Serbia, a country on the Balkan Peninsula, promises to provide every visitor with plenty of activities due to its fantastic scenery and fascinating history.
Serbia has a rich history that includes significant periods of time spent under the Roman, Ottoman, and Hun empires. The architecture of the country includes everything from the ruins of a grand Roman palace to a pinnacle crafted entirely of human skulls.
Serbia has several battle scars and memories that attest to these wounds as a result of its involvement in a number of conflicts during the 20th century, including World Wars I and II and the Yugoslav War in the 1990s. Everywhere they look, visitors will find evidence of the country’s past, from the myths surrounding the Devil’s Town to the weapon-shaped light fittings in Ruzica Church. Here is your list of things to do in Serbia, without further ado.
1.] Arača
Originally built in the thirteenth century, this Romanesque church was surrounded by an entire town. Nevertheless, after many extended periods of destruction, razing, and rebuilding, what’s left are the remnants, which include a few dividers, some curves, and a portion of a pinnacle.
The congregation was never rebuilt after the Ottomans’ final crushing of it in 1551, in contrast to other similar historical occurrences.
It now occupies the center of a cornfield, and the partially constructed structure, which is evocative of the magnificent building that had stood there, adds to the eerie and otherworldly atmosphere of bygone times. The state is currently protecting this monument.
2.] The Museum of Belgrade Aviation
The Belgrade Aviation Museum is housed in a structure with curved, mirrored glass sheets that resembles a monstrous glass mushroom.
The air Museum, which is located near Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport, tells the story of air travel in Serbia from the middle of the 20th century to the present. There are World War II planes inside, and oddly enough, the exhibition hall has three of these aircraft, each built separately in Germany, Britain, and Russia and adorned with Yugoslavian flags. One of the stories visitors will discover in the gallery is about this remarkable oddity in Serbian history.
Discover historical artifacts throughout the museum, from the preserved airship prominently displayed in the exhibits to the massive remnants of the antiquated flying aircraft outside the gallery.
3.] Belgrade Castle
The confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers is home to Belgrade Fortress, an important location for a settlement. This explains why humans have been using the location of Belgrade Fortress since the Neolithic era.
The first people to make anything here were the Romans in the first century AD. After that, buildings were regularly built and destroyed until the seventeenth century, when the current Belgrade Fortress was constructed. Nevertheless, remnants of the Upper Town fortress, which dates back to the fifteenth century, can still be seen in these dividers. Today, visitors can explore every area of the former stronghold for a fascinating glimpse into how history has developed and persisted over time.
4.] Church of Ruzica
Inside the Belgrade Fortress, the Ruzica Church is really the second structure of the same name to be constructed there. The current Ruzica Church was built in 1867 and revamped after World War I. The previous was destroyed by the Turks in the sixteenth century. Ivy covers the partitions of this small church like a covering on its outside. Inside, visitors will find intricately painted roofs and, perhaps most intriguingly, chandeliers built entirely of discarded weaponry. Ruzica Church’s incredible lighting apparatuses were made by fighters who used swords, rifle pieces, and spent shell housings during the Church’s reconstruction following World War I.
5.] Tesla Museum in Belgrade
The Belgrade Tesla Museum honors the life and contributions of esteemed scientist Nikola Tesla, who is best known for his power-related discoveries as well as for creating the AC electrical system, the Tesla loop, and many other innovations.
Tesla was Serbian, even though he was born in what is now Croatia, an area that was part of the Austrian Empire at the time. Visitors can view an enormous array of his assets, such as equipment and reports, at the exhibition hall. Additionally, replicas of his inventions and laboratories can be found all over the world. In addition to interactive 3D displays of some of his inventions, the museum features a memorial exhibition with a variety of artifacts from his life. Special exhibitions featuring thematic representations of his life and work are occasionally on display.
6.] Zoo in Belgrade
The main thoroughfare in the city of Belgrade, Kalemegdan Park, is home to the Belgrade Zoo. First opened in 1936, it is among the most experienced zoos in all of Europe. The zoo is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a year. About 30 minutes before dusk, the last tickets of the day are sold.
This zoo, also known as the Garden of Good Hope, is home to 1,700 animals and has the highest regular origination rate in all of Europe, meaning that most of the animals are happy and healthy. The world record for the oldest alligator kept in captivity is presently held by Mujo, an alligator who has been a part of the Belgrade Zoo since its founding.
7.] Saint Sava’s Church
Located in Belgrade, this enormous church is both the largest house of worship on Earth and the largest Serbian Orthodox church in the country. Due to Serbia’s stormy past, this magnificent Orthodox church—which is located in the municipality of Vracar—has seen many changes. However, internal restorations are currently underway, and the external rebuilding was eventually finished in 2017.
Additionally, approximately fifty chimes will ring every day at twelve, and one may hear the sound of them for kilometers. The congregation can accommodate up to 10,000 people at once and is a well-known symbol of trustworthiness for supporters of Serbian Orthodoxy.
