The Novi dvori (New Palace) in Zaprešic, a small town situated some 17 kilometres west of Zagreb in Hrvatsko Zagorje region,  is a historic complex that last year saw the launch of the first phase of its renovation. The palace was once the residence of Croatia’s well known Ban (viceroy), Josip Jelacic.

Besides the reconstruction of the palace itself, Zaprešic, as of recently the proprietor of the entire estate, plans over the coming five years, in collaboration with the Croatian Ministry of Culture, to renovate the other 17 buildings in the complex and adapt it entirely for tourism.

The first phase of the renovation is the complete reconstruction of the palace itself – the facade, roofs and the building’s foundations will be renovated. The eastern wing of the palace will feature a memorial room dedicated to Ban Josip Jelacic, while the palace’s basement will feature a luxuriously appointed wine cellar and multimedia facilities.

The central and largest hall in the palace has been conceived as an area in which formal occasions and receptions would be organised.

Besides the diverse culinary offer and sports facilities that will make up a part of the future Novi dvori, a part of the rooms in the complex will be set aside for suite-type accommodations.

More about Novi Dvori at Zaprešic Tourist Board web site: http://www.tzzz.hr/engleski/zapresic/zapresiczanimljivosti.htm