Spas across Europe were often conceived on the idea of a garden city. This is exactly how the Lipik spa park was created at the end of the 19th century. With its composition and richness of historicist details, it surpasses all other similar parks in Croatia.
The arrangement of the park itself began in 1872 without a clear concept, but with the expansion of the spa, the construction of Kursalon and other bathing facilities, the park acquired a representative form.
KursaIon, the covered promenade (Wandelbahn), the Marble Baths, the Stone Baths and the Hotel, formed a space within which neo-baroque gardens were formed and the rest of the park bore the features of the neo-romantic parks of the late 19th century. Thus the value of the park lies in its uniqueness and indivisibility from the spa facilities. In addition to this urban value, it also has its cultural and historical value, as it was visited by many high-ranking guests, including Emperor Francis Joseph, as a well-known health resort of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.
As a significant tourist destination, Lipik is often photographed for various publications and postcards, and no Croatian health resort could boast of such media popularity.
Unfortunately, after the Second World War, many of the garden and park facilities and contents disappeared, were demolished or simply left to the ravages of time, and in the Homeland War in 1991, the park was almost completely devastated. Most of the trees were destroyed or significantly damaged, as well as the few remaining contents and a lot of plant material.
This park is the heart of Lipik and part of its identity. The citizens of Lipik invest a lot of energy to return it to its old glory because it is a unique space with a unique ambience, which no other spa, city or place has, and it is certainly an inevitable part of Lipik.
The century-old park in Lipik is an ideal place for walking and relaxation. Both experts and lay people consider it one of the most beautiful parks in northern Croatia, so in 1965 it was protected as a monument of park architecture.
The Kostlivy family left a big mark in the park with their dedicated work. They were the owners of a garden that was widely rumoured. Numerous plant species were grown there, and several gardeners, led by Mr. Kostlivy, took care of the beauty and harmony of the park, as evidenced by numerous old photographs from postcards. It is also a well-known fact that palm trees were grown in that garden, which even reached the Split waterfront, which also testifies the exceptional value of the garden itself and the Lipik park. Although significantly impoverished in the richness of plant species during the Homeland War, the park still has its charm and is gladly visited by locals as well as tourists.
Kursalon (Wiener)
One of the most beautiful representative buildings of the spa town was built in 1893. The interest of the nobles in the healing water as well as the increasing number of guests coming to Lipik prompted the bathing directorate to decide on the construction of accompanying facilities. The spa salon in the High Renaissance style was a single-storey building with three ground-floor wings, built out of brick. Rich decorations, a large hall, a restaurant with an excellent offer of food, a cafe, a billiard room, a ladies’ music lounge and a lobby made this place desirable for the rest and leisure of the high nobility of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Unfortunately, the building was destroyed in the war devastation of 1991, and is still awaiting its restoration. The remains of the former magnificent edition are still visited as a tourist attraction and as a place for classical music concerts, dance events and exhibitions.
Wandelbahn
The Wandelbahn is an 85-meter-long covered promenade built in parallel with the Kursalon. It served as a protection for walkers from bad weather. At the beginning of the promenade, was built a tap with healing water because doctors thought healing water had a better effect if drunk while walking. Along the promenade craftsmen had their shops. During summer mornings, the Viennese orchestra played in a semi-circular lodge in the middle of the promenade. In the evening, were organized dance parties.
Wandelbahn was proud of its architecture and ornaments that were destroyed in the Homeland War. Unfortunately, today are visible only the remains of this exceptional building.
Jelka's hill
Jelka's hill is a cultish place which takes elderly residents of Lipik back to the past. This place still hides many first kisses, it is a favourite meeting place for young people, a place to take a break from a long walk or from curious eyes.
This place, once a favourite hiding place of the young Countess Jelka, was built by her father, lord Jankovic. The wooden arbour with benches, which can be reached by a winding path, was a kind of "posh salon". In it, the Countess enjoyed the singing of birds heard from the nearby trees and was hidden from prying eyes.
Some of the many legends of the town of Lipik refer to Countess Jelka. About these legends, as well as stories about history, architecture, culture and flora you will find out at "Jelka's path". It consists of 24 interpretation boards that make a walk through the park meaningful and interesting.
