# Lužnica Manor

- **Country:** Croatia
- **Notes:** Lužnica Manor was built at the end of the 18th century, under the direct influence of Central European, especially Austrian Baroque. Lužnica Castle is included in the group of similar three-winged castles. In the construction of three-winged castles, the closure of the building towards the outside space is abolished, and a multi-winged architectural structure of various dimensions is created, which, in addition to the central one, also includes two side wings, shaped like the letter U. Such a castle is clearly open on one side towards the park and the landscape itself.
- **Year Built:** 18th century
- **Castle Type:** Manor
- **Location Text:** Zaprešić, Zagreb County

Lužnica Castle, also known as Dvorac Lužnica, is a historic Baroque manor located near Zaprešić in Croatia, approximately eight hectares in size. Constructed in the early 18th century, the estate gained prominence after 1791 when it was acquired by the noble von Rauch family. Under their ownership, the building underwent significant renovation and expansion to suit aristocratic needs. The site holds substantial cultural value and is officially designated as a protected cultural good by the Croatian government, recognizing its architectural integrity and historical role within the region north of Zagreb.

The manor is historically significant for its connection to Marija Jurić Zagorka, one of Croatia's most celebrated writers. She lived at Lužnica from age three to ten while her father served as the estate manager for the von Rauch family. Recognizing her intellectual potential, Countess Antonija von Rauch provided Zagorka access to the castle library and arranged for private schooling alongside her own children. The estate's history took a tragic turn in 1923 following the suspicious death of Geza von Rauch, the last male heir, which prompted his widow to sell the property shortly thereafter.

Following the sale, the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul purchased the estate to accommodate sixty members of their order. They repurposed sections of the manor into a hospital and a chapel, while utilizing the surrounding agricultural lands to supply food to their hospital in Zagreb. During the early 20th century, the complex also served the local community by functioning as a kindergarten and a school for music and household management. Today, the religious order continues to govern the site, maintaining its legacy as both a spiritual center and a landmark of Croatian heritage.

![Photo of Lužnica Manor](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/Dvorac_Lu%C5%BEnica_a1.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lužnica_Manor (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)