Serbia is one of those countries where the development of the tourism sector is just beginning to gain momentum. Picturesque nature, many well-preserved architectural monuments, stable climatic conditions - all this can be seen almost at any time of the year. In addition, in the neighborhood of Serbia there are other, no less attractive European powers, which are quite easy to get to.
Excursion tourism season
For the purpose of visiting sights, I come to the country all year round, since the climatic conditions contribute to a comfortable rest. However, spring and autumn are considered the best time to explore the historical sites of Serbia. There are several reasons for this:
- lack of exhausting heat, which occurs in the summer;
- the opportunity to save money on the purchase of cheap vouchers;
- a small number of tourists.
In general, you can go to Serbia in the summer. Such rest is suitable for those who normally tolerate temperatures of + 29-32 degrees. The thermometer rises especially high in Belgrade, Nis, Mostar and Szeged. In winter, there is also a chance to get acquainted with the architecture of the country, but be prepared for the fact that you will have to travel at temperatures from +2 to +7 degrees.
Top 15 interesting places in Serbia
Belgrade fortress
The millennial landmark is considered the pride of the country and rises on a hill near the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. The territory of the fortress is conventionally divided into two parts, inside which there are ancient churches, remnants of Roman settlements, as well as special buildings used as defensive fortifications.
From the outside, the fortress looks like a large-scale structure surrounded by five towers. Visitors first pass through twelve massive gates and then enter the picturesque Kalemegdan Garden.
Monastery complex
This architectural masterpiece is located in Kosiv and is one of the historical treasures of the UNESCO heritage. The date of the construction of the buildings belongs to the period of the XIII-XVI centuries, when the Byzantine and Western Romanesque styles prevailed in church construction. Today the ensemble includes:
- Monastery Vysokie Decany;
- Monastery of the Pechersk Patriarchate;
- Monastery Gracanitsa;
- Church of the Virgin Levishka.
The greatest value, from the point of view of researchers, are the unique frescoes that have survived to this day almost unchanged.
Devil city
Despite its gloomy name, it is a natural landmark worth seeing. On Mount Radan, 30 kilometers from the town of Kurshumliya, 202 pillars of stone rise from 2 to 14 meters in height. Besides, on each pillar there is a kind of stone “cap” weighing from 40 to 98 kilograms.
The city of the devil has long been shrouded in legends and beliefs that local residents disappeared in it. This story is actively used by guides to attract tourists. In fact, the pillars were created as a result of long-term weathering of rocks.
Djerdap gorge
A tour of the gorge is included in the list of most excursion programs in Serbia, as it is considered the most beautiful place in Europe. The Danube flows between the majestic cliffs of the gorge. For all comers, cruises through the gorge are organized, including a boat trip through three depressions.
Many temples and fortresses are concentrated on the Danube coast, which can be viewed during the excursion. The Djerdap Gorge was included in the list of rare natural formations of the UNESCO heritage.
Smederevo fortress
Several centuries ago, the city of Smederevo was the capital of Serbia. Therefore, a fortress in the shape of a triangle with 25 towers was erected near it in 1430. The main function of the fortress is to protect the city from foreign invaders. Today, the building is an important part of the country's historical past.
The territory of the fortress is divided into Small and Great Grad, where churches, palaces and jewelry workshops were built in due time. A large area with trade and souvenir shops should be noted separately. Here Serbian craftsmen made products from leather, wood, stone and other materials.
Skadarlija
If you find yourself in Serbia, be sure to go to the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, located in Belgrade. In the 30s of the XIX century, gypsies settled in the area of Skadarskaya Street, which determined the original name of the quarter. At the end of the 19th century, a tavern was demolished in the center of the city, where famous artists, writers and actors lived. A year later, they began to move to Skardalija and created a creative atmosphere there.
Modern Skardalia is an open-air museum, where you can not only walk along the cozy streets, but also feel the spirit of that time.
