Eltz Manor

Eltz Manor is a Baroque palace in Vukovar, one of the city's most important landmarks and a symbol of its recovery after the war. It now houses the Vukovar City Museum, and its pre-war image once appeared on the reverse of Croatia's 20 kuna banknote.

What is Eltz Manor?

The palace was built in the 18th century as the principal seat of the Eltz family, holders of the so-called Lordship of Vukovar — an extensive estate covering the town and surrounding lands. Its architecture follows the Baroque style typical of aristocratic residences of that period in this part of Central Europe. An illustration of the manor in its pre-war form featured on the 20 kuna note issued in 1993 and again in 2001, underlining how closely the building is tied to Croatian national identity.

How do you get to Eltz Manor?

The manor stands in the central part of Vukovar, a town on the Danube in eastern Croatia's Slavonia region. Its coordinates are approximately 45.358°N, 18.995°E, which makes it straightforward to locate with GPS navigation. Given its central location, a walk through Vukovar's historic core will naturally bring you close to the palace, so it's easy to combine a visit here with other sights in the old town.

What can you see inside?

The building houses the Vukovar City Museum, whose collections cover the history of the town and the wider region. Visitors can learn about the legacy of the former Lordship of Vukovar and the era of the Eltz family, as well as more recent chapters of the city's history. The palace's architecture itself — its representative interiors and the layout typical of a Baroque residence — adds to the experience beyond the museum exhibits.

The history behind the walls

The story of Eltz Manor is closely tied to the fate of Vukovar itself. In 1991, during the Croatian War of Independence, the building suffered serious damage, as the city became the site of some of the fiercest fighting of the conflict. Restoration took four years and was completed in October 2011, when the manor was returned to its pre-war appearance. That restoration is now regarded as part of the broader story of Vukovar's rebuilding and a symbol of the city's recovery after years of destruction.

When should you visit?

The Vukovar City Museum inside Eltz Manor is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00. It is closed on Mondays, which is worth keeping in mind when planning a trip. For questions about the current programme or organising a visit, the museum can be reached by phone at 032/638-470, 032/638-475, or 032/638-474.

Frequently asked questions

What is inside Eltz Manor today? The building houses the Vukovar City Museum, which presents the history of the city along with the heritage of the former Lordship of Vukovar tied to the Eltz family.

Why is Eltz Manor significant for Croatia? Its pre-war image appeared on the reverse of the 20 kuna banknote (1993 and 2001 issues), making the palace one of the country's recognisable symbols.

Was the manor damaged during the war? Yes, the building suffered serious damage in 1991 during the Croatian War of Independence. Restoration took four years and was completed in October 2011, returning it to its pre-war appearance.

What are the visiting hours? The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00. Further information is available by phone.