Serbia's lively Capital Belgrade is a Balkan Hit
History Culture and Entertainment meet by the Banks of the Danube
Mar 28, 2009
With tensions between ethnic Albanians and Serbs living in the de-facto independent Republic of Kosovo remaining high, a year on from the break from Serbia, the southern part of the country and border region area remains a troubled and risky place for Westerners to visit.
However Belgrade, 200 kilometres away from the unease in Kosovo, remains an intriguing destination, boasting amongst the greatest historical diversity in Europe, largely due to its significant background of military occupation.
Discovered by Greeks, named by Celts and fought over at various times by Byzantine, Frankish, Austrian, Ottoman and finally Serb rulers, Belgrade has certainly had a violent military history, best exhibited by the giant Kalemegdan Citadel.
Kalemegdan Citadel
Strategically located on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, Kalemegdan (Battlefield Fortress in Turkish) has witnessed some 115 battles between combatants seeking control of Belgrade, with the C18th Upper Citadel fortification gate and bridges existing evidence as to the conflict.
It now serves as a rather peaceful park and gardens for the people of Belgrade to stroll in, but also houses a museum containing over 3000 items, from ancient Roman swords and helmets to the rather more modern remains of an American F117a stealth fighter shot down by Serbian anti-aircraft fire in 1999.
Outside the museum, the building is lined with tanks, howitzers and other armoured vehicles captured by Yugoslav partisans from retreating occupying Nazi forces during the Second World War.
Nikola Tesla
Among Belgrade’s key architectural highlights and museums, an undoubted inclusions is the Nikola Tesla Museum, dedicated to Serbia’s famous discoverer of alternating current. Central Belgrade is also home to the Sveti Sava, reputedly the largest Orthodox Church in the world.
The artistic side of Belgrade is well represented by Skadarska, a cobbled street lined with cafes, restaurants and galleries home to the more bohemian side of life in the capital.
Skadarska
Skadarska attracted writers, artists, architects and painters to its taverns such as the ’Three Hats’ and ’Two Deers’ from the late C19th and is still central to Belgrade entertainment today, with giant murals lining the walls, street actors and musicians regularly performing to crowds.
This relaxed theme is reflected in Belgrade’s abundant and highly rated nightlife, with many former drinking dens hidden away during the repressive regime of Slobodan Milosevic waiting to be discovered. More obviously prominent are the moored barges lining the western bank of the Sava River that come alive after hours.
Belgrade Accommodation
Belgrade has an increasing variety of accommodation opening up across the city. For Belgrade accommodation, restaurants and sightseeing information visit here.
Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla airport is 18 kilometres west of Belgrade and runs connections to the central train station. Information can be found here.
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