Maruševec Castle: Reclaiming family heritage in Croatia
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Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt, the owner of Maruševec Castle in Croatia
I've talked with Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt, the owner of Maruševec Castle in the north of Croatia. His father Oscar managed to return the castle into the family as part of the restitution process almost half-a-century after it had been nationalised by the communist regime in Yugoslavia following WWII. Being raised at Maruševec as a kid, Oscar Pongratz held dear memories of the time he spent in the estate with his grandparents as a child and his room was the first thing he restored in Maruševec castle when he got the property back from the state. Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt who actually owns two more castles in Austria has told me that the Maruševec business model is quite sustainable. The estate is now both a destination wedding venue and occasionally features in movies and photoshoots. Maruševec has also established itself as a regional wine and pork meat producers after Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt and a friend of his revitalized the old vineyards and breeding of local heritage Turopolje wool pigs.
RESTITUTION AND THE RETURN OF THE ESTATE
Castles and Palaces (CnP): In the 2000s, the Croatian government began the process of returning the property to your father, Oscar Ritter von Pongratz-Lippitt, the direct heir of the Pongratz family. Did your family initiate the restitution proceedings, or did the Croatian state approach you?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: My father filed his restitution claim in 1989 and received the first portion of the property back in 2004. Restitution takes place gradually, part by part, and the process remains incomplete to this day. In particular, the entire original furnishings and art collections of Maruševec and Čalinec castles—both located in the same village and formerly owned by my great-grandfather—have yet to be returned. These collections are currently held in museums in Varaždin and Zagreb.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: My father filed his restitution claim in 1989 and received the first portion of the property back in 2004. Restitution takes place gradually, part by part, and the process remains incomplete to this day. In particular, the entire original furnishings and art collections of Maruševec and Čalinec castles—both located in the same village and formerly owned by my great-grandfather—have yet to be returned. These collections are currently held in museums in Varaždin and Zagreb.
CnP: The Maruševec estate was once enormous, comprising forests, agricultural land, a brickworks, and coal mines, with its lands extending as far as the Slovenian border. Did your father recover the entire estate?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: My father did recover the forests, but not the agricultural land. Since the farmland is now privately owned rather than held by the state, it is no longer eligible for restitution. The legal proceedings concerning the brickworks and coal mines also remain unresolved.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: My father did recover the forests, but not the agricultural land. Since the farmland is now privately owned rather than held by the state, it is no longer eligible for restitution. The legal proceedings concerning the brickworks and coal mines also remain unresolved.
THE RETURN TO MARUŠEVEC
CnP: After the Second World War, the estate and its extensive park were converted into fields and agricultural land, and many of the rare pine trees and ancient oaks were felled. Are there any trees that manage to escape being cut down?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: There are still several very old trees in the castle park that contribute greatly to the character of the estate. Most of the trees that remain today were planted during the redesign of the park around the turn of the 20th century. However, a few exceptionally ancient oak trees have survived throughout the centuries and continue to grace the castle grounds to this day. If I am not mistaken, these are an 800-year-old elm and two 700-year-old oak trees.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: There are still several very old trees in the castle park that contribute greatly to the character of the estate. Most of the trees that remain today were planted during the redesign of the park around the turn of the 20th century. However, a few exceptionally ancient oak trees have survived throughout the centuries and continue to grace the castle grounds to this day. If I am not mistaken, these are an 800-year-old elm and two 700-year-old oak trees.
CnP: Your father, Oscar von Pongratz-Lippitt, grew up at Maruševec, which was confiscated from the family after the war in 1945. I imagine that returning to the place of his childhood, with its fond memories of Christmas celebrations at the castle with his grandparents, must have been a deeply emotional experience. How did your father feel when he returned to the estate?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: My father always felt a deep connection to Maruševec, where he had spent half of each year until 1945. Even after the property was confiscated, he continued to visit regularly and maintained contact with the Adventist community living there. They were always exceptionally kind to him and had a profound awareness of the historical circumstances and of our family's history at the estate.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: My father always felt a deep connection to Maruševec, where he had spent half of each year until 1945. Even after the property was confiscated, he continued to visit regularly and maintained contact with the Adventist community living there. They were always exceptionally kind to him and had a profound awareness of the historical circumstances and of our family's history at the estate.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: The Adventist Church used Maruševec castle as a school and treated the property with the utmost respect. The room my father had lived in as a child had been completely altered over the years. Restoring it to its original appearance was one of the very first things he did.
