As the centuries-old capital in this turbulent area where numerous conflicts and events took place and in which numerous principalities, kingdoms and republics were born and broken up, Belgrade was also the home of all ruling dynasties, presidents, marshals and other people who ruled these states. With them, of course, were their families, who needed a place to live, of course, in accordance with their social status.

This is also the reason why several palaces and magnificent residential buildings were built in Belgrade, most of which survived the destruction that took place during the last centuries.

When it comes to palaces, Belgrade is dominated by two palace complexes - the city complex of palaces, which includes the Old Court and the New Palace, and Dedinje complex of palaces, which includes the Royal Palace and the White Palace.

The Old Court

The Old Court was originally meant to be the palace of the Serbian Obrenović dynasty, built late in the 19th century according to the project of Aleksandar Bugarski, in the style of academicism. Following the change of dynasties, the Old Court became the residence of the Karađorđević dynasty. Unfortunately, the Old Court suffered significant damage during both world wars and reconstruction lead to major changes.

However, even today this building is dominated by the authentic 19th century saloon interior, which evokes memories of solemn court balls and formal receptions. Today, this building is the home of the Belgrade City Assembly, and the mayor's office is also located in this building.

The New Palace

Like every new royal dynasty, the Karađorđević family had an ambition to build a new palace as one of the symbols of their power, a place that would reflect their possibilities and preferences. This led to the building of New Palace, the residence of the Karađorđević dynasty, and the building is today a valuable achievement of Belgrade post-First World War architecture. This Palace was built according to the project of the architect Stojan Titelbach. When King Aleksandar I Karađorđević moved his residence to Dedinje, the Prince Pavle Museum was opened in this building. The New Palace is today the home of the cabinet of the President of the Republic of Serbia.

The Royal Palace

In the elite part of Belgrade, on Dedinje hill, the area where you can see numerous luxury villas and diplomatic and consular offices, there is the Royal Palace - a palace complex built by King Alexander I Karađorđević for his wife, Queen Maria, the Romanian princess and granddaughter of the British Queen Victoria. The Royal palace was built in the Serbian-Byzantine style in the period from 1924 to 1929, according to the project of architect Živojin Nikolić and academician Nikolaj Krasnov.

The stone-paved ceremonial hall is decorated with copies of frescoes from the medieval monasteries of Dečani and Sopoćani. After the Second World War, the Palace was used by President Josip Broz Tito, while in the 1990s this palace was returned to the heirs of the Karađorđević dynasty and today it is the home of the heir to the throne, Aleksandar II Karađorđević and his family.

The White Palace

The White Palace building was built in the neoclassical style from 1934 to 1936, according to the project of architect Aleksandar Đorđević for the sons of King Aleksandar I Karađorđević. On the ground floor of this elegant building, so characteristic for its simplicity and refined taste, there is a large ceremonial hall and a series of salons equipped with Louis XV and Louis XVI style furniture, as well as the dining room and library. The walls of the White Palace are decorated with a collection of the world's greatest masters of painting, which Prince Pavle, a great art lover, carefully collected and included in the valuable art collection of this building.

If you are planning to visit the capital of Serbia this summer, Novi apartmani suggests that you take the opportunity and join one of the tourist tours that will allow you to peek into the palace complexes of Belgrade and get to know a part of the history of Serbia and its capital. Before that, take some time and book the accommodation on our website. In the Strict Center section, we are sure that you will find luxury accommodation at a very reasonable price and you’ll definitely be able to relax, just like a proper king.