Raichle House in Serbia

I was in the campus library a few days ago searching for some archaeology articles and came across a lovely Art Nouveau building in Serbia called Raichle House. I searched and searched the internet trying to dig up any kind of history associated with this exquisite architectural feat, yet I fell quite short. I know that many of my readers are from Serbia and have a better understanding of this archaeological site and I’d like to hear more about it if you’d be so kind.

Subotica is a Serbian city with some 100,000 inhabitants located very close to the Hungarian border. The city experienced major growth during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, helped by the development from 1896 onwards of an important railway link, which encouraged many traders, artisans and financiers to settle in the city. Alongside this growth, various buildings were constructed following different neo-European and academic styles. But it was Vienna's Secession movement that marked the style of the city centre. With the arrival of Hungarian architects, the city underwent an urban renewal that, in accordance with the modernity of the day, transformed it into the main centre of Serbian Art Nouveau. ~~Subotica



The Ferenc Raichle House was built in 1904 by Ferenc Raichle. It’s located close to the railway station and it’s one of the best examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Subotica. Today, the building is home to the Artistic Encounter Gallery, or Likovni Susret. Laurence Mitchell notes that  Ferenc Raichle House came straight from the sketch pad of Gaudi and was designed as a dwelling house, yet it has found new life as a gallery of contemporary art. The Venetian mosaics and light palette of colors give this building a playful life, what with the light curves of the construction and welcoming facade.

So for all of my Serbian readers, what makes this place so special? Or, if you aren't from the area and you've visited Ferenc Raichle House, let us know about your experience there.

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Skull Tower in Serbia

The Skull Tower archaeological site dates back to around 1809 during the first revolt in Serbia, and was an Ottoman monument intended to mark the empire's success in defeating the Serbian rebels close to Nis in May 1809.
The first Serbian Uprising began in 1804 when Serbia was under the control of the Ottoman empire for close to 350 years. The uprising fell short in 1813, however a second uprising began in 1815. The second Serbian attempt was successful, leading to independence of the country in 1829. Read More: Skull Tower in Serbia

1. Subotica
2. Serbia 2nd, Laurence Mitchell

Monday Ground Up: Skull Tower in Serbia

The Skull Tower archaeological site dates back to around 1809 during the first revolt in Serbia, and was an Ottoman monument intended to mark the empire's success in defeating the Serbian rebels close to Nis in May 1809.

The First Serbian Uprising began in 1804 when Serbia was under the control of the Ottoman Empire for close to 350 years. The uprising fell short in 1813, however a second uprising began in 1815. The second Serbian attempt was successful, leading to independence of the country in 1829.

In an attempt to exploit earlier victories, Serbian forces dug new trenches under the local command of the Duke,Stevan Sinđelić. Since there was such a great defensive strategy between the Serbian leaders, Sinđelić found himself unprepared. He realized the situation was hopeless, so he blew up the ammunition store with his own pistol.

Afterwords, Turkish commander, Hurshid Pasha, ordered the decapitation of all the Serbian bodies, even erecting a monument using the heads as building material. 

The tower itself was 10 feet high, contained 952 skulls, and was topped with the head of Sinđelić himself.

During the later part of the 19th century, the skulls were removed, both as macabre souvenirs of battle and proper burials. In 1892, there were only 50 left on the tower and a chapel was built over top to preserve what little remained.

Skull Tower is a warning by the Serbian people and it serves as a symbol of tragedy and honor, and most importantly, action in the cause of Serbian independence.

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