Following the news of its €10 million renovation, palatial Novi Dvori has just hosted the Ban Fun Fest, a costumed tribute to the Baroque era of heroic leader Ban Josip Jelačić. Before his failed attempt to gain Croatia its independence, the nobleman set up his family seat here in the 1850s, transforming the estate and building the family vault.
While the weekend-long event of carriage rides and music shows took over these sprawling grounds in Zaprešić, just outside Zagreb, the palace was being earmarked for its overhaul. A memorial room will be set up, focusing on the life and work of Jelačić, while along the Aleja Đura Jelačića that winds through 20 hectares of parkland, a light installation with an amphitheatre will be installed.
It is hoped that once transformed, this historic attraction will be bring thousands of visitors to Zaprešić, an easy hop from Zagreb by car, train or bus, towards the border with Slovenia.