Serbia

Quick Facts

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Capital

Belgrade

Population

9,400,000

Government

Republic

Religions

Christianity (Serbian Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant), Islam

Languages

Serbian, Albanian, Hungarian

Calling Code

+381

Nationality

Serbian

Local name

Srbija

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Introduction

The tombs of Serbian King Stefan and his sister Helen, 14th century

© All Rights Reserved neron

In May 2006 Serbia parted ways with Montenegro after the smaller republic declared its independence. The peaceful separation contrasts with the horrific ethnic war fought during the previous decade and promises a brighter future.

For travellers, the separation means that Serbia is now a landlocked country. Even without the picturesque Mediterranean beaches, however, Serbia is a beautiful and historically rich destination. Belgrade, the capital, is packed with interesting historical places (surprising, considering it's been destroyed 40 times in its history): museums dedicated to war and art, a traditional Balkan-style palace and streets lined with 17th century architecture. Its landscape is diverse, as mountainous terrain in the south is juxtaposed with the flat land around the Danube River, which weaves its way through the northern province of Vojvodina.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

• Central Serbia
• Vojvodina
• Kosovo

Cities

• Belgrade - The capital
• Novi Sad
• Nis
• Pristina (Kosovo)
• Kragujevac
• Subotica

Sights and Activities

Golubac Fortress

Smederevo- the end of medieval Serbia

© All Rights Reserved neron

Golubac Fortress (Голубачки град), also known as Smederevo, is 4 km downstream of Golubac, this fortress is a medieval town with 5 large towers that was fortified on the banks of the Danube River. Construction on the fortress most likely began in the 14th century and is split into three compounds. Most likely these compounds were built during different stages. This fortress was fought over by many different powers including the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary. Finally in 1867 it fell into Serbian hands. Today it is one of the most popular tourist sights in Serbia and the best views can be seen on a wonderful river boat ride on the Danube.

Visoki Dečani Monastery

Visoki Dečani Monastery (Манастир Високи Дечани) is one of the main Serb Orthodox Christian monasteries and is located in Kosovo 12 km south of the town of Pec. The monastic katholikon is one of the largest medieval churches in the Balkans and contains extensive fresco decorations that are world famous. The construction of the church began in 1327 and was not completed until 1335. Although the paintings were not finished until 1350. The building is dedicated to Christ Pantocrator and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2004. Today it is a very popular tourist sight.

Mileševa

Mileševa (Милешева) this is a wonderful Serbian Orthodox monastery. Located near Prijepolje this monastery was founded between the years of 1234 and 1236. The outside of the church is covered with a nice white plaster. The inside is covered with amazing frescos made by the most talented Serbian artists of the time. The most famous fresco is of the White Angel that shows an angel on Christ's grave.

Other Sights and Activities

• Military Museum - Visit this wonderful museum in Belgrade to see military relics from ancient times to modern jets, including one downed USA stealth fighter. The building itself is also amazing and worth seeing.
• Felix Romuliana - This building was an imperial palace and one of the most famous late Roman sites in Europe. It is located near Zaječar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Miroslav Gospels - One of the oldest surviving written documents in the world located in Belgrade.
• Studenica Monastery (Манастир Студеница) - Located 39 km southwest to Kraljevo is a wonderful Serb Orthodox monastery. It is one the largest and richest monasteries in Serbia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction started on the monastery in 1196 and is covered in amazing frescos.
• Monument to Unknown Hero - Located on the top of Mt Avala this monument is built to honour those that died in World War I.
• Medieval Fortress of Bač - Check out this less visited medieval fortress outside of Bač.
• Hiking - The Carpathian Mountains and the Balkan Mountains are wonderful places to go hiking and experience the wilderness.
• St. Sava Temple - Is an amazing temple and one of the most famous in Serbia.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

Jat Airways is the national airlines of Serbia and is based at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG). International destinations are Amsterdam, Athens, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dubai, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Göteborg, Istanbul, Larnaca, Ljubljana, Kiev-Boryspil, London-Heathrow, Malta, Monastir, Moscow, Munich, Oslo, Paris, Podgorica, Pula, Prague, Rome-Fiumicino, Sarajevo, Skopje, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Tel Aviv, Thessaloniki, Tirana, Trieste, Tripoli, Tunis, Vienna and Zürich.
A number of other European airlines fly to Belgrade as well and cities outside Europe with services include seasonal flights to and from Toronto, and flights to Tunis and Monastir in Tunesia.

By Train

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By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

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