Old town and river Danube
Belgrade is situated at the place where the Sava joins the Danube. City is one of the oldest cities in Europe and, beside Athens, the greatest urban whole of the Balkan Peninsula. The city is the capital of Serbia, having around 1,7 million residents. In traffic and transport, it’s a crucial city. It is serving as a major hub for roads, railways, river ports, air traffic, and telecommunications. It spreads over 3.6% of the territory of Serbia, and 15.8% of Serbian population lives in this city. Also, 31.2% of all employed workers in Serbia work in Belgrade.
Belgrade as Singidunum, “the city of the Sings”, a Dachian tribe succeeded by the Celts in the III century B.C. They were the lords of the settlements where today’s Zvezdara and Visnjica are. Known as the “White City,” a name given by the Slavs who settled here in the 6th and 7th centuries, Belgrade has a rich history. In fact, the first written record of the city, referred to as “Belgrade,” dates back to the year 878. Consequently, the city’s origins stretch back over a millennium. This long history, in turn, reflects Belgrade’s enduring significance in the region, highlighting its pivotal role throughout the centuries.
Fortress Kalemegdan
Belgrade fortress, a museum of the city’s history, includes the Upper Town, Lower Town, and Kalemegdan Park. Before the 19th century, people referred to the park by its Turkish name, “Kalemegdan,” meaning fortress field. It remained an empty space where people anticipated enemies outside the fortress walls.
Belgrade on the water – a new, modern part of the city
Belgrade serves as a significant port where the Sava river meets the Danube, a location philosopher Constantine identified as the mystical biblical Pison from Genesis 2:11, one of Eden’s four rivers. The Danube infuses Belgrade with the inspiration of Strauss and the spirit of Central Europe. Meanwhile, the Sava river harbors the secrets of fishermen and bohemians like Derocco and Mika Alas. They navigate these modern times alongside their rafts, adding to the city’s unique character.
With its bridges, the city not only connects the Balkans but also extends its reach into Central Europe. Consequently, it steps forward, embracing a broader cultural landscape. As a result, the city becomes a melting pot, gathering the experiences of different cultures and blending diverse influences and histories. This unique combination shapes its identity and enhances its dynamic atmosphere. With its bridges, Belgrade acquires Zemun with Srem, Pancevo with Banat.
Avala
As the monument of nature whose green treasures are Kalemegdan and Tasmajdan parks, Avala, Topcider, Zvezdara, Kosutnjak, Ada Ciganlija. Amid the sea of buildings, skyscrapers, and boulevards, there are true natural reservoirs. For example, the Botanical Garden and the Great War Island stand as green oases in the urban landscape.
Belgrade as a big family having its feast, its holiday Spasovdan – the day of Christ’s Ascension. The holiday is celebrated on a different date each year in the Christian Orthodox calendar. Specifically, it always falls on a Thursday, forty days after Easter and ten days before Pentecost. As a result, the date varies annually, depending on when Easter is observed.
Temple of Saint Sava(
Belgrade life means falling in love and adventure. It’s about going out, partying, and meeting new people. It’s filled with romance, passion, and youth. The rush through traffic is part of it too. Belgrade is also an art hub. FEST, BELEF, BITEF, Joy of Europe, BEMUS, October Salon, and the Book Fair all take place here. These international art exhibitions represent life in Belgrade, no matter the political or social circumstances.
Knez Mihailova Street
The Christian city where despot Stefan Lazarevic raised the Church of the Mother of God. He wrote: “I found the most glorious place of all. Belgrade is a great city, but at the time, it lay in ruins and had been deserted. I raised it and dedicated it to the Mother of God.” Throughout Belgrade’s history, the Celts, Roman and Byzantine Empires, medieval Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Habsburg Monarchy, Serbs, and “Yugoslavs” built and demolished. People have yet to reveal its “invisible” history.
The Belgrade winner
Belgrade as a grid of allies, dark streets and vaults, cobbled and macadam streets, fences and huts – antiquities sometimes not respected enough. They are all over the place; however, many people overlook them. Among buildings and skyscrapers, boulevards and parks, they remain hidden. These remnants serve as a reminder of what Belgrade used to be – a small, backwater town, in addition to its role as a fortress.
Belgrade as something old that runs away from oblivion and as something new to witch one joyously strives… Twice in a short time, the words echoed through the squares and streets of the snow-covered city. This time, it was truly a “white city.” These words expressed wishes and hopes for a better future.
May all these wishes and hopes come true – for the happy future of BELGRADE!
