Plizio Visual Lab
Old Palace, Belgrade
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
palace
The Old Palace (Stari Dvor) in Belgrade is one of the most magnificent examples of Academic architecture in Serbia, embodying the royal history of the nation. It was built between 1882 and 1884 as the primary residence for King Milan Obrenović, designed by the prominent architect Aleksandar Bugarski. The building features a symmetrical facade, Corinthian columns, and elaborate sculptural details that were intended to showcase the prestige of the newly proclaimed Kingdom of Serbia. Historically, the palace has been the site of pivotal political events, including royal proclamations and state crises. Despite suffering significant damage during both World Wars, the palace was meticulously restored in the late 1940s, though some original ornamental elements were modified. Since 1961, the palace has housed the City Assembly of Belgrade and remains a venue for high-level official receptions. Its grand interior halls, such as the Yellow and Red Salons, are famous for their artistic heritage and period furniture. The Old Palace stands as a testament to Belgrade's 19th-century urban transformation into a modern European capital.
- Location: Serbia
- Top sights: Historical Museum of Serbia · PTT Museum
- Nearby: Zemun (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 2 | 7 | 13 | 18 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 7 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 48 | 46 | 50 | 50 | 78 | 83 | 63 | 55 | 56 | 54 | 47 | 47 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Old Palace can be viewed from the outside, while the interior is accessible only during city council sessions or special events. Guided tours are occasionally offered.
Typical hours
The exterior grounds are accessible at any time. For interior access, check in advance about the city council's office hours, typically weekdays 9 AM to 5 PM.
Photography
Exterior photos are allowed at any time; the façade with its historical details is a popular photographic subject. Inside, photography is usually prohibited, especially during sessions.
Time needed
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for an exterior visit. If you join a guided tour, budget an additional 30 minutes.
Combine with
Combine your visit with a walk through Belgrade's pedestrian zone and nearby King Mihailo Square. The National Museum and the Art Theatre are also adjacent.
Getting there
The Old Palace is centrally located in Belgrade on Kralja Milana Street. It is easily reached by public transport, taxi, or on foot, with limited parking nearby.
Insider tip
Visit the building in the late afternoon when the light beautifully highlights the façade. Check in advance for any events that might restrict access.
Geography
Facts
- Constructed between 1882 and 1884
- Former residence of King Milan Obrenović
- Designed by architect Aleksandar Bugarski
- Houses the City Assembly since 1961
- Example of 19th-century Academic style
- Site of the proclamation of the Serbian Kingdom
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Old Palace, Belgrade (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Stari Dvor in Belgrade today?
The Old Palace today serves as the seat of the City Assembly of Belgrade and the Mayor's office.
When was the Stari Dvor built?
The palace was built between 1882 and 1884 for King Milan Obrenović in the academic style.
Can you visit the interior of the palace?
Sightseeing for tourists is usually only possible on special occasions or by prior appointment.
What are the architectural highlights of the Stari Dvor?
The richly decorated facade, the grand staircase, and the magnificent ballroom inside are particularly noteworthy.
Where is the Stari Dvor located?
It is located in the city center at the corner of Kralja Milana and Dragoslava Jovanovića, right across from the Novi Dvor.
Old Palace, Belgrade: where is it located?
Old Palace, Belgrade is located in Serbia.
Old Palace, Belgrade: what is there to see?
Highlights include Historical Museum of Serbia, PTT Museum.
Old Palace, Belgrade: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Old Palace, Belgrade: why is it worth visiting?
The Old Palace (Stari Dvor) in Belgrade is one of the most magnificent examples of Academic architecture in Serbia, embodying the royal history of the nation.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Serbia →
Nearby cities
Cacak Trade Center
Cacak is considered an important transport and trade hub in Central Serbia.
Sombor Agricultural Hub
Sombor is a significant agricultural trade center in Vojvodina.
Pozarevac Economic Center
Pozarevac serves as an important regional commercial and administrative center.
Vrbas
Vrbas is a charming town in Vojvodina, known for its rich agricultural surroundings and multicultural heritage.
Loznica
Loznica is located on the Drina river in western Serbia near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Banja Koviljača
One of Serbia's oldest spa resorts on the Drina river, famous for its royal park, sulfurous waters, and medicinal mud.
Priboj
Located on the banks of the Lim River, Priboj is a town rich in industrial history and surrounded by stunning nature.
Prijepolje
Prijepolje is a town in southwestern Serbia at the confluence of the Lim and Mileševka rivers.
History & landmarks
City Library Subotica
The library is housed in an impressive historic building in the city center.
Golubac Fortress
A majestic medieval fortress at the entrance of the Iron Gates, one of the best-preserved castles in Serbia.
Gamzigrad (Felix Romuliana)
A magnificent late Roman imperial palace of Galerius and a UNESCO World Heritage site in Eastern Serbia.
Kosančićev venac
Kosančićev venac is the oldest preserved urban quarter of Belgrade outside the fortress.
City Library Smederevo
The library is an important cultural institution in Smederevo.
Nature
Great War Island
The island is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers in Belgrade.
Rospi Ćuprija Wetlands
A small but significant ecological area on the outskirts of Belgrade.
Tamiš
The Tamiš is a river that flows through Romania and the Serbian province of Vojvodina.
🗺️
Tamiš River
The Tamiš flows through Vojvodina towards the Danube.
Carska Bara Reserve
The reserve near Zrenjanin is a significant wetland.
More places
Subotica City Hall
Completed in 1912, the building is a significant example of Hungarian Secession style.
City Museum Subotica
The museum is housed in a historic building and presents the history of the region from prehistoric times to the modern era.
Zrenjanin City Hall
The imposing Neorenaissance building was built in the late 19th century.
Terazije Fountain, Belgrade
This historic 19th-century fountain is located in the central square of Belgrade.
Beograđanka, Belgrade
The skyscraper built in the 1970s is a distinctive example of modern architecture in Belgrade.
National Museum of Serbia
Located on Republic Square, the museum preserves over 400,000 exhibits of Serbian and international art history.
National Theatre in Belgrade
The theatre building, established in 1869, is the center for drama, opera, and ballet in Belgrade.
Kapetan-Miša's Palace
Built in 1863, the building originally served as a residence and business house for Miša Anastasijević.