In a landmark sale, the iconic Hotel Central in Zemun has been purchased by the Invej company for 126 million dinars, following a lengthy bankruptcy process that has lasted over a decade.
The hotel, dating back to 1894, is situated in the heart of Zemun’s protected historical area, a key part of Belgrade’s cultural heritage.
Despite its historical significance, the Hotel Central’s fate has now shifted from preservation to private ownership, as the city’s Department for the Protection of Monuments of Culture chose not to exercise its right of first refusal.
Originally listed at 124.2 million dinars, the sale marks the end of an era for the hotel, which had been in bankruptcy since 2010.
The decision not to intervene and protect the hotel from privatization has sparked concerns among preservationists, who fear the site may suffer from neglect or inappropriate redevelopment.
