Pejačević Manor

Pejačević Manor stands in the center of Našice, a small town in Osijek-Baranja County, in the heart of Slavonia in eastern Croatia. Built in a baroque-revival style and set within its own park, the mansion has served as the town's cultural hub for generations.

Where did the manor come from?

The house was built between 1811 and 1812 on the order of Vincencije Ljudevit Pejačević, a member of the noble family that controlled the estates around Našice for generations. An earthquake damaged the building in 1817, but it was repaired soon after. In the mid-19th century the manor was expanded and modernized, giving it much of the layout that survives today.

One architectural quirk stands out: the main house had no kitchen. Meals were prepared in a separate servants' building and delivered through an underground tunnel using an electric dumbwaiter rail, keeping the representative rooms free of kitchen noise and smells.

What is the manor's connection to Dora Pejačević?

The most famous resident of the house was Dora Pejačević, widely regarded as Croatia's first significant female composer. Born in 1885, she spent much of her life in Našice and composed part of her body of work here. She died in 1923 from complications after childbirth, and her remains rest in the crypt of the family chapel. The museum today displays items connected to her life — portraits, books, her piano, and preserved personal belongings, including a pair of golden shoes.

What happened to the manor during the war?

Between 1943 and 1945, during the Second World War, the building was occupied by German forces, and a field hospital was set up in the basement. It marks a turbulent chapter in the estate's history, after which the Pejačević family property went through the ownership and functional changes typical of postwar Yugoslavia.

What can you see today?

The building now houses the Našice Town Museum, the local music school and orchestra, the town library with a reading room, and an art gallery. Following a major renovation, the museum reopened on October 3, 2024, marking fifty years since its founding with a refreshed permanent exhibition. Visitors can explore the manor's interiors, collections tied to the region's history, and a room dedicated to Dora Pejačević.

The surrounding park is a pleasant spot for a walk before or after visiting the museum — a quiet corner of town away from heavier tourist traffic.

How do you get to Pejačević Manor?

The manor sits right in the center of Našice, easily reached from the main roads connecting Osijek with Đakovo and central Slavonia. Driving is the most convenient option, as Našice lies along regional routes and offers parking near the town center. Bus connections also link Našice with larger towns in the region, including Osijek.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with comfortable weather for walking the park around the manor and fewer visitors at the museum. Summer travelers often stop in Našice while touring Slavonia, so it's worth checking the museum's opening hours in advance, as they can vary seasonally.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pejačević Manor open to visitors? Yes, the building houses a regional museum that reopened to the public in October 2024 after renovation.

Who was Dora Pejačević? She was Croatia's first major female composer, born in 1885 and closely tied to the manor in Našice, where she rests in the crypt of the family chapel.

How long does a visit take? A visit to the museum typically takes about an hour to ninety minutes, and a walk through the surrounding park can extend the trip depending on the weather.

Is it worth combining with other Slavonian attractions? Yes, Našice is close to Osijek and other towns in the region, making it easy to build into a longer itinerary through eastern Croatia.