8.] Devil’s Town Rock Formation
Ðavolja Varoš, often known as “Devil’s Town,” is a distinctive rock structure that is located atop Radan Mountain in southeast Serbia. There is a fascinating folklore associated with these tall, thin rock spires that can reach a length of up to 15 meters. According to folklore, these formations are actually the remains of an old wedding party that the demon turned to stone.
The structures were actually created over extended periods of time by wind and soil erosion. Visitors to Devil’s Town will enjoy the spectacle of these strange spires and have the opportunity to explore the highly acidic mineral springs nearby.
9.] House on the Drina River
A tiny cottage that appears to be extremely interesting from its lone perch is perched on a pile of rocks near the Drina River. Over 40 years of increasing and receding water levels on the Drina have not affected the small cottage that is so perfectly balanced on the stone in one way or another. Constructed during the 1960s by a group of friends who wanted to take advantage of the area’s seclusion and use it as a space to lounge during the day and go swimming.
The little one-room home was made entirely by hand and is currently used by its creator as a temporary residence. The house is not open to guests; it is private property even though it is most likely visible to anybody. On the other hand, the area beside the Drina River is incredibly attractive, offers swimming opportunities, and is all around a lovely sight to behold.
10.] Museum Ethnographic
This historical center, one of the oldest in the Balkans, is located in Belgrade and documents Serbia’s social history. The massive exhibition hall holds almost 60,000 distinct ancient treasures in addition to approximately 100,000 reports and artwork.
The Serbian people, their culture, traditional social clothing, farming practices, religious customs, and traditional artworks like stoneware and weaving are all available to visitors at the Ethnographic Museum. The gallery’s exhibits, which aim to illustrate visitors this nation’s rich and lengthy history, include gems, materials, weaponry, apparatuses, and family heirlooms from a variety of Serbian eras and locales.
11.] Park National Fruska Gora
This national park is named after the highest mountain in the region, Fruska Gora. It is known as the “reflection of the land past” since it is the home of several incredibly rare fossils.
Discoveries for visitors to Fruska Gora National Park include 35 monastic communities dating back to the fifteenth century and a multitude of little mountain houses perched on the slants of the mountain. A number of well-known trails on the mountain are quite popular for climbing; one of these is used for the Fruska Gora Marathon and passes past many of the cottages, small towns, and religious settlements in the recreation center.
12.] Romulana Felix Gamzigrad
To honor the birthplace of Roman Emperor Galerius, a castle complex was built on this site in 289 AD, not far from modern-day Zaječar. The largest castle in the neighborhood, it was named for his mother, Romula, an agnostic priestess. Galerius’s magnificent exploits and his mother’s godlike qualities filled it like a shelter.
The Huns destroyed the castle in the fifth century, long after the monarch had left, and it became a community for common people, such as farmers, until the Slavs arrived in the middle of the seventh century. The ruins of this royal mansion have been discovered by archeological efforts, and visitors are now able to view the location as well as the remaining buildings.
13.] Golubac Fortress/Golubac Castle
Situated over the Danube River from Romania, the town of Golubac is located on the eastern edge of Serbia. Golubac Castle or Fortress is located there, and it’s an amazing place for a multi-day excursion—it’s just a short 2-hour trip from Belgrade.
Built in three parts over the course of several centuries, this stone stronghold dates back to the fourteenth century. With the exception of one small detail—that is, the stronghold is partially submerged in the Danube River—it is incredibly well-defended. Some of Golubac Castle’s exterior barriers are underwater as a result of flooding on the slope where the château is located, which was caused by a hydroelectric dam built in 1964.
14.] Monument Kosmaj
Constructed in 1970, the Kosmaj Monument is made up of six enormous concrete constructions that radiate forth from the central pillar in the shape of an extremely pointed star. It is visible for kilometers and is positioned above Kosmaj, the highest mountain in the area of the same name.
The historical site honors Serbian combatants who fought the Germans during their occupation of Belgrade in World War II. In the struggle for opportunity, more than 5,000 of these fighters lost their lives; nonetheless, they never gave up and continued to fight for freedom. Although the landmark has unfortunately been defaced and is in a state of degradation, it is nevertheless a remarkable sight and a memorable legacy to those to whom it was committed.
Kosmaj as a whole is a major tourist destination. The region has been kept up nicely to promote bicycling, hiking, and other sports. Travelers can enjoy the region’s hotels, campgrounds, villages, and even a mineral spa.
15.] Bubanj Memorial Park
While Bubanj Park in Niš offers walking trails and green spaces for people to explore, the main attraction here is a gigantic marble landmark that is more than twenty meters tall. This piece’s five compositions discuss the course of World War II, its effects on the Serbian people, and its movement. In addition, three concrete constructions in the shape of fists are rising in the air.
The leisure center itself truly symbolizes the most horrific mass murders that took place in Serbia during the German occupation, when over 10,000 Serbians were held as prisoners before being shot and killed. The majority of those who were exploited were ordinary Niš residents and citizens, and this landmark and the recreation center it is located in honor their lives.
16.] Serbia’s National Museum
More than 40,000 old rarities that are associated with Serbia’s historical background can be found in the National Museum of Serbia, which is located in Belgrade. These items include artwork, books, archives, and archaeological and verified curios.