Shar-Planina Park
This national park is located in the center of the Balkans and covers an area of 40 thousand hectares. The vast area is dominated by mountains ranging in height from 1500 to 2500 meters, which makes this place attractive for ecological tourism. The highest peak, Bistra, belongs to Serbia and mesmerizes with its splendor.
The park boasts a huge variety of flora and fauna, as well as ancient buildings and tombs. Lynx, wolf, wild boar, brown bear and roe deer live in the reserve zones of Shar-Planin.
Vrnjachka Banya
Serbia is often visited from the nearest European countries in order to improve their health at this balneological resort. The list of services of local sanatoriums and boarding houses is very wide:
- Treatment of diseases of the digestive system;
- Comprehensive diagnostics;
- Prevention of diabetes;
- Recovery procedures.
In the treatment, new medical techniques are used with the use of healing thermal waters, the temperature of which is at the same level as the temperature of the human body.
Nikola Tesla Museum
Many museums around the world have been built in honor of the famous inventor, but the museum in Serbia is the only one where the personal belongings of an outstanding personality are kept. The museum was founded in 1952, when, at the initiative of the Belgrade government, a mansion building was allocated for the construction of the landmark.
The exposition consists of documents, patents, drawings, letters to friends and relatives, books, etc. The activities of the museum have a practical focus, so everyone can experience Tesla's popular inventions in action.
Monastery Pokaynitsa
Not far from the town of Veliky Plana there is a small monastery considered to be an example of wooden architecture. The history of the building is as follows: in 1818, the Serbian prince Vuice Vulicevic ordered to build the monastery in accordance with all the canons of church architecture. The idea of building a monastery did not come to the prince by accident, since a year before the start of construction he was accused of organizing the murder of his father. Later, the prince repented and decided to build a monastery to atone for his sins.
Drvengrad
The improvised village appeared on the slope of Mokra Gora thanks to the eminent Serbian director Emir Kusturica. It was he who financed the project, which became the main stage for one of his films. After filming, a tourist area was made on the site of the village, where you can take a break from the bustle of the city.
In Drvengrad for visitors there is a comfortable hotel, a cinema, a cafe with dishes of national cuisine, an art gallery and a church. All buildings are made of wood, which emphasizes the ethnic component of this place.
Ada Tsingalia
There is a large lake 20 kilometers from Belgrade, which has become a favorite vacation spot for Serbs. The water in the water area is purified using special filters installed along the dam. This technology allows you to maintain the natural balance of water and form a healing microclimate on the coast. More than 45 sports facilities have been built along the lake, the management of which promotes a healthy lifestyle among Serbian residents and visitors. Kayaking, water polo, diving and golf are popular among the most popular activities.
Sopochany
The valley of the Raska River is decorated with an ancient monastery founded by the Serbian king Uroš I in the first half of the 13th century. Later, the Trinity Church was erected nearby, which has survived to this day in excellent condition.
The composition of the church is distinguished by its harmony, integrity and strict lines. Calm colors are typical for traditional Serbian architecture. The walls of the monastery and the church are painted with frescoes depicting the pantheon of Orthodox gods and archbishops.
Temple of Saint Sava
The attraction is considered the largest temple in the Orthodox world. The beginning of construction dates back to 1935. The Vracara community, which is part of the Belgrade district, was chosen as the site for the construction of the temple. The cathedral was erected on the site of the burning of the first archbishop Sava, which is a symbol of Serbian Orthodoxy.
The work on the creation of the temple was carried out for 42 years and today some parts of the shrine are still being restored and completed. The official opening of the cathedral took place in 2004, after which regular services began.
Sirogoino
Connoisseurs of Serbian culture and folklore are advised to go on an excursion to the village of Sirogojno, located near the town of Zlatibor. The village was famous throughout Serbia for its knitters, whose products were sold to the best shops in the world.
Later, an ethnic village was created in Sirogoino, where you can get acquainted with the national customs of the Serbs, learn more about the significance of house buildings and take part in master classes in blacksmithing and pottery.
