Fantast Castle: A Historic Estate Near Bečej, Serbia
Visitor Information
Google Rating: 3.9
Popularity: Very Low
Country: Serbia
Civilization: Modern
Site type: Domestic
Remains: Palace
History
Fantast Castle is situated near the town of Bečej in modern-day Serbia. It was constructed in several stages by Bogdan Dunđerski, a member of the affluent Dunđerski family originally from Herzegovina. The building process was completed in 1925, resulting in a grand estate that reflected the family’s wealth and status.
Bogdan Dunđerski decided to erect the castle partly to counter circulating rumors about his financial decline. A passionate horse enthusiast, he owned an impressive stable with as many as 1,400 horses. One of these horses, a thoroughbred named Fantast, gained fame by winning all three races at the Belgrade Hippodrome in 1932. The castle derived its name from this celebrated horse, whose skull and femur are preserved and displayed within the residence.
In addition to the castle itself, the estate features a chapel dedicated to Saint George. This chapel was constructed in the neo-Byzantine style and adorned with iconostasis work partly created by a Belgrade craftsman known as Karbiner. The interior decorating includes mosaics and paintings by renowned artist Uroš Predić, among them a depiction of the Virgin Mary inspired by Dunđerski’s muse, Mara Dinjacki.
In 1940, shortly before World War II, Bogdan Dunđerski donated the castle and its surrounding land to Matica srpska, a cultural institution based in Novi Sad. However, following the war and the establishment of a communist government in Yugoslavia, state authorities nationalized the property in 1945. That same year, the castle suffered significant damage caused by bombing. During the postwar period, much of the original furniture, artwork, and precious belongings were removed or lost. From 1983 onward, the property was repurposed for use as a hotel.
Today, the castle operates primarily as a hotel, featuring accommodations and facilities including conference rooms and a banquet hall. The chapel has been restored to religious use and holds ceremonies such as baptisms and weddings. The historic horse stables continue to function, maintaining a smaller breeding and training program with approximately 80 horses.
Remains
The castle complex is organized around a central main tower flanked by four corner towers, all constructed in the neo-Gothic style. Contrasting with these are the ceremonial hall and the main entrances, which feature neoclassical design elements. This blend of architectural styles highlights different phases of construction and aesthetic preferences.
Within the castle grounds stands the chapel devoted to Saint George, designed in a neo-Byzantine manner. The chapel’s portal is decorated with intricate mosaics, while the interior contains paintings by Uroš Predić, including portrayals of the Last Supper and the Virgin Mary. The iconostasis, which is the screen or partition adorned with icons separating the altar from the nave in Eastern Orthodox churches, was partially crafted by Karbiner, a respected artist from Belgrade.
Originally, the castle’s interiors were lavishly appointed with fine furnishings, artworks, crystal chandeliers, jewelry, and silverware. These items were removed or lost following the damage and nationalization after World War II, leaving behind only the castle’s original walls and doors as authentic elements from the initial construction.
The estate also includes extensive horse stables once capable of housing over a thousand horses during the peak of Dunđerski’s ownership. Today, about 80 horses remain in residence, continuing the tradition of breeding and training on the property. Inside the castle, the skull and femur bones of the famous horse Fantast are preserved and exhibited in a dedicated showcase.
Additional features on the grounds include a large surrounding park, a mausoleum dedicated to the Dunđerski family, tennis courts, and a small airstrip designed for light aircraft. Both the castle and its chapel have been officially recognized as protected cultural monuments by the Republic of Serbia, ensuring the preservation of their historical and cultural significance.
