Belgrade tales: House of Jevrem Grujic

Do you feel like travelling back in time today? Do you want to go to a very magical, yet cool, mind-blowing place, while at the same time learning more about the history of Balkan region and Serbia? Then you are on the right page. It is no secret that I am a great art lover, and a person who thinks history and traditions should be respected. So let's continue the journey of Belgrade tales together. Today, join me on the most amazing travel to 19th century and let’s explore the precious, to me highly neglected gem of Belgrade, the House of Jevrem Grujic (Dom Jevrema Grujica).

House of Jevrem Grujic

Svetogorska 17, Beograd 11000, Serbia

For those of you who did not know who Jevrem Grujic was, let me provide you with a brief overview. Jevrem Grujic was a renowned Serbian minister, politician and a diplomat in the 19th century. He was a young intellectual studied law in Sorbonne University, Paris, where he acquired all the knowledge and expertise. On his return to Serbia, he had become a strong contributor to Serbian Constitution as well as a passionate advocate for the education of the young potentials in the country. He was the most important figure of the Holy Assembly and the initiator of the Serbian liberalism, who actively participated in the decisive political events of Serbia. Throughout his several decades long career, Jevrem Grujic was repeatedly appointed as the Minister, High Court Judge and Diplomatic Representative of Serbia in Constantinople, London, Paris and Brussels.

Today, the House of Jevrem Grujic is preserved as a national treasure as it provides a significant insight of the public and private life of the pre WWII Serbian elite. Located in the very center of the city, the museum preserves unique art collections dating back to two and a half centuries ago and testifying the tradition of one of the most famous diplomatic families in Serbia. The House of Jevrem Grujic is a cultural monument of high importance, the first building protected by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of the City of Belgrade in 1961 and the only member of the European Association of Historical Houses.

When you walk into the House of Jevrem Grujic, it is like you stepped way back into the 19th century, as you will be amazed by the fantastic decorum in the style of late renaissance. The facade decoration is the work of the Italian master of decorative painting, Domenika D`Andrea, which reflects the technique of graffiti, and rather rare example in the architecture of Belgrade. Have an amazing opportunity to meet the Serbian Mona Lisa, see the guns of Serbian famous heroes: Hajduk Veljko Petrovic and Tanaska Rajic as well as masterpieces of the most famous Serbian painters: Paja Jovanovic, Uros Predic, Steva Todorovic, and many more. Enjoy a cup of tea surrounded by royal gifts, unique items and furniture that dates back to the 17th-20th century. Take a walk through the lounges where the famous city balls were once organized and in which modern Serbian history was created. Here, the secret treaty of Serbia and Bulgaria was signed for the liberation of South Slavs in 1912. Half a century later, in the basement, the first discotheque opened in Belgrade in 1967, which marked the sociological boom in the contemporary history of the city. All in all, this will be a journey back in time which you will not forget.