BELGRADE

The capital of Serbia is one of the oldest cities in Europe which is situated on the intersection of the Danube and the Sava rivers. It is a city where different cultures collide and ancient history merges with medieval times and modern age.

The city of Belgrade start its History In the 3^rd century BC. Back then it was a Celtic settlement and later it became the Roman fortress of Singidunum situated on the bank of Sava river and after that the Roman fortress of Singidunum on the Sava river. Belgrade, which means the White City, was fought over countless times and trough its history went trough many changes. In the city there is also an old fortress which represents a museum and is a home to the Kalemegdan park. Modern Belgrade is a vibrant city as well as regional economic and cultural center which is also famous for its nightlife.

In the outskirts of the city center, remnants of the two of the most prominent cultures of the Bronze Age can be found - Vinca and Starcevo cultures.

FUN FACTS ABOUT BELGRADE

1. Belgrade rests on the remains of an ancient city.

Today there isn't a single location in old town Belgrade that doesn't hide remnants from the Roman period! In fact, the first urban settlement was built here in the 3^rd century BC by the Celts. It was then conquered by the Romans in the 1^st century BC and named Singidunum.

2. A cave in the middle of the city.

In the city center, beneath the church of Saint Marks on Tasmajdan there I an actual cave. The Salitrena cave was used in the Roman period to excavate a type of stone mostly used to make sarcophagus.

3. Kalemegdan, the legendary Attila's grave.

In the 5^th century, the Belgrade fortress was destroyed by the Huns and in the early Middle Ages saw an onslaught of Barbarian tribes, including the Slavs. A legend even says that Attila's grave lies at the confluence the Danube and the Sava river, more precisely under the very fortress. Once Kalemegdan was a fortress (kale) and a field (megdan), and now it is one of the most important cultural-historic sites, a park and a playground, a lookout and a Zoo, a concert venue and so much more.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN SERBIA

1. Drvengrad - Timber Town, Zlatibor

This village was built by famous Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica for the purposes of filming a movie called “Life is a Miracle”. It is located in the Zlatibor District near the city of Uzice. This Colorful and picturesque wooden village become quite an attraction during the recent years. Here you can also find a life size statue of Johnny Deep.

2. Resava cave

This cave was discovered in 1962 and was opened for visitors in 1972. It is among the oldest caves in Serbia. Resava cave features impressive halls, narrow channels, cave galleries, stalactites and stalagmites. Rock are mostly red, white and yellow. This cave is protected natural monument, and its area includes 27 acres of surrounding terrain with forests, rock formations, small water streams and other beautiful sights.

3. Fruska Gora Mountain and National Park

National Park Fruska Gora mountain is located on the border with neighboring country Croatia. It is also known as the “Jewel of Serbia”. This park is a great place for rambling, hiking, climbing and picnicking but perhaps the biggest draw here are the Orthodox monasteries that are scattered all over the countryside, of which some date back to the 12^th century and are now protected.

4. National park Tara

One more beautiful national park. It contains dozens of attractions of immense natural beauty, inspiring landscapes and staggering sights so nature lovers will have a great time here. A really impressive sigh is canyon of the Drina river which is also one of the largest in the world. You can also raft through Drinas canyon and it is a great excitement for adrenaline lovers. The mountain of Tara is also home of endangered “Panciceva spruce, which is protected by the law, and the population of brown bears.

5. Devils town

The Devils Town is the true miracle of nature located in the southern part of Serbia.The mystery lies in the unusual formation in erosion for which no one has explanation. There are few old legends about how this place came to be and why it is called like this. One of them is that demons can be heard In this area and that is the reason for the name “The Devils Town”. There are 202 natural towers tall and colorful which make the impressive Devils Town a very rare attraction in Europe. There also a natural spa which is also worth visiting.

6. Lepenski Vir

Lepenski Vir is a famous historic site located in the central Balkan Peninsula which dates from approximately 9000 to 6000 BC and features very important archaeological relics that history and archaeology lovers will most certainly like. This archaeological sites has many displaced and preserved buildings and sculptures, and many of them feature fish motifs, as well as shrines and river stones said to represent ancient gods.

7. Nis

Nis is the third largest city in Serbia. It is located in the south of the country and is known for being the birthplace of the great Roman emperor Constantine. It has a relaxed and fun loving vibe to the city, as well as a number of attractions of historical importance, one of them being the Memorial of Constantine the Great. Another important historic place is the Nis Fortress. The Nis Fortress was built in the 18^th century and in front of the fortress is home to many cafes that are loved by many students who are looking for some rest and relaxation.

8. Oplenac

Oplenac offers a completely different view of the country. It represents and important cultural and historical site in which the St George Church and the Oplenac Mausoleum is located. This church, also known as Oplenac Church is an Orthodox church which was built in the 1900s and is the final resting place of King Peter I. The mausoleum in this church houses the remains of 26 member of the Karadjordjevic royal family. Mausoleum and the church are considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Serbia, in particular due to the decorative and impressive mosaics that cover the inside.

9. Djerdap National Park

Djerdap National Park has four gorges that stretch 115 km through the valleys. Gospodin vit, one of the gorges has one of the deepest rivers in the world. All of them form Djerdap gorge which is also known as the Iron Gate because it is the southern entrance to the Carpathian Mountains. This national park is located on the Danube river near the imposing riverfront Golubac fortress. The park is one of the most visited areas in Serbia and is rich in both flora and fauna.

