Lipik Favorites

Fondest memory: During the Roman times Lipik was known as Aquae Balissae, a place with hot thermal baths with underground water at the temperature of 64 degrees Celsius. It was one of the first Iodine baths in Europe in 18th century and developed into exclusive Spa center at the end of the 19th century. At the beginning of 20th century Lipik had 1000 inhabitants, and up to 3000 visitors every year.

In 19th century many Spa centers were created in continental part of Croatia (Daruvar, Topusko; Stubicke toplice, Krapinske toplice, Varazdinske toplice, ...). Lipik was one of the most exclusive, and its Spa Park is considered one of the masterpieces of Spa gardening in Croatia. With its area of more than 10 hectares, it is also one of the largest.

The original coloured plan of the Park on cardboard is saved, showing the park consisting of two main parts: late baroque geometric gardens in front of the main buildings and neoromantic landscape park that surrounds it.

Fondest memory: Today, the fountain and the ruins of Wandelbahn are waiting for new investments.

Nearby swimming pools and recreation complex was reconstructed and opened in late 1990s. The reconstruction of the main park is not that easy task, as it is the protected cultural monument. Most investors that were interested in rebuilding the Spa center were interested only in fast profits. Lipik saw several projects ranging from new casinos proposed in the historic complex to big expensive hotels for the rich clientelle.

The park is still the central focal point of the place, and the main magnet for profit-seekers. So far, local and central government rejected the inappropriate proposals, and the old park is still waiting for more sensitive investors.

Fondest memory: No more watersprays in the fountain. No more roof on Kursalon. No more orchestra playing in the Central Garden.

Just total silence.

After the area was again under the control of Croatian forces in 1995, it was checked from mines and cleared from the most dangerous ruins that threatened to collapse. The priority of reconstruction were of course people's homes and places for jobs.

Fondest memory: Five years after the total reconstruction of the park, it was totally destructed.

First by shelling of the local Serbs and the Yugoslav Army in 1991, and then it was occupied and controlled by local Serbian rebel authorities for three years. During this time park was neglected, and buildings systematically destroyed. Everything that could be placed on military trucks - furniture and equipment - was transported to Serbia. The rest was destroyed.

Fondest memory: In the 1980s there was again the change in the interests of the tourists. The concept of Sun & Sea was no longer enough. People started to seek for other activities, and the concept of cultural tourism emerged.

In the mid-1980s Lipik tried to inscribe itself on the list of tourist itineraries of Croatia - a hard task competing with all the magic of the Adriatic coast.

Modern swimming pools were built nearby, and park was reconstructed. Growing trees were cleared, new plants were put according to the old plans.

Wandelbahn and Kursalon were reconstructed and repaired, and music was once again playing in the park, visitors being able to choose between the retro dance ball or the modern rhythms of the nearby disco clubs.

Fondest memory: The second part of the 20th century introduced new concept of leisure travel focused on sea and beaches. After the WWII tourism was strongly developing on the Adriatic coast, and Spa Centres in continental Croatia were Health centres usually with one or two hotels built in the best socialist style of the time.

The hotel in Lipik was built in the 1970s inside the old park. Although the number of visitors was still high, it was no more the place of noble walks and grand ball evenings. Local bands were playing on hotel terraces, and communal companies took care of the old garden.

Without the old gardeners and in the context of socialist economy the park started to decay, and its old glory could be seen only on old pictures hanging from the white walls in restaurants and halls of the new hotels.

Fondest memory: For those who preferred more intimate walks away from the fuss of the Central Garden the Spa Park offered many walkways, hidden pavillions and benches in its romanesque part.
A small artificial lake with an island was one of the main features of this area, and nearby artificial hill with Jelka's pavillion offered chances for walks up- and down-hill and some nice views of the surrounding areas.

Fondest memory: The Main Fountain in front of the Kursalon and Wandelbahn was the focus point of the Park. It was one of the most popular motives for taking photographs, and the most featured element of the park on the postcards.
People arrived here for the healing effects of the local water, and the fountain was celebrating this fact in full richness of its watersprays.