Banovina

Banovina (province) building is situated on the right bank of the river Nišava, not so far away from Castle’s entrance. Banovina was built in 1889 for Niš province governor. The building is not only important to Niš and Serbia for its beautiful architecture but also has an important role in local history.

During the World War I, starting from 26th of July 1914 up 16th of October 1915 Niš was „military capital of Serbia“ and Banovina building was used as residency of Serbian Parliament and Ministry of foreign affairs. On Tuesday 28th of July 1914 in this building Nikola Pašić, Serbian Prime Minister, received official declaration of war from Austro-Hungarian Empire in a way never before used in diplomatic affairs – by a telegram!

In Banovina building on the 4th of September 1914 Essad Pasha Toptani, Albanian army officer, and Nikola Pašić signed an “Agreement between Serbia and Albania” known as “Niš Agreement” which had a great importance: countries agreed on military alliance, common customs and representative organs in foreign countries. “Niš Agreement” played a great role when Serbian army was retreating through Albania during the winter of 1915.

Second phase of Banovina’s prosperity started in 1930 when Niš becomes capital of Morava province, the building was completed in 1935, and since then hasn’t changed. After the World War II it was Center of the province, since 1966 – University.