THE CONDITION OF THE CASTLE
CnP: I spoke with Stephanos Germenis-Hildprandt, the owner of Blatná Castle in the Czech Republic. His family also recovered their castle from the state through the restitution process. Although the castle had been state-owned for decades, it was returned in a rather deplorable condition. What was the greatest challenge your family faced at Maruševec?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: After the war, the castle was initially used as a children's home. From 1969 onwards, it was leased to a Seventh-day Adventist community, as I mentioned earlier, which maintained the property and invested considerably in its restoration. After the community eventually left, the castle stood empty for approximately a decade. Unfortunately, the condition of the estate deteriorated significantly after the Adventist community moved out.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: After the war, the castle was initially used as a children's home. From 1969 onwards, it was leased to a Seventh-day Adventist community, as I mentioned earlier, which maintained the property and invested considerably in its restoration. After the community eventually left, the castle stood empty for approximately a decade. Unfortunately, the condition of the estate deteriorated significantly after the Adventist community moved out.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: The roof was in desperate need of repair, several ceilings had already collapsed, and the park had become completely overgrown. There was no running water, no heating, and hardly any electricity. Not a single room was in proper condition.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: Many of the windows were broken, while both the interior and exterior walls had suffered extensive damage. Our first priorities were therefore the roof and the windows, as it was essential to protect the building from further water damage.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: Many of the windows were broken, while both the interior and exterior walls had suffered extensive damage. Our first priorities were therefore the roof and the windows, as it was essential to protect the building from further water damage.
CnP: The castle's present appearance dates largely from the late 19th century, including alterations made by Count Schlippenbach and, most significantly, the extensive reconstruction undertaken by your great-grandfather, Oskar von Pongratz, in 1901. Did this reconstruction completely change the way the castle looked?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: Well, one old book describes Maruševec as a feudal lowland moated castle, with a surrounding moat, a rectangular ground plan, four round towers, and one rectangular tower. However, it would be correct to say that the castle acquired its present looks during the reconstruction that was undertaken by my great-grandfather in 1901. He left a lasting mark on the estate, giving the castle the architectural character that defines it to this day.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: Well, one old book describes Maruševec as a feudal lowland moated castle, with a surrounding moat, a rectangular ground plan, four round towers, and one rectangular tower. However, it would be correct to say that the castle acquired its present looks during the reconstruction that was undertaken by my great-grandfather in 1901. He left a lasting mark on the estate, giving the castle the architectural character that defines it to this day.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: Among his most significant alterations was the construction of a new staircase beneath an open glass roof, as well as the creation of a second entrance at the rear of the castle, which still bears the date '1901.'
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: He also commissioned the renowned Swedish landscape architect Carl Gustav Swensson to design an extensive English landscape park and had an orangery built on the castle grounds. The main wing of the castle was extended on both sides, battlements were added along the roofline, and the family coat of arms was placed above the main entrance, symbolising our family's enduring connection to this historic estate.
Burg Sooneck–a kids' castle on the Rhine!
FINANCING THE RESTORATION
CnP: Maintaining such a large estate remains an enormous challenge, even though parts of the original landholdings are no longer included. As I understand it, following restitution, your family spent several years considering how best to raise the funds necessary for the restoration. Where did the money come from?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: All restoration and repair work is financed entirely through private funds. We have not received any public grants or subsidies.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: All restoration and repair work is financed entirely through private funds. We have not received any public grants or subsidies.
CnP: And how long has the restoration work itself taken?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: To be honest, the restoration is far from complete. With a building of this size, and relying exclusively on private resources, progress can only be made gradually, step by step. Of course, the castle itself must also generate income to help us restore it to the condition it was in before the expropriation in 1945.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: To be honest, the restoration is far from complete. With a building of this size, and relying exclusively on private resources, progress can only be made gradually, step by step. Of course, the castle itself must also generate income to help us restore it to the condition it was in before the expropriation in 1945.
CnP: I understand that your family's principal residence is Pernegg Castle in Austria. What about Maruševec? Do you have rooms there where family members can stay when visiting?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: No, when our family is in Croatia, we do not stay at the castle. Instead, we live in a small winegrower's house that also belonged to our family in the past. The castle itself is inhabited by the estate manager.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: No, when our family is in Croatia, we do not stay at the castle. Instead, we live in a small winegrower's house that also belonged to our family in the past. The castle itself is inhabited by the estate manager.
MARUŠEVEC AS A FILM AND EVENT LOCATION
CnP: Among its many roles throughout history, the castle has also appeared on screen in connection with Miroslav Krleža's 1929 psychological drama about the Glembay family. Do you frequently receive requests to rent the castle as a filming location?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: Yes! The castle recently [2026] featured in Zrinski, a Croatian biographical docufiction drama centered on the life, rise to glory, and mysterious death of the 17th-century Croatian viceroy and military leader, Nikola VII Zrinski. The production utilized the distinct neo-Gothic exterior and romantic grounds of Maruševec Castle to portray historical estates of the period. So, film productions, photo shoots and advertising campaigns for feature films are particularly popular, both inside and outside of the castle.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: Yes! The castle recently [2026] featured in Zrinski, a Croatian biographical docufiction drama centered on the life, rise to glory, and mysterious death of the 17th-century Croatian viceroy and military leader, Nikola VII Zrinski. The production utilized the distinct neo-Gothic exterior and romantic grounds of Maruševec Castle to portray historical estates of the period. So, film productions, photo shoots and advertising campaigns for feature films are particularly popular, both inside and outside of the castle.
