“DAMASKIN” CASTLE – Hajdučica

“DAMASKIN” CASTLE – Hajdučica

A century-old—or perhaps even two-centuries-old—park with several truly rare trees, a castle at its center, and a lake known as the “Ribnjak,” (‘Fishpond’) stand as witnesses to times past.

According to official records on the basis of which the Hajdučica Castle, together with its park, was placed under state protection as a cultural monument, it was built in 1911. It was constructed by Lazar Dunđerski and given as a dowry to his daughter Olga. However, according to Professor Mihal Rapoš and the curator of the Vršac Museum, Feliks Mileker, the castle was built at the beginning of the 19th century. Professor Rapoš writes that the original settlement was relocated in 1824 due to flooding, moving to its present location closer to the manor. The same author further states that the founder of the village, Istvan Damaskin, at the end of the 19th century—more precisely in 1890—sold his estate, including the castle, park, vineyard, orchard, and forest, to the Dunđerski family for 960,000 gold coins.

The present appearance is the result of alterations and adaptations carried out by the last owners, the Dunđerski family. The castle building is situated within a spacious park, about one kilometer from the road to Vršac. It was built as a residential property and bears all the characteristics that confirm this purpose. The surrounding park is well preserved and features elements of a professionally designed landscape with carefully maintained vegetation.

After nationalization in 1945, the estate was placed under the management of the agricultural enterprise “Agrobanat.” The orchard and vineyard no longer exist, but the castle, the park with its lake and forest, remain.

Today, the building serves as the headquarters of the agricultural company PDP “Hajdučica,” and the structure itself is in excellent condition. The castle is a cultural monument of great importance.

The castle is not open to visitors.

The nature park of the castle spreading on 3.7 hectares is one of the most preserved valuable representatives of garden art from the beginning of the 20th century on the territory of Vojvodina and Serbia. It is a typical example of mixed style, which dominated in garden architecture of that time, created by combining elements of classical and landscape style. Inside the park nice specimens of common oak, white poplars, maple, maple silver linden and milt have been preserved. It has been classified in goods of great importance.

Hajdučica

Nearby attractions

All attractions