The city government invested a lot of effort to illuminate the most important historic buildings.
FROM SLAVIA TO TERAZIJE
This McDonald’s restaurant was the first one to open in Belgrade and in all of Serbia, in March 1988. It was also the first one in central and south-east Europe. I lived in Belgrade at the time and remember the excitement when the restaurant opened, especially because Yugoslavia was still a communist country.
The iron curtain was very much in place in Europe at that time. No other communist country, under the Soviet Union dominance, could’ve imagined having McDonald’s in its territory. But, Yugoslavia was a non-aligned and independent country.
The building of the former legendary department store “Kluz” is directly opposite the Belgrade Palace. This building has a very beautiful interior space. It was perfectly suited for an up-market department store. The store closed in 1992. The building never regained its previous glory.
The Officers’ Club was built in 1895. The King wanted to provide a place for the Serbian Army officers where they could socialise and have fun. Due to its characteristic architecture, the building looks almost like a fortress.
The communist government nationalised it after the Second World War and assigned it to the Belgrade University in 1968. I have only ever known this building as the Students’ Cultural Centre. The centre was very important for the city’s avant-garde scene. It was a concert hall where the biggest and most important names of the Yugoslavian pop and rock music performed.
SERBIAN PARLIAMENT AND NIKOLA PAŠIĆ SQUARE
Another beautifully illuminated building is the Serbian Parliament.
REPUBLIC SQUARE
I have previously mentioned that, when I was in Belgrade, Republic Square was under restoration. The works will finish in October of this year. I look forward to seeing the square once it’s been completely restored. I’m sure that it will look much better and more representative as the city’s main square. Both, the National Museum and the National Theatre are in the photo.
The newly renovated building of the National Museum looks impressive. It will look even better once the works in the square are also completed. This museum is a real gem. Its superb collection of the Serbian medieval art, Serbian 18th and the 19th century paintings and international paintings is a must see for anyone visiting Belgrade.
DELIJSKA FOUNTAIN AND CHRISTMAS DECORATION
Despite the fact that it was only beginning of November, Christmas lights were already in place all over the city. However, I was not lucky to see them lit. I left Belgrade several days before they were switched on. Funnily enough, the city government leaves the lights for 3 or 4 months. At least, Belgrade by night looks prettier that way.
BELGRADE CITY LIBRARY
The Belgrade City Library is in the former building of the Serbian Crown Hotel (Hotel Srpska Kruna). At the time of its construction in 1867, it was the most modern, elegant and best equipped of all hotels in Belgrade. The library is in this building since 1986.
PRINCESS LJUBICA’S RESIDENCE AND CATHEDRAL CHURCH
One more precious museum that should be on every visitor’s list is the Princess Ljubica’s Residence.
BELGRADE FORTRESS
Undoubtedly, the most impressive and most important historic site in the city is the Belgrade Fortress.
KARADJORDJEVA STREET
One of Belgrade’s most beautiful buildings is the Cooperative Building, in Karadjordjeva street. It’s now part of the Belgrade Waterfront project. The bank moved into the building immediately after its completion in 1907. It’s also one of the most significant buildings of the early 20th century Serbian architecture. It represents the start of modern reconstruction of Belgrade by the Sava river.
SAVA SQUARE
The photo of the tram was taken in Sava Square, a big square in front of the former Belgrade railway station. The square will be completely redone this year. A building behind the tram is the St. Sava hospital.
These rubbish containers were also in Sava Square. I’ve seen pictures of the restoration project of the square. It was big news in the Serbian press. It’ll be interesting to see the new square, when they finish the works.
As a matter of fact, I will only write about many changes and improvements in Belgrade in my future posts. But I’m very glad that, after decades of complete neglect, the city is finally receiving due attention and care.
SUMMER NIGHT CITY – BELGRADE BY NIGHT
Summer Night City was ABBA’s 1978 hit. An excellent song, still vibrant and relevant after so many years. ABBA released this song between their two legendary albums – The Album and Voulez-Vous. I still remember buying a single when they released it.
When the night comes with the action
I just know it’s time to go
Can’t resist the strange attraction
From that giant dynamo
Lots to take and lots to give
Time to breathe and time to live…
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