Dejan Palace, Timisoara
The Dejan Palace, also known as the Scherter House, is one of the oldest and most storied buildings in Timisoara. Constructed in 1735 by the de Jean family-later ennobled as Deschan de Hansen-it reflects the city’s transformation under Habsburg rule. Johann Anton Deschan von Hansen, a French-born nobleman who fought under Prince Eugene of Savoy during the 1716 siege, commissioned the palace on a massive plot of nearly 2,400 square meters, the largest held by a private citizen inside the Timișoara Fortress. Its size and prominence underscored the prestige of its owner and his role as a trusted advisor to Governor Florimond de Mercy.
Beyond its impressive dimensions, the palace quickly became a hub of urban life. In its inner courtyard, the first bazaar of Timisoara opened, earning the building the popular nickname “Bazaar” for generations. Later, in the southern wing, rebuilt and expanded in the early 19th century, the city’s first casino began operating in 1830, offering a glimpse into the social and cultural aspirations of the time. These functions made the Dejan Palace not just a residence but a focal point for commerce and entertainment in the growing city.
Architecturally, the building blends provincial baroque with neoclassical elegance. The eastern, northern, and western wings feature restrained baroque façades with simple window frames, while the southern body displays a statelier neoclassical style. Visitors can admire its Corinthian pilasters, decorative cornices, and basket-handle arch gateway, as well as the arcaded verandas that frame its inner courtyard. Today, the restored palace continues its commercial role, housing shops while preserving centuries of architectural and social history. For visitors, it offers a rare chance to experience the layered story of Timisoara’s past in one remarkable setting.
Beyond its impressive dimensions, the palace quickly became a hub of urban life. In its inner courtyard, the first bazaar of Timisoara opened, earning the building the popular nickname “Bazaar” for generations. Later, in the southern wing, rebuilt and expanded in the early 19th century, the city’s first casino began operating in 1830, offering a glimpse into the social and cultural aspirations of the time. These functions made the Dejan Palace not just a residence but a focal point for commerce and entertainment in the growing city.
Architecturally, the building blends provincial baroque with neoclassical elegance. The eastern, northern, and western wings feature restrained baroque façades with simple window frames, while the southern body displays a statelier neoclassical style. Visitors can admire its Corinthian pilasters, decorative cornices, and basket-handle arch gateway, as well as the arcaded verandas that frame its inner courtyard. Today, the restored palace continues its commercial role, housing shops while preserving centuries of architectural and social history. For visitors, it offers a rare chance to experience the layered story of Timisoara’s past in one remarkable setting.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Timisoara. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Dejan Palace on Map
Sight Name: Dejan Palace
Sight Location: Timisoara, Romania (See walking tours in Timisoara)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Timisoara, Romania (See walking tours in Timisoara)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Timisoara, Romania
Create Your Own Walk in Timisoara
Creating your own self-guided walk in Timisoara is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Palaces and Castles Walking Tour
The “Little Vienna” has amazed thousands of curious eyes for many years. This is thanks to the stunning palaces built in various styles, meant to lure visitors from all over the world. Take this tour to appreciate the most important historical buildings in Timisoara.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Timisoara Introduction Walking Tour
One of the largest cities in Romania, Timisoara holds an honorary spot on one's travel map. One will be thrilled with the city’s harmoniously grouped landmarks and of course, it is incredible that the city houses quite a number of squares with historical value. Are you curious to visit Timisoara? Check out the city’s prominent landmarks.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles


