Nikola Spasić Endowment
An institution stronger than the Nobel Foundation
The foundation of Serbian philanthropy
After the death of Nikola Spasić on Corfu in 1916, he left behind property which at the time was equal in value to the renowned Nobel Foundation and, according to some sources, even greater. The Endowment officially began its legal life by a decree of 4 December 1922.
The first trustees of the property were Dobra S. Petković and Dr Milorad Popović, who conscientiously managed this enormous wealth in the difficult times of the occupation and immediately after the Great War.
Architecture and vision
The seat of the endowment is located in a monumental palace at Knez Mihailova Street No. 33. This building, erected in 1889 to a design by the architect Konstantin A. Jovanović, is a jewel of Belgrade neo-Renaissance architecture.
Institution details
- Founded: 1922 (decree)
- Seat: Knez Mihailova 33
- First president: Todor J. Mijailović
- Number of properties: More than 10
- Status: Active
Real estate of the fund
Kneza Mihaila 33 and Đure Jakšića 1
The Endowment Palace, a monumental residential and commercial building and the seat of the foundation.
Kneza Mihaila 19 and 19A
A residential and commercial building forming part of the Spasić Passage complex.
Obilićev venac 17, 17A and 17B
A magnificent building facing Vojvoda Vuk Park, with residential units.
Spasić Passage
The famous passage with shops connecting Knez Mihailova and Obilićev venac.
Kneza Mihaila 37 and Vuka Karadžića 8
Residential and commercial buildings in the very centre of the capital.
Complex near Kralja Petra
Kneza Mihaila 47 and 47A, Kralja Petra 18, and Nikole Spasića 2 and 2A.
Donated buildings (separate articles)
City Hospital building
Nikola Spasić Pavilion, a gift to the people of Belgrade at Zvezdara.
Hospital building in Kumanovo
A hospital donated for the people of Southern Serbia.
Hospital building in Krupanj
An endowment for the people of Rađevina.
Church of the Holy Great Martyr Trifun
The endowment church in Topčider Cemetery, where the benefactor rests.
Spasić Exhibition Pavilion
The first Serbian exhibition pavilion at the old Fairground.
Home for Infirm Citizens
A home for infirm citizens, now part of the Gerontology Centre Knjaževac.
Pupils’ shelter building
A home for poor pupils in Belgrade.
At a glance
Related
Literature and sources
This list is for further reading and verification. Online sources were checked on 30 September 2026; books and medieval sources are recommended reading, not sources for individual statements on this page.