The gallery’s collection is always expanding, but the most important and common items that are on display are artwork, murals, and antique pieces like pottery and sculptures.
The oldest gallery in all of Serbia and the former Yugoslavia, the historical center opened its doors in 1844. The gallery is closed on Mondays, however visitors are welcome to explore the exhibition space and its many accumulations from Tuesday through Sunday.
17.] Nis Castle
Among other fortified fortresses of its type, Niš Fortress is a massive and historic building built by the Turkish Empire. With its wide curtain dividers and crenellated bastions, the massive Niš Fortress, which is perfectly situated on the edge of the Nišava River, evokes the visions of medieval lords and monarchs.
Despite the fact that the fortress was constructed in the middle of the eighteenth century, Niš fortification has a far longer history. On a comparable location in the middle of the second century, the Romans built a village and a post. More Hun and Turkish buildings followed.
The yearly “Nisville Jazz Festival,” a summer music festival, is also hosted at the stronghold.
18.] Park Popina Memorial
Popina Memorial Park, another War II memorial in Serbia, honors those who died in 1941 when German and Serbian forces unexpectedly came together at this location. The majority of the memorial landmarks at Popina Memorial Park are large, angular stones, some shaped like pyramids and others curved. There is a hole in each of the stones. The gaps frame an eerie passage when viewed from a particular edge. Travelers don’t frequently stop here, which adds to its eerie and gloomy atmosphere.
19.] Cave Resava
This magnificent cave, also known as Resavska Cave, is one of the longest cave systems in the country, stretching over 4.5 kilometers, and is situated in Eastern Serbia close to Jelovac. Only a small portion of these caverns date back an estimated 80 million years.
An underground stream that previously cut through the limestone bedrock beneath the surface of the Earth created the caverns. The dazzling caverns that are visible now were created by the water leaving mineral deposits on the stone. Approximately 800 meters of these caverns are accessible for tourists to explore. Visitors will find a variety of stalactites and stalagmites, some of which are named for unique geometries.
20.] Vučjanka River
The Vučjanka River originates in the town of Vucje and flows through the Serbian region of Leskovac. In addition to the name-giving river, this little Serbian town is most known for the Kukavica mountain. Many locals like lounging on the river’s side, and there are several locations along it that are excellent for swimming and fishing. There are also a few little waterfalls along the river.
21.] HQ of the Yugoslav Army remains
Not every landmark is a monument or other figure that is revered for its artistic excellence. The Yugoslav Army Headquarters ruins in Belgrade are fundamentally an ancient block building; they are ordinary only because of the large hole that was caused by bombardment during the NATO conflict in the 1990s. The fact that it had been vacated days earlier and that no one was working at the time made its destruction symbolic in general. Despite its current state of disrepair, it remains appealing to most tourists but serves as a reminder of the lost battle and is incredibly symbolic to Serbians.
22.] Sirmium
The Romans founded the town of Sirmium in the first century AD, and it was designated as one of their four capital cities in 294 AD. With its location on the Sava River, Sirmium still has many remnants of its Roman past. In addition to the remnants of Roman engineering, which include magnificent showers, a theater, and even a hippodrome that was formerly used for horse and chariot racing, there are ancient roadways and reservoir conduits. When the Roman Empire was overthrown by intruders around the end of the fourth century, Sirmium also came to an end.
23.] Nis Skull Tower
In a desperate bid to regain power, the Serbs faced the Ottoman Empire in 1809. They knew they would not win, and at the end of a ridiculous battle, they blew themselves up with a black powder barrel, taking a good chunk of their opponents with them. The Turkish pioneer, filled with rage and retaliation, left a lasting effect on anyone else who dared to oppose the Ottoman Empire. He destroyed the radicals’ collections and used their heads to construct a pinnacle at the city’s entrance. There are still about 60 heads in the pinnacle, though most of them were chiseled away by groups of the deceased to give them proper funerals once the Serbs finally achieved victory in 1815.
24.] Meanderers in the Uvac River
The Uvac River flows through Serbia for around 120 kilometers, slicing through mountain valleys and creating a broad blue swath amid areas of dense forest. The Uvac River flows through the Meanders, a section of which winds between verdant vistas and towering, forceful ravine separators in a series of narrow loops and crisscrosses. It’s a great viewpoint of a truly fascinating section of the natural world, supporting a variety of rare and remarkable fish and poultry species, such as the highly endangered griffon vulture.
25.] Belgrade’s Western City Gate
The Western City Gate of Belgrade, which is still located at the western extremity of Serbia’s capital city, is a complex of connected towers rather than a traditional entrance. A scaffold connects the towers at their highest point, and one of the towers features a rotating restaurant above an extension that provides guests with a continuously changing 360-degree view. With 35 floors that house private rooms and offices, the pair of towers is the highest structure in all of Serbia. Visitors to Belgrade can ride an elevator to the top of the towers, where they can use the extension to reach the restaurant and the other pinnacle.
Here are 25 of the top activities in Serbia. Even though some of them aren’t particularly “beautiful,” they are so deeply ingrained in history that they may cause us to reflect on the path this nation has followed over the ages.
