Captain Miša's Mansion

A court that became a temple of knowledge

On Studentski trg in Belgrade stands one of the most opulent palaces of the 19th century. It is the endowment of Captain Miša Anastasijević, the wealthiest Serb of his time, a salt merchant and great benefactor.

Interestingly, the building was originally conceived as a court for his daughter Sara and Prince Đorđe Karađorđević. However, after the dynastic upheavals, Miša Anastasijević decided to donate this magnificent building to “his fatherland” for educational and cultural purposes.

Seat of the University

This building housed the most important institutions of Serbia at the time: the Great School, the Gymnasium, the Ministry of Education, the National Library and the Museum. Today it is the seat of the Rectorate of the University of Belgrade. The inscription still stands proudly on the façade: “Miša Anastasijević to his fatherland”.