Lipički perivoj

Lipički perivoj is a historic spa park in the center of Lipik, a small thermal spa town in Slavonia, Croatia. Covering roughly 10.4 hectares, the park has functioned as the true heart of town for well over a century — rather than a classic town square, it's this green space where locals and visitors alike meet, stroll, and unwind.

How did the park come to be?

The park's story is tied directly to the growth of Lipik's spa industry. The first layout of paths and plantings appeared after the "Gami" hotel was built in 1872, when the surrounding grounds began to be developed alongside the town's thermal springs. The park only took on its fully formal, representational look after 1890, when new owners of the spa expanded its facilities, adding the Kursalon and a covered promenade known as the Wandelbahn. From that point the grounds were laid out in a Neo-Baroque style, with geometric paths and neatly trimmed hedges and greenery.

What can visitors see while walking through it?

A walk through the park leads past the buildings that make up the historic spa ensemble: the Kursalon, marble and stone bathhouses, and the Kurhotel. Together with the surrounding greenery, these structures give the park the feel of a grand 19th-century European spa garden rather than an ordinary municipal park.

One particular stop worth looking out for is Jelka's bench (Jelkina klupa), a stone seat named after young Countess Jelka Janković, who — according to local tradition — liked to rest there during her walks through the grounds. Small details like this give the park a personal, storied dimension beyond its garden architecture alone.

Why is the park protected?

Thanks to the quality of its garden composition and the fact that its original layout has survived largely intact, Lipički perivoj was registered as a monument of garden architecture in 1965. Experts consider it one of the most beautiful parks in northern Croatia, largely because its footprint and design have changed so little since the original plan was laid out.

What's happening in the park today?

In August 2021, renovation and revitalization work began on the park as part of the larger Terme Lipik project, valued at roughly 73 million kuna. The goal of the investment is to restore the historic greenery and walking infrastructure while preserving the park's protected character.

The park also serves as a natural starting point for exploring Lipik itself — a small town whose hot thermal springs have drawn visitors from across Europe since the 19th century.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Lipički perivoj? The park covers about 10.4 hectares and includes the historic spa ensemble, its paths, greenery, and spa buildings.

When was the park created? Initial development began in 1872 with the construction of the "Gami" hotel, and the park gained its formal Neo-Baroque character after 1890.

What is Jelka's bench? It's a stone bench in the park named after Countess Jelka Janković, who, according to local tradition, enjoyed resting there during her walks.

Is the park being renovated right now? Yes — since 2021 the park has been undergoing revitalization as part of the Terme Lipik project, aimed at restoring its greenery and infrastructure while keeping its historic character intact.