BaTiO3 nanocrystalline powders doped with the Eu3+ ions have been prepared using microwave stimulated hydrothermal method (MSHM). Structure, average grain size and morphology of the BaTiO3:Eu3+ were analyzed by means of the X-ray powder diffraction measurements, Raman spectroscopy and SEM microscopy. The luminescence properties and decay times of the hydrothermal BT:Eu3+ nanocrystalline powders have been investigated as a function of the grain size, dopant concentration, preparation conditions and sintering temperature. It was found that the studied properties are strongly dependent on the grain size of BaTiO3:Eu3+ nano-crystallites. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.