Bishop's Palace, Novi Sad

Bishop's Palace
Владичански двор Vladičanski dvor Püspöki palota Biskupský palác Єпископський двір
Bishop's Palace in Novi Sad, September 2023
General information
Architectural style	Eclecticism, Serbo-Byzantine Revival
Address	Zmaj Jovina 27
Town or city	Novi Sad
Country	Serbia
Coordinates	45°15′25.20″N 19°50′52.44″E
Completed	1899 (1899)
Demolished	1901 (1901)
Design and construction
Architect(s)	Vladimir Nikolić

The Bishop's Palace (Serbian: Владичански двор, Vladičanski dvor, Hungarian: Püspöki palota, Slovak: Biskupský palác, Rusyn: Єпископський двір) in Novi Sad, capital of Vojvodina, Serbia, is the official residence of the Bishop of the Eparchy of Bačka of the Serbian Orthodox Church. It is prominent architectural landmarks in the city centre of Novi Sad. It is recognized for its cultural and historical value and has been listed as a protected cultural monument of the Republic of Serbia.

History

The original palace was constructed in 1741 by Bishop Visarion Pavlović, located near the newly built Saint George's Cathedral. However, it was destroyed during the bombing of Novi Sad in June 1849 during the Serb uprising of 1848–49.

The palace was completed in 1901 and has since served as the residence of the Bishop of Bačka. Its facade, featuring bifora windows inspired by medieval Serbian monasteries. After the unification of Banat, Bačka and Baranja with Kingdom of Serbia in the process of creation of Yugoslavia, during a visit to Novi Sad in 1919, Prince Regent Aleksandar Karađorđević addressed the people from the balcony of the Bishop's Palace. In front of the palace stands a monument to poet Jovan Jovanović Zmaj, erected in 1984, marking the location of annual celebrations for the Zmaj Children's Games.

Characteristics

The building, located at the end of Zmaj Jovina Street in Novi Sad, intended to mark the meeting point of Zmaj Jovina with Nikola Pašić and Dunavska streets presenting triumphant conclusion of the street. The construction of a new palace with the design was completed in 1899 by architect Vladimir Nikolić, though it was officially signed by Ferenc Raichl due to concerns of favoritism. The building's design reflects a combination of Byzantine, Eastern, and Serbian medieval elements, influenced by the architectural school of Theophil Hansen, under whom Nikolić studied.

The architectural style of the building combines Serbian and Byzantine elements, showcasing an eclectic influence. Its exterior features pseudo-Moorish decorative forms designed by sculptor Julijo Anika, contributing a distinctive ornamental character. Additionally, the palace is embellished with three eparchial coats of arms: one located on the front wall, another on the side facing the port, and a third within the courtyard.