Old Palace, Belgrade

The Old Palace was built between 1882 and 1884, to the design of Aleksandar Bugarski, in style of the 19th century academism. The intention was to surpass in grandeur all the existing residences of Serbian rulers. English author Herbert Vivien, who visited the Old Palace at the end of the 19th century, described in detail its interior: "At the left side, there is a fine ball room, with walls of lemon-yellow color, with huge white candle holders of Venetian glass, glistening nicely during the state festivities, lit by electric light. After passing the large reception hall, you enter the banquet hall. Everything is glistening in that hall: starting from the floor up to the carved mahogany table. Some sixty guests may be seated around that table. Leather-upholstered chairs are of the color of autumn leaves. What is most impressive is the good taste characterizing all objects, both those for use and the adornments."