What makes Villa Dworski so Remarkable?
Walk through the imposing front doors of Villa Dworski and you walk into a world long past.
Spacious rooms, redolent of former kingdoms and Empire, ornamented by stunning tiled stoves, parquet and terrazzo floors accommodate family portraits and period furniture. Giving meaning to it all, naval memorabilia and a unique collection of photographs, personal letters and documents tells the story of one family. A family archive which charts the rich history of 20th century Rijeka and Sušak, the latter days of the Austria-Hungarian navy, and the region’s consular activities during the 1930s.
Outside, from a generous terrace shaded by leafy chestnut trees, view the beauty of the Kvarner Bay. Follow the footsteps of four generations of this family, down the elegant steps and pathways, bordered with rosemary, laurel and sage, to the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
Open to the Public
Villa Dworski has been open to public events and private visits for over a decade now.
We are proud to be able to share with others this rich heritage we are lucky enough to have inherited. The house and its archives can always be visited on request.
Main categories of historical interest held:
- The Austro-Hungarian Navy
Valuable maritime historical archives, maps, and naval records from the era.
- Austrian Galicia and the Bukovina
Documents, letters, and research files detailing family connections to these regions.
- Interwar-Sušak and Pećine
Local history, photography collections, and architectural records from the 1920s and 30s.
- Poles in Croatia (1918-1945)
Archives of the Polish Consulate and details on the support of Polish refugees during WWII.
- Gjuro Ružić & Family History
The genealogy, influence, and records of Ban Viktor Ružić and his family in Sušak and Rijeka.
The Villa
Explore the architecture and beauty of this historic Mediterranean residence.
Discover more →The Family
Meet the generations who shaped this home and left their mark on local history.
Read the story →History
Journey through time from the villa's founding to the present day preservation effort.
Explore the timeline →Visit Us
At Villa Dworski we open our reception rooms and gardens to an enthusiastic public, we celebrate Polish national holidays, host cultural events and welcome guided historical walks.
Researchers and historians are always welcome by appointment.

