Januševec Castle

Januševec Castle (Dvorac Januševec) is a classicist palace in the village of Prigorje Brdovečko, part of the Brdovec municipality in Zagreb County, roughly 20 kilometers west of Zagreb. It is regarded as one of the most significant works of classicist architecture in Croatia, though today it sits away from the main tourist trail and its interior is closed to visitors.

Who built the castle, and when?

The residence was built around 1830 for Baron Josip Vrkljan, a former finance minister at the court of Duchess Marie Louise of Parma — the second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. The identity of the architect is not fully settled: construction was carried out by Zagreb builder Angelo Chicco, while unrealized designs for Januševec were prepared by the noted Zagreb architect Bartol Felbinger, whom some researchers credit with the overall concept of the building.

What will you see?

The castle is a two-story, rectangular building centered on a round rotunda topped with a dome that rises through the building's full height. The remaining rooms on both floors are arranged around this central space — a layout typical of representative classicist residences in Central Europe of that period. Despite its turbulent history, the structure has kept a clear, symmetrical composition and a restrained, elegant facade.

An English-style landscape park was laid out around the castle when it was built. It has not survived in its original form: today it is neglected and partly overgrown with forest, so walking the old park alleys takes some imagination rather than a marked trail.

What happened to the castle during the war?

During World War II the building was used to garrison troops, who mined it as they retreated, causing serious damage. Restoration of the ruins took nearly four decades and was completed in 1989. The interiors, however, were never fully returned to their original representative style — the building currently houses a storage depot belonging to the Croatian State Archives, meaning the castle now serves a functional rather than a museum role.

Can you go inside?

No — Januševec is not a tourist site in the usual sense. Its interior is occupied by the state archives and is not open to the public on a regular basis. The palace can be viewed from the outside, from the road passing near Prigorje Brdovečko; even at a distance, its scale and classicist symmetry make an impression.

How to get there?

Januševec Castle lies in the Brdovec municipality, close to Zaprešić, about 20 kilometers from central Zagreb. Driving is the most practical option — local roads connect Prigorje Brdovečko to the highway and main routes toward Zagreb and Zaprešić. It makes a natural stop alongside other manor houses in the Zaprešić area, such as Laduč and Gornja Bistra, which together form a trail of aristocratic residences in Zagreb County.

When to visit?

Since a visit here is limited to viewing the facade and its surroundings, it helps to come when the surrounding greenery doesn't fully obscure the building — early spring or autumn offer clearer views through thinner tree cover. Keep in mind that this destination suits architecture and history enthusiasts more than travelers looking for a fully equipped tourist attraction.

Frequently asked questions

Is Januševec Castle a ruin? Not literally — after suffering serious damage in World War II, the castle was rebuilt, with restoration finishing in 1989. It stands today and is in use, though its interiors never regained their original decor.

Can you tour the inside of the castle? No, the building currently serves as a storage depot for the Croatian State Archives and is not open to visitors.

Who built the castle, and for whom? It was built around 1830 for Baron Josip Vrkljan, a former finance minister to Duchess Marie Louise of Parma.

Is there a park to walk around near the castle? An English-style park once surrounded the residence, but it is now neglected and partly overgrown, so it is not a maintained walking area.