Vila Rebar
As you wander through the dense forest above Dolje and step onto trail no. 17, you'll eventually stumble upon the quiet crumbling remains of what was once a grand villa.
Although overgrown and abandoned today, Vila Rebar still carries the echoes of a turbulent past – shape-shifting over the decades from a hunting lodge to a luxurious retreat, and later, a popular weekend getaway spot.
Originally built in 1920 as a modest hunting lodge, it was transformed in the 1930s by architect Ivan Zemljak into an elegant villa with sweeping views. During World War II, the building became the residence of Ante Pavelić, leader of the then-notorious fascist Ustaše regime. This dark chapter in its history left behind a network of bunkers, shelters and underground tunnels – many of which still lie hidden in the surrounding forest.
After the war, the villa took on a very different role: it became a children’s holiday home, then a mountain lodge and eventually a restaurant and day trip destination for locals. In 1980, a fire swept through it, leaving only ruins and the hollow outlines of its past.
In the 1990s, the underground tunnels found new life as a venue for underground techno parties. Today, however, it's strongly advised not to enter the tunnels, as they are unsafe and unstable.
A steep forest path leads you to the ruins, and if you continue on, you'll come across the remains of an old tennis court, wartime bunkers and staircases that once led up to a now-vanished pyramid structure. At the top, there’s a small plateau with benches. While the once-clear view of Zagreb is now mostly obscured by thick forest growth, the walk offers a fascinating blend of nature and history.
Getting there: Start in Dolje and follow trail no.17. When you reach the first visible bunker, turn left onto the old cobblestone path and continue towards the villa ruins.
