The City of Belgrade, Serbia
Long ago the city of Belgrade was nicknamed the white city due to the way its impenetrable fortress appeared white from the river. Although the city has undergone rapid modernization since then, the original nickname, along with the fortress still stand.
On our recent trip to Belgrade, we marveled at the city’s old and new architecture alike.
We walked around the city’s cobblestone streets, paying close attention to its beautiful
Serbian architecture. Here are some gorgeous buildings worth visiting on your next trip
to Belgrade.
The notorious Belgrade Fortress is built out of white Tašmajdan limestone. It was
destroyed and rebuilt many times since its inception, earning it the status as a symbol
representing the city that keeps on growing. Understanding the fortress’ history means
understanding the people of Belgrade. Each group who occupied the fortress left a mark
that still remains to this day.
This structure was built on a ridge above two big rivers and also houses a well, a tower,
a türbe, and a basketball monument among other things. Along the fortress is also
Kalemegdanski park, which is a serene well - kept park with statues of famous historical
Serbian figures. There are many statues of writers and scientists, and politicians
throughout the park.
Nebojša is Serbian for fearless, which is the best word to describe this quaint but mighty tower that once served as a defensive structure inside the Belgrade Fortress. It was built in the early 15th century by the Hungarians, who ruled Belgrade at the time. They used this tower to defend themselves against attacks from the Ottoman Empire after the Siege of Belgrade in 1456. Today, it’s a prominent tourist destination thanks to its location next to anchored barge-restaurants.
This bank was founded in 1882 to promote savings, support small businesses, and to
aid the poor in Belgrade. After the Karadjordjevic dynasty came to power, the liberal
bourgeois regime of Petar the I improved the country’s economy. The bank operated up
until 1944 which made it one of the most important institutions of its kind. This building
represents the beginning of the modern reconstruction of Belgrade and has been a
cultural monument since 1979.
This palace is situated in one of the oldests parts of Belgrade, right next to the Sava
River. It was built as a home for Prince Miloš Obrenović, his wife Ljubica and their
children. It’s actually a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance and open to
visitors. If you find yourself here, you can stop by to learn about the private life of the
ruling family, their dressing habits, and their approach to raising their children. You can
even have some coffee and homemade lokum at the end of the visit!
Mika Alas, formerly known as Mihailo Petrović was a distinguished Mathematician and
scientist who lived and worked in this house until his death in 1943. The house was
designed by architect and fellow professor Petar Bajalović in 1910.
Petrović contributed to the study of differential equations, phenomenology, and
engineering mathematics, as well as invented one of the first models of a hydraulic
analog computer. He was also a master fisherman. A common saying that would often
be said about this house was: “in Kosančićev venac 22 lives half of the Serbian
science”.
The Officers' club was built in 1895 by the order of King Aleksandar Obrenović, who
wanted to provide a place for the Royal Serbian Army officers to lounge and have fun.
After World War II, this stout building was nationalised by the communist government
and given to Belgrade University in 1968. Take a peek inside and you’ll immediately
notice the rustic designs that decorate the central room.
This is the oldest surviving Elementary school in Belgrade! It was built in the early 20th
century by Jelisaveta Načić, the first Serbian female architect. During its prime, it was
the most modern elementary education institution in Serbia.
It was also here that students participated in the first gym classes ever held in Serbia,
some going on to join the Yugoslav basketball national team. Today, there is a
Pobednik monument in the school gym, which is also used as the festivity hall.
Pobednik was erected in 1928 and is currently the most representative landmark of
Belgrade. This architectural feat is a cultural monument that educated notable Serbian
figures who went on to revolutionize Serbia into what it is today.
