Serbo-Byzantine Revival

Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Niš
Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Sarajevo

The Modern Serbo-Byzantine architectural style, Neo-Byzantine architectural style or Serbian national architectural style is the style in Serbian architecture which lasted from the second half of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century. This style originated in the tradition of medieval Serbian-Byzantine school and was part of international Neo-Byzantine style.

History and characteristics

Cathedral of Saint George, Smederevo
Saint Spyridon Church, Trieste

The beginning of the modern Serbian-Byzantine style lies in the romantic spirit, which was prevalent in Europe in the first half of the 19th century, and in the Serbian lands appeared by the mid-century and was alive to its last decades. The beginning of this style can be seen as "resistance" to newcomers influences of the "western style" (Classicism, neo-baroque) in the Principality of Serbia. The style is characterized by forms and decorations came from the Serbian-Byzantine architectural heritage. This architectural approach is not strictly tied to the church building; In fact, the style was prosperous in secular architecture. It is also closely linked to the influence of Art Nouveau.

The Modern Serbo-Byzantine architectural style consists of three periods. First or early period represents a combination of "western-style" with elements of Byzantine architecture. A typical example is the Church of St. George in Smederevo, where the longitudinal basis (characteristic of the West) appears five domes in the form of so-called. "Greek cross".

The second period is related to the expansion and strengthening of Serbia, now as a kingdom (1882-1914). During this period, the style is "determined". Number of churches are being build, rarely other forms of construction. Examples outside the territory of the Kingdom of Serbia are rare.

The third and final period is related to the time between the two world wars, when there was a sudden expansion of the style. Style occurs across the whole of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later Yugoslavia, although its presence was much more dominant in the east, "Serbian" (mostly Central Serbia) part of the work of the Kingdom. Examples of the western part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia are rare and are mainly related specific examples of church architecture of the Serbian Orthodox Church. In addition, there are examples related to the Serbs in the diaspora, like the Church of St. Spyridon, Trieste. Buildings in this period are equally religious and secular (administrative buildings, schools, Falcon homes, apartment buildings and houses, etc.).

The Second World War was a turning point; After the war, all forms of historicism in Serbian architecture are discarded, including Serbo-Byzantine style.

Architects

St George's Church, Oplenac
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Banja Luka

Prominent architects of this style are (ordered by the time in which they were active):

Examples

Saint Peter's Church in Jagodina
Old telephone exchange
Vuk's foundation

Early period (around 1850-1880)

Middle period (1880-1914)

Late period (1914-1941)

Church of Saint Sava

See also

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