I was very excited a few days ago when I visited the house of Jovan Cvijic, a famous Serbian scientist and geographer from the 19th century.
When we headed to his house, we walked through the streets of the old part of Belgrade, where there are many old buildings...
And everything seems so long ago even though it's happening now. Wandering around, we reached Jovan Cvijic's house, which nowadays has been turned into a museum. The gate was closed, but I saw that the light was on, so we entered with respect for the man who lived here and brought a lot of knowledge to my country.
It is sad that one day we will no longer be here and our homes continue to exist and protect some part of us from oblivion. Jovan Cvijic, great Serbian scientist-geographer, is written on his house.
When we entered the courtyard, we felt very comfortable. In the yard, there is a Japanese tree that is more than 100 years old, as well as an authentic stone table that also existed when Jovan lived. He loved this tree, he planted it.
Then we went inside. A beautiful salon home, very well maintained, elegant...
I was delighted with the furniture. It was designed very interestingly and unusual for today's time.
I've never seen a sofa like this before, where you can sit on one side or the other facing opposite sides.
We read there that the house was built in 1905 and that it was completely decorated as he wanted. I was particularly fascinated by the wall decoration in alseko painting technique.
When you live somewhere, you leave behind a lot of personal things, a lot of writings, so here you can find a lot of his authentic manuscripts.
There are also his clothes.
As well as some personal items he liked to use.
He knew well all the characteristics of the nature of Serbia and the Balkans. He was inspired by the nature of various places that he loved to explore, but also by the people. He left many literary works of great scientific value, which were printed in Serbia and abroad.
In his house, almost all things are authentic, large stoves, bookshelves and other furniture.
I liked the carafe with glasses, very nice and elegant.
A lot of items that are no longer used.
His suitcase is also very interesting. He carried it when he was discovering the world.
His face is very well known in my country because his picture is often found in school geography classrooms. I always knew what he looked like because of it.
Our impression after visiting this house was very nice and intense. We felt a classiness and elegance that does not exist today in that way, and at the same time the warmth of home. It was an interesting discovery.
At the end, I will share with you his quotes that I read in one of his rooms:
"The man who is more cultured will win".
"I never forget this: when long periods of time are taken, all truths are temporary."
Thank you very much for reading.
The images and writing are original and mine.
Greetings!
Jelena