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A Rich History and Culture
The multicultural melting pot of Serbia has led to a wonderful array of historical sites, attractions, cuisines, and traditions.
That Serbia has found itself in the path of conquering armies time and again throughout history but has never lain down in defeat speaks volumes. Instead, it has embraced the juxtaposition of East and West and each culture that has come - Byzantine and Roman, Ottoman and Christian - and emerged culturally richer, more varied, more open and warmer than almost anywhere else in Europe.
This multicultural melting pot has led to a wonderful array of historical sites, attractions, cuisines, and traditions. From the Kalemegdan and Petrovaradin citadels to Drvengrad mini village and from Exit Festival to Guca Trumpet Festival, there's something for everyone this spring and summer in Belgrade, Novi Sad and everywhere else around the country. This is what makes Serbia Europe’s best kept secret. But with so much to offer, it can't, and won't, stay secret much longer.
Fortresses
Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park: Survey the lay of Belgrade and the confluence of the Sava and Danube from the city’s best vantage point. It’s a designated Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance, and is undeniably worthy of this lofty accolade. Historically the city nestled inside its walls. These days it sprawls beyond, but the fortress still lies at its heart. It’s the perfect starting point for an exploration of Belgrade.
Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad: Belgrade isn’t the only city with a fortress to boast of. Petrovaradin, on the mighty Danube too, in Serbia’s ‘second city’, is another monument of great historical importance – as well as home to a great variety of activities and attractions. At the fortress you will find not only the Museum and Archive of Novi Sad but also artists’ studios and galleries and an observatory and planetarium. Of particular note is the clock tower, with its long hand showing hours and its short hand showing minutes in order to help the time be seen from afar on the Danube.
City of Culture
Novi Sad: It might be the ‘second city’ but Novi Sad is about to step into the limelight – and rightly so – having been awarded the title of European Capital of Culture for 2022. Its winning bid was based on the concept of four bridges: freedom (creative industry and youth culture); hope (devoted to cultural facilities and public spaces), rainbow (migration and resolving conflict) and new (cultural heritage and hospitality).
Architecture
Drvengrad: A hilltop mini village near Mokra Gora, Drvengrad (or ‘wood town’) was built by the filmmaker Emir Kusturika as the set for his film Life is a Miracle and as a new home for himself. Perhaps unsurprisingly as the brainchild of a film director, Drvengrad plays host to a film festival each year. Possibly more surprising is that it is also home to a lifesize statue of Johnny Depp (who was guest of honour at the festival in 2010).
Skadarlija: Belgrade’s bohemian history is held in the curve of this short street. A favourite of artists and poets since the early 20th century, Skadarlija is one of Belgrade’s most extraordinary and authentic tourist attractions. In amongst the art galleries and antiques, the hotels and the restaurants, you’ll find street performers in traditional Serbian dress entertaining the crowds of families and youths.
Skadarlija marks the opening of the summer season every year with a flag-raising ceremony that is well attended by Serbia’s celebrities, including opera singers, artists and actors.
Museums
Nikola Tesla Museum: Dedicated to the life and work of Serbia’s most prominent inventor and scientist, the museum is housed in an ex-residential villa and is part education, part science and part memorial.
There are countless other museums – Serbia is spoiled for choice and there are far too many to list here. But others worth checking out include the Aviation, Zepter, Automobile, Ethnographic, Yugoslav History, Vojvodina, Sirogojno, and even the Beekeeping museum.
Music
Exit Festival: This award-winning music festival has the extraordinary backdrop of Petrovaradin Fortress. And that’s not the only thing about it that’s remarkable. Their line ups over the years have put Exit firmly in the category of best festivals in the world. See more information here: http://www.exitfest.org/en.
Guca Trumpet Festival: Now in its 61st year, join the great names of trumpet music for a five-day celebration of the instrument.
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Experience! Serbia | National Tourism Organisation of Serbia
Cities filled with culture and experiences. Mountains and rivers filled with adventure and beauty.
Explore all that the diverse destination of Serbia has to offer at any time of year.