Presentation and Education Center Tikveš

In the heart of Baranja, surrounded by Kopački rit Nature Park, lies the architectural complex
of the countryside architecture – the Tikveš castle complex. It is a forest and park area where
residential buildings are located: New Castle with Aneks, Old Castle, Chapel of the Pope’s
Blessing and accompanying buildings. The complex dates back to the 19th century, and was
built by members of the Habsburg family of Teschenian branch. During history castles were a
hunting center known in European and world scale, but exclusively closed type, for the rulers
and guests of the Palace. During the Baranja occupation in the Homeland War castles were
devastated. By the decision of the Government of the Republic of Croatia since 2000, the
complex was given for use and management of the Public Institution Kopački rit Nature Park.
The project “Presentation and Education Center Tikveš” is funded by the European Structural
and Investment Funds, from the Operational Programme “Competitiveness and Cohesion
2014-2020”, Call KK.06.1.2.01.0009 – Promoting the sustainable use of natural heritage in
national parks and nature parks. The grant agreement between JUPP Kopački rit, SAFU and
the Ministry of Regional Development and European Funds was signed on October 5th,
2017. The total eligible project costs are 51,585,554.20 kn, of which 85% are financed by the
European Union (43,847,721.07 kn), and 15% are Public funds (7,737,833.13 kn) – of which
the Environment and Energy Efficiency Fund co-finances up to 4.981.117,21 kn and the
Ministry of Environment and Energy up to 2.756.715,92 kn. The implementation of the
project is planned until 2021. This project will renew, transform and equip the existing Tikveš
complex in the Presentation and Education Center with a uniquely styled setting as a
starting point for education on the natural features of Kopački rit and the importance of its
preservation. The main objectives of the project are: the reconstruction of the Old and New
Castle, where the exterior appearance of the castles retains the original form while the
interior is decorated as a contemporary presentation space; then adapting and transforming
Aneks into the center for nature’s interpretation, in which topics and exhibits using the latest
technology become interactive and attractive to visitors. Educational programs for pre-
school children, elementary and high school students and adult visitors will be designed – as
part of this activity is the education of professional guides. It will also allow access to people
with disabilities, and a specially designed showroom with tactile tapes and trails for blind
people is also planned. The entire complex of the castle complex is also planned.
Modernizing content and programs will increase attractiveness for visitors and thus enable
revitalization and development of one of the greatest potentialities of the Nature Park.
Infrastructure investment and the provision of content within the complex will contribute to
the protection of natural and cultural heritage in the long run, the expanding of the offer of
exhibition and educational facilities, as well as the increase of the number of visitors.