Jevremovac Botanical Garden, Belgrade

Established in 1874, Jevremovac Botanical Garden is the first botanical garden in Serbia and serves as a serene natural oasis in the heart of Belgrade. Located in the municipality of Old Town (Stari Grad), it is managed by the University of Belgrade's School of Biology. The garden is recognized as both a natural monument (since 1995) and a cultural monument (since 2007).

The garden's creation was initiated by Josif Pančić, a notable Serbian doctor and botanist. Initially situated near the Danube in Dorćol, the garden was relocated due to unsuitable conditions. It found a new home on land donated by King Milan Obrenović to the Great School, where Pančić taught. This land was formerly an orchard belonging to the king's grandfather, Jevrem, which is why the garden is named Jevremovac. In 1892, a significant greenhouse was constructed, making it one of the most advanced in the Balkans at the time.

Jevremovac covers an area of 5 hectares, featuring a 500 square meter glasshouse and the Institute of Botany with a comprehensive library. The garden hosts nearly 1,000 species of trees, shrubs, and plants from Europe and exotic regions, while the greenhouse contains an additional 1,000 species of various plants. The Institute of Botany includes a herbarium with around 120,000 herbarium sheets and over 300,000 exsiccates, alongside a library with more than 7,000 books and approximately 300 scientific and professional journals.

Despite facing neglect in the 1930s due to financial constraints, the garden has since been revitalized. A notable addition is the Japanese Garden, introduced in 2004, which showcases a collection of Far Eastern flora. Today, Jevremovac stands as a vital educational and cultural asset, frequently visited by those seeking a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle.