The Museum of Bread “Jeremija” is one of a kind, not just in Serbia, but in the world as well. It is located less than 50 km away from Belgrade, halfway to the Emperor City of Sremska Mitrovica.
Bread in Serbian culture
Serbian culture is not much different than other cultures when it comes to bread. For us, bread provides life and connects the community. Even the mere smell of bread makes us feel cozy and brings back some precious memories. Moreover, the bread even has spiritual meaning. All around the Christian world, bread represents the body of Christ. As such, it is treated with due respect. We have specific table manners related to bread. It is considered a sin to throw the bread, step on the crumbles or treat it disrespectfully in any manner, even just in speech. We even have the proverbs that demonstrate the “divine” characteristics of bread. For example, we say “as good as the bread” as the compliment.
Bread is a must-have staple food in Serbia, and with every meal, your waiter or host will offer you the basket of bread. We eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a piece of bread with jam is one of our favorite snacks. Bread is also a part of all celebrations, and there are different kinds of bread for different holidays. For example, Christmas rituals in Serbia revolve around the loaf called česnica. On holiday Mladenci, the day of newlyweds, the couple prepares small loaves of bread with honey to make their marriage sweet. In Church, we consume bread and wine. For occasions such as birth, wedding, and even death, bread takes a special place in the rituals as well. Traditionally, we even welcome our guests with bread and salt. As you can see, bread is truly important and omnipresent in our culture.
Hence, it is no surprise that Serbia is home to the Museum of Bread.
Museum of Bread “Jeremija”
This unique museum is situated in the village of Pećinci, less than one hour away from Belgrade. On over 1,200 square meters, it houses over 2,000 different types of bread as well as objects related to wheat production and processing. Here you will have a chance to see how bread was made in Serbia, through history until now. From seed to finished product, the step-by-step display follows the path of wheat grains. You will get familiar with different types of grains, ovens, and most importantly, forms, names, motifs, and purposes of bread.
The permanent display contains ethnographic studies, archaeological collections, and art collections are on permanent display. They cover various topics: from artifacts used by prehistoric humans to plant soil, make and store food, until modern ways of bread-making. Once in the museum, you will meet Mr. Jeremija, who is not just the owner and the curator of the Museum of Bread, but also an artist. He will enthusiastically guide you through the exhibition. It is even appropriate for children.
On-site, you will also be able to see a small church and buy some souvenirs in the shop. The working hours of the Museum of Bread are Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Visits outside this time are possible upon request. Parking is available. Welcome!
