing on a slight rise right next to the Terme Tuhelj thermal spa complex. The building is surrounded by the remains of a former estate park and holds the status of a Category 1 protected cultural monument.

Where does the manor's name come from?

The baroque palace was originally built in the 18th century by the Erdödy family. Ownership later passed to the Brigljević family — Ban Josip Brigljević married the sister of Antun Mihanović, author of the lyrics to the Croatian national anthem, "Lijepa naša domovino." Mihanović was a frequent guest at the estate, and over time the manor came to be known by his name. In the first half of the 19th century the building was remodeled into its present classicist form, typical of noble residences in northwestern Croatia.

What's inside the manor today?

The estate is now owned by Terme Tuhelj, which has turned the historic interior into an à la carte restaurant. Inside are several restored halls, including intimate spaces reserved for private dinners, along with a wine cellar stocked with Croatian wines. The menu blends three culinary concepts: traditional Zagorje dishes prepared to regional recipes, "manor dishes" inspired by recipes from Count Brigljević's era, and lighter, balanced "vital" dishes. This mix of historic setting and regional cuisine makes the manor one of the more distinctive dining destinations in Zagorje.

How do you get to Dvorac Mihanović?

The manor sits directly next to the Terme Tuhelj spa complex in Tuheljske Toplice, one of the best-known spa towns in Hrvatsko Zagorje. The wider region is famous for its thermal springs and its scattering of castles and manor houses across a hilly landscape, so a visit here fits naturally into a broader Zagorje itinerary alongside the area's other historic sites.

What's worth seeing around the manor?

Fragments of the original park that once surrounded the entire estate still remain, and walking through them gives a sense of the 19th-century noble residence's original setting. Because of its proximity to the spa, the manor is frequently visited by guests who want to round off a day of thermal bathing with a stop at a site of historical significance. Thanks to its Category 1 monument status, the building has retained the architectural character typical of classicist manor houses in northern Croatia.

What should you look out for during a visit?

Pay attention to the halls used for functions — the manor regularly hosts weddings and business conferences, showing how the building has been adapted to modern use while keeping its historic character intact. History-minded visitors will appreciate that the manor's name is directly tied to the author of Croatia's national anthem, giving the site an extra layer of significance in the story of Croatian national identity.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the name Dvorac Mihanović come from? From Antun Mihanović, author of the Croatian national anthem's lyrics, who often stayed at the estate owned by his brother-in-law, Ban Josip Brigljević.

Who originally built the manor? The baroque building was first constructed in the 18th century by the Erdödy family; its current classicist appearance dates from the first half of the 19th century.

Can you visit the manor today? It now operates as an à la carte restaurant run by Terme Tuhelj, with several dining halls and a wine cellar — access to the interior is mainly through dining there or attending an event held on site.

Is the manor close to the thermal spa? Yes, it stands right next to the Terme Tuhelj complex, making it easy to reach for visitors staying at the Tuheljske Toplice spa.