In the immediate vicinity of the city center, just a few hundred meters from the most urban streets of Belgrade, there is an oasis of greenery, peace and quiet, Zvezdara forest.
After World War II, the hill above the city, on which the Astronomical Observatory is located, was reforested with a large number of trees, and since then this hill and forest have been considered a serious picnic spot and place for walking.
And when is a place ideal for rest and relaxation?
Then when there is at least one restaurant nearby where you can refresh yourself and eat some delicious food.
So, in the period after World War II, and until 20 years ago, on the edge of the Zvezdara Forest, in a place with a wonderful view of the Danube River, the restaurant "Beli bagarem" operated (White acacia).
The offer of local cuisine was the most diverse. In addition to food, visitors could drink coffee, eat some cake and enjoy the wonderful view from the terrace...
But the passage of time, change of owners and negligence, took its role.
This once recommended restaurant is now a ruin.
The summer garden of the restaurant is now without a roof, the winter garden, which was glazed, does not have a single complete window.
The kitchen of the restaurant next to the winter garden, where fantastic local, national dishes were once prepared, is now stripped down to the tiles.
And the interior of the facility is like the scenery of a horror movie.
The fire damaged the roof structure and stairs to climb to the upper floor. Former salons are now with ripped floors and installations, painted walls.
There are no windows, the doors have been dismantled, so the interior is now a meeting place for homeless people and drug addicts, and sometimes a dog moves into the building.
I took pictures of the interior without noticing that the current resident of the former restaurant was watching me from his shelter.
Residents of nearby houses say that the plan is to completely reconstruct this building, which I am really looking forward to, because the surroundings, the very proximity of the forest, is a real gem for hikers.