10. Studenica Monastery

The Studenica Monastery is located in central Serbia and has many great factors, starting with lush green grass and two wonderful marble churches. This 12^th century monastery is best known for its outstanding 13^th and 14^th century Byzantine frescoes, painting and other ornate decorations that can be found in various churches at the monastery. This fits in with monastery’s reputation as the riches monastery in Serbia. The founder of this monastery, Stefan Nemanja lies buried on the grounds.

11. Novi Sad

Novi sad is a city situated on the bank of the Danube River home to one of the rivers best beaches. By European standards it is a young city. It is the second largest city with a pretty laid back atmosphere where you will often see people relaxing in the many parks. The thing this city is most famous for is probably its annual Exit music festival which is held in July at Petrovaradin, and fortress that’s never been conquered. The places you oath to visit once you visit this town are The Old Town Hall, located on the main square, Dvorac Dundjerski, a well-preserved old castle and Church of the Great Martyr St. George, a Serbian orthodox church.

12. Subotica

Serbia fifth largest city and one of the best and most beautiful cities to visit. Subotica has the highest Catholic population in Serbia and many art nouveau buildings. The most notable buildings in this city are The City Hall and the Synagogue which were both built in the early 1900s. This city predates the Middle Ages so there are also some very beautiful old buildings, including the Cathedral of St. Theresa of Avila, cafes around the main square. You can also see blue fountain, a great place for relaxing or go shopping in Buvljak, one of the largest flea markets in Europe.

13. Belgrade

Belgrade is Serbia’s capital and the largest city. Tough today it is a beautiful capital city, it wasn’t always like that. Belgrade had a very destructive past cause of its position. It was a place for more than 115 and burned 44 times. Trough time it recovered and is a more peaceful place. It also hosts many events ranging from book fairs to music, film and beer festivals. The most famous place in Belgrade is the city’s Fortress, a very famous historic site with museums and churches. It offers a great view on the river and the city itself. Top museums include the National Museum with more than 400 000 exhibits, Nikola Tesla Museum and much more.

PLACES TO VISIT IN BELGRADE

1. Kalemegdan fortress

This is Belgrade’s central park and fortress located on a hill which is overlooking the two rivers, Sava and Danube. In the past it was an ancient Roman city of Singidunum, the medieval and Turkish ear Belgrade and it was not converted into a park until the mid of the 19^th century. Now it is home to several galleries and museums as well as restaurants, sports courts and a Zoo.

2. Knez Mihajlova street

Knez Mihailov street is the main walking street which is located in the center of Belgrade and is one of the best place to feel the pulse of the city. In this street you can see many national and international culture institutions, cafes, restaurants, hotels and brand shops. The architecture is a mixture of many styles and the street as well as its surroundings are protected as important cultural heritage.

3. Skadarlija street

Skadarlija was the gathering point for poets and artists int he late nineteenth and early twentieth century. It is home to some of the most famous Belgrade restaurants and cafes. The whole street is made out of cobblestone and includes antique and souvenir shops. In the night you can hear folk groups singing traditional city music.

4. National Assembly

The National Assembly building is located in the center of the Belgrade and was erected in the early twentieth century. It represents one of the most significant buildings that have witnessed many important events in the history of city and the nation.

5. Residence of Princess Ljubica

The residence of Princess Ljubica was built between 1829 and 1831 by Hadzi-Nikola Zivkovic, a pioneer of the contemporary Serbian architecture. The Residence houses the permanent exhibit “Interiors of Belgrade City Houses of the 19^th Century” starting with the Oriental, through the influence of Central and Western European styles.

6. Ada ciganlija

The most popular beach in Belgrade is located on the Sava lake, also known as “Ada”. Ada is the summer resort of Belgrade, featuring many different ground and water sports and attractions. Surrounding the lake there's a walking and a biking path, numerous cafes, fast food stands and kiosks.

7. Republic square

The Republic square is Belgrade's central square and main gathering point for the locals and visitors alike. It features the National Theater, National Museum, the Army House, the monument to Knez Mihailo, several minor cultural institutions and numerous cafes.

8. Saint Sava temple

Saint Sava temple is the largest orthodox temple in the world and also one of the most famous landmarks which is visible from many parts of the city. It was built in the neo Byzantine style with white marble. Next to temple, much smaller are, church and the National library of Serbia. Due to the lack of funds and its complexity the interior of the temple is still unfinished but the entrance is allowed

9. Zemun

In the past, Zemun used to be a town on the Austrian border and until WWI, it was a town of its own, the last frontier of the Austria-Hungarian empire. But after the WWII, New Belgrade was built between the Belgrade and Zemun therefore connecting them and that was becoming a part of Belgrade. But still this town is different in spirit, speed and architecture.

Once upon a time, Zemun used to be a town on the Austrian border, across the Danube from Belgrade, and the fortress of these two towns looked at each other above the Big War Island, while their people traded met friends or fought on the rivers.

The old town of Zemun is a preserved area presenting the life of the 18^th and 19^th century. Before it was known as Taurunum, and some remains of the it are still visible today.

The top landmark in Zemun is the tower Gardos built in the 19^th century to celebrate the thousand years of the Austrian empire. Going to the top of the tower will offer you a great view of Zemun and capitol.

10. Saborna church

Saborna Church is one of the most important and most beautiful churches in Belgrade, located in the central Kosancicev Venac which overlooks the Sava river port. Its Bell tower is visible from parts of New Belgrade, as well as from the Sava shores to the south. The Church is built in baroque style and interior is decorated with one of the most beautifully painted ceilings of all Serbian churches. Across the street is Patriarchate palace and its home to the Library and Museum of Serbian Orthodox Church.