Despić House

Despić House (; sh-Cyrl, Деспића кућа) is a historic house museum located in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Originally the residence of the prominent Serbian Orthodox Despić family, the house is now a branch of the Museum of Sarajevo. It showcases the lifestyle of a wealthy merchant family during the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian periods and is notable for its unique blend of architectural styles and cultural significance.

History

The Despić family, one of the wealthiest and most influential Serbian Orthodox families in Sarajevo, settled in the city in the mid-18th century. The family's progenitor, Risto Sljepčević, is believed to have moved to Sarajevo from the Herzegovinian village of Sambor.

The oldest part of the Despić House dates back to the 17th century. Over time, the house underwent several expansions, reflecting the family's growing wealth and status. In the 1960s, Pero Despić bequeathed the house to the city of Sarajevo, and it was subsequently converted into a museum.

Architecture

Despić House is an outstanding example of residential architecture that combines elements of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian styles. The house was built in three phases, with the oldest section dating to the 17th century. Its architectural features include traditional Ottoman-style wooden interiors and Austro-Hungarian decorative elements, reflecting the multicultural influences in Sarajevo during that era.

Museum collection

As a museum, Despić House offers visitors a glimpse into the domestic life of a wealthy merchant family in Sarajevo. The collection includes:

* Original furniture and household items from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
* A piano belonging to Wilhelmina “Mina” Despić, produced by the family's manufacturing company, Neubauer, in Vienna.
* A copy of the will of Hajji Makso Despić, displayed on the inner wall of the house.
* An exhibition on traditional Serbian family housing.

Cultural significance

Despić House holds a special place in Sarajevo's cultural history. Members of the Despić family were known for their contributions to the city's cultural life, including organizing the first theater performances in Sarajevo. The house itself served as a venue for these early theatrical events, marking it as a significant site in the development of modern theater in the region.

Location

Despić House is located at the corner of Despićeva Street and Obala Kulina bana, in the heart of Sarajevo's historic Baščaršija district. The area, once known as Latinluk, is rich in cultural and historical landmarks, including the nearby Latin Bridge.

Gallery

File:BiH Despic - Bedroom.jpg, Bedroom
File:BiH Despic - Dining Room.jpg, First floor dining room
File:BiH Despic - Fathers Room.jpg, Hadži-Makso's Room
File:BiH Despic - Mothers Room.jpg, Mother's Room
File:BiH Despic - Saloon.jpg, Saloon
File:BiH Despic - Theatre Room (2).jpg, Theatre room
File:Despić House, Sarajevo 20250224 14.jpg, Despića kuća
File:Despić House, Sarajevo 20250224 16.jpg, Dining room
File:Testament Hadži Makse Despića, Sarajevo, Kuća Despića.jpg, Hadži-Makso Despić's Testament
File:Winter Sarajevo at night 2023.01.21 6.jpg, Despića House at night

See also

* Museum of Sarajevo
* Baščaršija
* Latin Bridge

References

External links

Official website of Despić House

{{DEFAULTSORT:Despic House
Museums in Sarajevo
History museums in Bosnia and Herzegovina
National Monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Residential buildings in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Museums established in 1881
1881 establishments in Austria-Hungary
Culture in Sarajevo
Serbs of Bosnia and Herzegovina