Top 10 Interesting Facts about Kneza Mahaila

Knez Mihailova Street. Author Jorge Láscar. WIKIMEDIA

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Kneza Mihaila

Knez Mihailov Street was officially known as Kneza Mihaila. It is one of the main pedestrian and shopping places in Belgrade. The street is the oldest and most valuable landmark in the city and it is protected by law. 

The street was named after the prince of Serbia, Mihailo Obrenović III. It has a large number of buildings and mansions which dates back to the late 1870s.

Kneza is one kilometre long and is protected as a Spatial cultural -historical unit since 1964. The same year, it became the first cultural monument of such type in Belgrade. It was elevated in 1979 to the Spatial Cultural-Historical Units and is to date protected by the Government

Here are some of the top 10 interesting facts about Kneza Mihaila

1. The Ottoman Previously Occupied it in the 16th Century

During the occupation of the Ottomans on the streets of Kneza, in the first half of the 16th century, they repaired the Roman aqueduct and built new ones along the street. 

The new aqueducts had drinking fountains. This was because the street would not have developed without the water.

Gardens were also built by the Ottomans together with five mosques. When the Austrians came to Belgrade in 1717, they demolished all the old houses, the mosques and built new ones.

2. The Prince of Serbia Built a Fountain at the Kneza Street

fountain of Knez Mihailova street. Author Flickr. WIKIMEDIA

During the reign of Alexander Karađorđević the prince of Serbia, a drinking fountain was built and was recognized as the Delijska fountain which was the name of the street at that time.

The fountain was later demolished and it was reconstructed three times in the 19th century. The fountain which still exists to date was constructed in 1987, this was due to the major renovation of the street.

When the fountain was reconstructed for the fourth time, its location was changed. It was not identical in terms of architecture to the previous Fountains. However,  retained many elements of the old fountains.

3. It was Officially Named Kneza Mihaila in 1870

Knez Mihailova Street. Author Jorge Láscar. WIKIMEDIA

The Houses which are in the streets were built by the influential and wealthiest families in Serbian society. However, most of them were merchants.

Two years After the assassination of Prince Mihailo Obrenović In 1870. the city was officially named Ulica Kneza Mihaila. It was named by the authorities, instead of the previous name Delijska.

The Hajduk Veljko kafana which is situated on the street was the first place where the Belgraders could hear the phonograph in 1896. In 1906 the street became the first cinema in the city.

4. A modern Store was Opened in the Early 20th Century

A rich merchant who was known as Vlada Mitić opened the first department store on the street in Belgrade in the early 20th century. This was the first building in Kneza projected to be a large, modern store.

Mitić implemented various novelties in the city. These novelties included late payments and advertising goods in a modernized way.

5. Young People Participated in Renovation of the Street in 1949

In 1949, Young people volunteered to take part in the renovation of the street. In 1980, the street adopted a detailed regulatory plan and its historical surrounding which expired in 2021.

6. Kneza Evolved into a Cultural Center in the 20th Century

The street evolved from a shopping centre to the cultural centre of the city in the 20th century. In 1987, the street underwent major reconstruction and transformation into a pedestrian zone.

After several months of construction, it was Reopened on 20th October 1987. A new fountain was constructed and was made with white marble from vencac. The street was paved with black granite slabs from Jablanica.

A non-existent oak Avenue was introduced in the middle of the street. The avenue was introduced to resemble the historic vintage-looking candelabra.

A Commemorative plaque was placed at the Ruski car restaurant. It was the young volunteers who took part in the construction of the street in 1949. it was placed for their remembrance.

7. Most of the Estates are Owned by Serbian Tycoons

Knez Mihailova Street. Author Jorge Láscar. WIKIMEDIA

In the mid-2010s, it was reported that most of the street’s real estate are owned by Serbian tycoons. These tycoons include Dragan Đurić, Miroslav Mišković Miodrag Kostić, Philip Zepter, Radomir Živanić, Vojin Lazarević, Tahir Hasanović, and Radivoje Dražević and they house their respective business.

8. Kneza is a Common Meeting Point for Belgraders

Knez Mihailova Street at night. Author Comparativist1. WIKIMEDIA

The street was recognized as the most beautiful pedestrian zones in the whole of South East Europe. The street also hosts the best institutions in the country.  Such as the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SANU), Instituto Cervantes, Goethe-Institut, and Institut français de Serbie. Moreover, the best shops and several cafes.

9. The Street Holds the Most Expensive Real Estates

The property which is in and out of the street is the most expensive in terms of real estate value in Belgrade. This was evident in 2007 when a parcel which was 485m2 belonging to a state-owned company called, Jugoexport, was sold for €15 million.

This was equivalent to €32,000 per square meter and approximately $35,741 as of August 2016, making them the most expensive in the country.

10. The Street has a Proposed Tunnel Project

A 200 m long tunnel was proposed at the ending section of the street. The tunnel was to follow the route of Pariska Street which is between the streets of Gračanička and Uzun Markova.

The extension of this street would be important because it would create a pedestrian zone from Terazije, Republic Square to the Palace of Albania, Kalemegdan Park, the Belgrade Fortress, and the rivers.

The construction of the tunnel was announced it would start In March 2012. Due to the cost of construction of the tunnel,  the price of the subway construction, and constant changes in its routes, the project hasn’t yet begun.

Kneza street is one of the best places to visit for its rich cultural history and interaction with other people on the street.