Princess Ljubica's Residence

Princess Ljubica residence
Beograd
Princess Ljubica residence
General information
Location	Stari Grad, Belgrade
Country	Serbia
Completed	1830
Design and construction
Architect	Hadži-Neimar

Princess Ljubica's Residence (Serbian: Конак књегиње Љубице, Konak knjeginje Ljubice) is located in Belgrade, in the street kneza Sime Markovica 8. Because of its cultural and architectural importance the residence has been designated a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance.

This palace was used for living until 1829, but taking into consideration its age and state Prince Miloš Obrenović had decided to build another residence. New residence as it had been called during its construction was larger and more exclusive than the Master’s as it was supposed to show the economic growth and further strengthening of power of Obrenović after having received the Hatisherif (Sultan's Edict) in 1830.

The building esidence is one of the most remarkable among the preserved examples of civil architecture in the first half of the 19th century Belgrade. It was built during the period from 1829 to 1830. According to plans of Prince Miloš, the residence was supposed to have a twofold purpose – to be a home for his family, Princess Ljubica and his sons Milan and Mihailo, later rulers of Serbia and at the same time a residential palace. It was built according to ideas and under supervision of Hadži-Neimar, the pioneer of Serbian building and construction.

Prince Miloš decided to hire a constructor from Voden, Hadzi Nikola Zivkovic, since there were none in Belgrade at that time for there were no construction activities for years. Thus Hadži-Neimar became the first builder of renewed Serbia and he managed all of Prince Miloš's buildings during his first reign. Foundation started in July 1829, and the residence was finished in late autumn 1830. Princess Ljubica informed her husband in a letter from November 22, 1830 that "they have settled in the new residence". A new Turkish bath (hammam), with one-storey wing was built later on in 1836.

It is situated at the corner of Kneza Sime Markovica Street and Kralja Petra Street, former Bogojavljanska and Dubrovacka Street, in one of the oldest parts of Belgrade. Just across the present Cathedral Church the Old palace of Prince was situated stretching from the entrance of today’s Patriarchate to the garden of current Princess Ljubica Residence.