Belgrade showcases an impressive array of architectural styles that reflect its rich history. While exploring the city center, make sure to visit the city’s oldest surviving house at 10 Cara Dušana Street, a remarkable example of Baroque architecture from the early 18th century.
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Historical Background
The oldest surviving house in Belgrade is located in the historic district of Dorćol, close to Kalemegdan Park. It was built between 1724 and 1727, as one of the first houses constructed during the Austrian occupation that lasted from 1717 to 1739. The building is a prime example of a mixed-use urban house, commonly found in the Danube region of the Habsburg Monarchy during the 18th century.
Being the only residential building from the first half of the 18th century preserved in the urban area just outside the Belgrade Fortress, the house is protected as a cultural monument by authorities.
First Owner
This house, along with six identical ones, was constructed according to the regulatory plan for Belgrade by Nicolas Doxat de Démoret in what was then known as Duga Street. The first owner of the house was Elias Fleischman, a leather craftsman and advisor to the city council. Fleischman moved to Belgrade following the Austrian conquest of the city in 1717. Because of his association, the house is often referred to as “Fleischman’s House.”
After the Ottoman recapture of Belgrade in 1740, these seven consecutive houses were among the few Austrian-era buildings that endured. However, only one of these houses—the second from Kalemegdan Park—managed to survive the many historical upheavals that plagued Belgrade up until 1930.
Architectural Details
The house is a Baroque structure with arched vaults and consists of a basement, ground floor, and an upper floor. Its original facade was distinguished by a simple horizontal cornice above the ground floor, side pilasters at the corners, and, likely, a molded cornice at the roof. The portals were framed with molded stone frames.
The ground floor, made of stone and brick, features the main entrance and two side openings for shops. In the 19th century, an upper floor with attic space was added, comprising four apartments. The main entrance leads through a tunnel to a courtyard staircase, which provides access to the upper floor’s hallway. A deep, water-submerged basement extends beneath the entire building, intriguing the public during World War II.
Mysterious Tunnels and Legends
One of the most intriguing aspects of this house is the network of tunnels that lie beneath it. These tunnels, shrouded in mystery, are believed to have been constructed for strategic purposes. During World War II, German forces reportedly explored these passages and found treasures, which they transported to Berlin. Today, the tunnels remain largely unexplored due to flooding and structural instability.
According to local legend, these underground tunnels connect Belgrade and Zemun beneath the Sava River. However, due to their inaccessibility, this has never been thoroughly investigated. The last significant renovation of the house occurred in 1932, which included the current roof structure.
Current Status and Cultural Significance
Today, the house at 10 Cara Dušana remains a cultural monument protected by the city and the state. Its structural integrity is largely preserved, although the roof, from the last renovation, has been a recurring issue for residents due to leaks causing plaster to fall. Despite its dilapidated state, the building continues to serve its original mixed-use purpose, with two shops on the ground floor and two apartments and two offices on the upper floor.
How Old is the City of Belgrade?
Belgrade is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with a history spanning 7,000 years. Archaeological evidence reveals that the first settlements in the area date back to the Vinča culture around 5,000 BC. The city’s strategic location at the confluence of the River Sava and Danube has made it a significant site throughout history, witnessing the rise and fall of various empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians.
What is The Oldest Part of Belgrade?
If we exclude the archeological site of Vinča, located close to the Serbian capital, the oldest part of Belgrade is the Belgrade Fortress and its surrounding area. This ancient fortification has been the site of continuous human settlement for millennia and has played a crucial role in the city’s defense and development. Today, Kalemegdan Park and the fortress remain key historical and tourist attractions, offering insights into the city’s long and tumultuous past.
Conclusion
The house at 10 Cara Dušana is more than just the oldest house in Belgrade; it is a living piece of history that continues to contribute to the city’s cultural and commercial life. Its Baroque architecture, mysterious tunnels, and rich historical associations make it a fascinating site for both locals and visitors interested in the story of Belgrade. (sources: Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, Danas)
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