Bagolyvár—famously known as the “Owl’s Tower”—and Villa Lujza stand as unique testaments to the golden age of Palić and its evolution into a premier sports and resort destination. Built in 1892 as part of the sports complex founded by Lajos Vermeš, a visionary, elite athlete, and creator of the Palić Olympic Games, these landmark buildings preserve the legacy of organized sports pioneering in this part of Europe.

Designed in the Swiss chalet style—highly popular at the time—the villas feature rich decorative woodwork and iconic roofs adorned with famous Zsolnay ceramics. Their striking architecture blends seamlessly into the surrounding natural landscape of Palić.

This area was once home to a state-of-the-art sports complex complete with a paved cycling track, spectator grandstands, training pavilions, an open-air stage, and a tavern, positioning Palić among the early pioneers of sports tourism in the region. Today, a bust of Lajos Vermeš stands next to Bagolyvár, honoring the man whose vision left an indelible mark on the history of Palić.