Despić House
is one of the oldest preserved city houses in Sarajevo. It showcases the life of the prominent Despić merchant family and is considered the cradle of Sarajevo theatre, as the first theatre performance in the city was held there.
A house that preserves the spirit of old Sarajevo
Despić House is located in the old part of Sarajevo and represents a valuable example of urban architecture from the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian periods. It was built at the end of the 18th century, and during the 19th century, it was expanded and decorated according to the needs of the Svrzo family.
The house belongs to the wealthy merchant family Despić, one of the most influential Sarajevo families of the Orthodox faith, which through its activities connected different cultures and traditions of the city. The interior of the house has been preserved in its authentic form, with rooms furnished with furniture, textiles, and objects from the 19th century, which evoke the daily life and civic spirit of Sarajevo at that time.
Through collections, documents, and art objects, visitors can learn about the lifestyle of a wealthy Sarajevo family, as well as the broader social context of the time when the city was rapidly developing and modernizing.
Experience in the Despić House:
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A blend of East and West
A blend of Oriental and European styles, with wooden doksats, spacious rooms, and authentic 19th-century furniture.
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Civic Life
Objects, furniture and decor reveal the everyday life of the Sarajevo elite of that time – between tradition and modernization.
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Cultural Footprint
The place where the first theatrical performance in Sarajevo was held, making the house go down in history as the cradle of theater in the city.
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Legacy
Through its collections and documents, the house bears witness to a time when Sarajevo was becoming a modern urban center of rich culture and identity.
