BELGRADE / BEOGRAD
is a very charming and pulsating city, situated at the most spectacular and strategic location, by the confluence of two big rivers, the Sava and Danube. It is one of the oldest towns in this part of Europe, though its present-day appearance gives an impression of a relatively new city. It has always been on the crossroads connecting the West and the East. An ancient Roman stronghold situated at the same place was known as "Singidunum". The name "Beograd" is of Slav origin: it means "White town" and was introduced for the first time in the 9th century. Belgrade became the capital of the medieval Serbian state in 1404. The city had been destroyed and rebuilt 40 times in its history. Not a single other city in Europe was bombed 5 times only in the 20th century! Today, Belgrade occupies both banks of the Sava river and has nearly 2 million inhabitants. It's a city marked by young people, a city that's simply pulsating. The Belgradians (Belgraders) are friendly, warm-hearted and unobtrusive people. 

Belgrade Fortress

BELGRADE FORTRESS is the most remarkable monument of history preserved in the city. This is where the remains of Belgrade's distant past can best be seen: the site where Belgrade was founded as a small fortified settlement in the 1st century AD, and on which it developed right down to the second half of the 18th century. Along with artillery structures of the mid-18th century, there are medieval ramparts, towers, gates and barbicans (15th century), and some Byzantine and Roman remains. This historical site is surrounded by a city park, bearing the old Turkish name of this place - Kalemegdan.

TERAZIJE STREET with the Moskva Hotel (1906) and the Old drinking fountain (1868). Conveniently located between two main Belgrade's squares, this spot represents the heart of Belgrade. The name of the street is of Turkish origin ("Water scales"), referring to the old water supply system during the period of Ottoman rule. Two high "towers" - water collectors were located here, resembling a scale (scales) and this is how the place got its name.  
The Moskva Hotel, as the major hallmark of this area, is the only hotel in the world outside Russia that bears this name.

REPUBLIC SQUARE with the National Theatre (1868) and the Monument to Prince Michael Obrenovic (1882, by E. Pazzi). The equestrian statue is cast in bronze (Mueller Foundry, Munich). Behind the monument is the National Museum (not presented here), founded in 1844. 

PANORAMA OF THE CITY CENTER with the Federal Parliament building, Nikola Pasic Square and the Trade Union Hall (dominating the place). In back: rivers of Belgrade with an islet on the Danube. In front: the Federal Parliament building.

THE FEDERAL PARLIAMENT is one of the most attractive palace-style buildings in Belgrade. It was constructed in the period 1906-36 after the projects of the architect Jovan Ilkic. Construction works were completed under the supervision of his son, Pavle Ilkic. The palace is an example of various architectural styles applied: Neo-Renaissance, Baroque, Classicism. Great attention was also dedicated to the internal decorations. The front entrance of the building is decorated by two monumental sculpture groups of the black horses, authored by Toma Rosandic.

BELGRADE CITY HALL (Assembly of the City of Belgrade) is situated in a former Royal Court, built in the late 19th century for King Milan Obrenovic. It is one of the most important architectonic achievements in town, built on the basis of the Italian Renaissance. The building was reconstructed on various occasions, but the original design by Aleksandar Bugarski has been faithfully preserved. 

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is part of BELGRADE SIGHTSEEING Web site.
Commentaries by B. Rabotic, 2001, 2002, 2003

Guide Service in Belgrade / Sightseeing tours / City walks / Excursions / Tour packages