Belgrade, the white city on the Danube
The exciting Serbian capital has a lot to offer all travelers. Whether you visit Belgrade during a tour of Serbia, a study trip or city trip or a river cruise, you can expect a diverse city with dozens of sacred buildings, museums, interesting buildings in the old town, an eventful history but still full of energy in the present. An exciting creative scene and a lively gastronomic offer ensure variety and enjoyment. There are over 3000 cafes and restaurants in the city. Last but not least, Belgrade is a cheap travel destination, the prices for the ancillary costs are moderate.
Location and climate
Belgrade was still called Weißenburg in the Middle Ages and is also known as the gateway to the Balkans due to its convenient location. Belgrade lies on the northern border of the Balkan Peninsula, at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube. On an annual average, Belgrade has a temperate continental climate. Spring is often rainy, summers can be tropical with temperatures of up to 30 degrees and winters can be cold and snowy. The Košava, a cold northeast wind, also brings stormy weather in winter.
Briefly told the history of Belgrade
- 15th century, conquered by the Turks
- 1688-1791 temporary recaptures by the Holy League
- 1804, first Serbian uprising
- 1815, second Serbian uprising
- 1867, end of Ottoman rule
- 1914-1918, World War 1
- 1941-1944, World War II
- 1945 Proclamation of the People’s Republic of Yugoslavia by Marshal Josip Broz Tito
- 1997 Yugoslavia splits up into five independent states
- 1998-1999 Kosovo Wars
- 2003, Belgrade becomes the main administrative seat of the Confederation of Serbia and Montenegro
- 2006, detachment of Montenegro from the confederation
- Belgrade becomes the capital of the independent Republic of Serbia
Sights and attractions
Apart from the Bajrakli mosque, a mausoleum (Türbe) and a few Islamic buildings in the old town of Stari Grad, nothing remains of the architecture of the long-standing Ottoman rule. But Belgrade offers a large number of sights even without the magnificent Ottoman buildings
1. Belgrade Fortress
The landmark of Belgrade is 50 meters above the water and forms the historical core of the city. The 15th century fortress consists of the upper town and the lower town. Most of the towers and gates are located in the well-preserved Upper Town, e.g. B. the “Gate of the Despot” (1405) and the double-towered “Zindan Gate” (1460). In the lower town you can visit the “Nebojša Tower” (1460), the “Charles VI Gate” (1736), the Church of the Roses and the Church of St. Petka.
2. Royal Castle Beli dvor
The royal castle “Beli dvor” is located on the highest hill in the Belgrade district of Dedinje. The beautiful white marble castle was built between 1921 and 1929. In the palace, the royal cabinet, the golden salon, the festival hall and the blue salon are an absolute must for visitors.
3. Cathedral of St. Sava
Visible from all directions in the city, the cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Serbia. It boasts four 44 m high bell towers with 49 bells and a 70 m high dome with a 2 m high gilded main cross.
4. St. Mark’s Church
The magnificent St. Mark’s Church is located in Tašmajdan Park and is the second largest in Serbia, along with the St. Sava Cathedral.
5th Belgrade Tower
The 115 meter high skyscraper consists of two mighty tubular structures, the 26-story south tower and the 30-story north tower. Between the two towers at a height of between 135 and 140 meters, a revolving restaurant rotates around its own axis once an hour and offers a wonderful all-round view of Belgrade and the surrounding area.
6 . Knez Mihailova boulevard
Belgrade’s most beautiful street connects the main square Terazije with the Kalemegdan park. The street with its numerous cafés and souvenir shops is one of the most popular promenades in Belgrade.
7. Old town Stari Grad:
The oldest part of Belgrade scores with the Serbian National Museum, numerous monuments, historical places (e.g. Republic Square), restaurants, entertainment venues and, last but not least, the government building.
Conclusion: Why is a study trip to Belgrade worthwhile?
Belgrade is the economic and cultural center of Serbia. Numerous sights and an eventful history offer diverse approaches to get closer to the culture of the country, especially in the company of a qualified tour guide. Much in Belgrade is changing and changing. The variety of cultural offers benefits from this. Due to the moderate prices, Belgrade is a cheap travel destination.
