Introduction

Yes, Serbia does happen to have quite a number of castles, but they are widely unknown and forgotten, even by Serbs. Serbian castles do not resemble typical castles, as those in Ireland or France, they are rather modest in size and not so sumptuous, but nevertheless have their own, subtle charm. So I suppose we should reffere to them more as mansions and palaces.

The problem is that many of them are abandoned over time and left to decay, and it is such a shame that we allowed these marvelous and unique pieces of architecture to wither away. Those ruins could be easily brought back to life, if only serbian public cared and was more aware of its heritage. We could show to people that not all architecture in Serbia is based solely on monasteries and churches, there are others things to cherish.

The King's Palace

History of serbian castles starts around the 19th century, when members of Obrenovic dynasty began building residences, but not as large and luxurious as those in central and western Europe. Milos Obrenovic built Konak in Topcider and Konak of Princess Ljubica, while latter Prince Aleksandar Karadjordjevic built The King's Palace and The White Palace.

The White Palace

Unlike the rest of Serbia, northern region Vojvodina was somewhat more specific because it was within the Habsburg monarchy, where long tradition of such construction was held. In Vojvodina also lived rich families like Dundjerski, Stratimirovic and others, who were responsible for building many of these castles. It is estimated that there are 67 castles only in this region of Serbia. Here I wrote only about few ones that stand out and could be representative for our country.

Fantast Castle (Dundjerski)

Of all castles in Vojvodina, Fantast Castle, white building with one big square tower and few smaller, cylindrical towers on the corners in neo-gothic style, is probably the most famous and impressive one. The castle is situated near the town of Bechej (14 km), in the central part of Vojvodina. It was built as a mixture of different forms atypical for our region, by the landowner Bogdan Dundjerski, member of the wealthiest family in Vojvodina by the end of the XIX and beginning of the XX century.

It is said that Bogdan Dundjerski built the lavish castle to prove to all that he was not bankrupt as had been rumored. He never married but it was known that he had a great fondness for fine women, horses and wine. The story of a bohemian, landowner Bogdan, today lives only in the story of curator Maja Dekanic, who daily takes tourists on a tour of the mansion. A guided tour around the castle costs only 1€ per person.

In 1983. the castle was converted into a hotel with a restaurant and named after the horse Fantast, the best horse Dundjerski ever raised. The hotel rooms are located in the main tower. Only the walls and doors remain authentic in the castle - from sumptuous furniture, paintings and jewelry nothing was left. After liberation in 1945, rugs, crystal chandeliers and silverware were all stolen.

The entire complex covers an area of about 65 hectares and, in addition to the castle, includes a horse farm, park with a lake as well as the chapel of St. George where Bogdan Dundjerski is buried. The chapel was built at the same time as the castle, in the neo-byzantine style. The iconostasis was painted by famous serbian realistic painter Uros Predic, a great friend of Bogdan Dundjerski. It is said that the painting of Virgin Mary has the face of Mara Dinjacki, the woman Dundjerski was in love with. Today in the chapel baptism ceremonies are organized as well as numerous weddings.

Horse farm that covers more than half of the entire complex, was famed for producing some of the best thoroughbreds in the former Yugoslavia, once numbering 1400. Today the farm has around 80 horses in six stables. It is possible for visitors to ride horses and for those who love these noble animals, the school of horse riding is organized. Carriage rides and winter sleigh rides in the beautiful surroundings of the snow-covered plains are also available.

Huge park with many walking trails surrounds the castle from all sides and is a mixture of English and French-styled parks. Park has few other facilities: equipped children's playground and two tennis courts and is also a home to an enclosed ostrich. There is also an empty concrete pool, which is unfortunately not in use, but has an interesting story. 

Today, although mainly a hotel, Fantast castle is a cultural monument of great importance and a story about friendship of Bogdan Dundjerski and Uros Predic.