What did the devil do at Chateau de Bonneval?
CnP: How can someone book Maruševec for a wedding? How many guests can the castle accommodate at one time?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: Naturally, we also have weddings, christenings, and a wide range of other private and corporate events. At present, we can accommodate 160 guests seated at round tables inside the castle, while outdoor events can host more than 1,000 people. As the restoration and development of the interior spaces progress, we expect to be able to accommodate even more guests indoors in the future.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: Naturally, we also have weddings, christenings, and a wide range of other private and corporate events. At present, we can accommodate 160 guests seated at round tables inside the castle, while outdoor events can host more than 1,000 people. As the restoration and development of the interior spaces progress, we expect to be able to accommodate even more guests indoors in the future.
CnP: Is it possible to visit the castle on a guided tour or even stay overnight?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: Bookings can easily be arranged through our website, marusevecestate.com, where all the relevant information is available.
Interestingly, most people nowadays simply contact us directly through Instagram @marusevecestate.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: Bookings can easily be arranged through our website, marusevecestate.com, where all the relevant information is available.
Interestingly, most people nowadays simply contact us directly through Instagram @marusevecestate.
MARUŠEVEC WINERY AND HERITAGE TUROPOLJE PIGS
CnP: Since 1883, high-quality wines have been produced from grapes grown in the marl and limestone soils of Maruševec. Which ones do you produce today, and what makes them distinctive?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: In 2015, I founded a company together with my friend Christoph Eder, specifically dedicated to developing the winery and breeding pigs. We revitalised the five-hectare vineyard. Our wine portfolio currently includes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Yellow Muscat, Rosé, and Pinot Noir.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: In 2015, I founded a company together with my friend Christoph Eder, specifically dedicated to developing the winery and breeding pigs. We revitalised the five-hectare vineyard. Our wine portfolio currently includes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Yellow Muscat, Rosé, and Pinot Noir.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: We also produce Frizzante and sparkling wines in Brut and Brut Rosé styles, both made using the traditional method, or Méthode Traditionnelle, involving a second fermentation in the bottle. Our wines receive awards every year at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: We also host wine picnics and wine tastings in the castle and its park with great support by the local tourism association Sjever Zagorja. Wine tours are also possible, but only by prior appointment.
CnP: You also mentioned breeding local wool pigs. Why is it so important?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: Well, it's part of the business. We brought back breeding traditional heritage Turopolje pigs, an old breed officially recognised by Empress Maria Theresa. These wool pigs were already being raised on our estate before 1900. Today, the animals live in natural, free-range conditions within a 15-hectare enclosure comprising woodland, meadows, and ponds.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: Well, it's part of the business. We brought back breeding traditional heritage Turopolje pigs, an old breed officially recognised by Empress Maria Theresa. These wool pigs were already being raised on our estate before 1900. Today, the animals live in natural, free-range conditions within a 15-hectare enclosure comprising woodland, meadows, and ponds.
CnP: Many aristocratic families struggle financially when it comes to maintaining their historic properties. After all, owning even a single castle can be an enormous undertaking, with heating, taxes, maintenance costs, and countless other expenses. You own three castles in total—one in Croatia and two in Austria. Why do you need so many?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: As for the three castles, the situation in our family is that Pernegg Castle in Styria comes from my side of the family and, until 1945, was used only as a summer residence. Kaps Castle in Kitzbühel comes from the family of my wife, Camilla, née Countess von Lamberg. And there's also Maruševec which I inherited from my father. So we share this considerable responsibility.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: As for the three castles, the situation in our family is that Pernegg Castle in Styria comes from my side of the family and, until 1945, was used only as a summer residence. Kaps Castle in Kitzbühel comes from the family of my wife, Camilla, née Countess von Lamberg. And there's also Maruševec which I inherited from my father. So we share this considerable responsibility.
CnP: What would you say to someone considering selling their apartment in a big city and exchanging their urban life for the peaceful, yet often challenging, experience of restoring a dilapidated castle or country manor?
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: When you own a castle and the family estate that comes with it, you are merely its custodian for the next generation. It is not about what you want, but about what needs to be done. Whether one is prepared to take on that responsibility is something everyone must decide for themselves.
Maximilian von Pongratz-Lippitt: When you own a castle and the family estate that comes with it, you are merely its custodian for the next generation. It is not about what you want, but about what needs to be done. Whether one is prepared to take on that responsibility is something everyone must decide for themselves.
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You can always get in touch with me at castlesandfamilies@gmail.com