About this experience
The turbulent history of the Serbian capital will be revealed to you on a stroll through the main attractions of the center. You will get acquainted with the ancient Belgrade Fortress, which has been destroyed over fifty times in over two thousand years. Walk through one of the oldest parks in Europe - Kalemegdan, hear about Serbian princes and ruling dynasties on the central squares and near the palace ensembles. And over a cup of coffee on the Belgrade Montmartre, which grew from gypsy huts, we will talk about the Serbian mentality and its differences from other Slavic peoples.
What to expect
The Heart of Stone of Belgrade - Kalemegdan
The tour will start from the origins of the capital, the ancient Belgrade Fortress - the main witness to the history of Belgrade. You will learn about the first Neolithic settlements, Roman presence, the invasion of medieval barbarians, and a key stage in the city's life when it became the new center of the Serbian state. We will talk about Ottoman conquests and the origin of the citadel's name, as well as about destruction during the periods of 20th-century world wars. After visiting the architectural complex, you will stroll through the landscaped Kalemegdan Park - one of the oldest in Europe.
Historical streets and main squares
On the Republic Square, near the statue of Mihailo Obrenovic, I will talk about the role of the Serbian prince in the struggle against Turkish domination in the Balkans. On the main promenade of Belgrade - Knez Mihailo Street - you will get acquainted with the architecture of the 19th-century buildings and can relax with a cup of coffee in a cozy cafe. Another ancient square - Terazije - will reveal the present business district and a favorite place for evening walks. In the bohemian corner of Skadarlija, you will learn about the Belgrade Montmartre, where craftspeople and merchants' houses emerged from the gypsy huts, and later writers and poets lived and worked. Here, I will recommend atmospheric restaurants with authentic Serbian cuisine.
Palaces and temples of the capital
The ensemble of old and new palaces will be an occasion to delve deeper into ruling dynasties. Of course, I will show you one of the most monumental buildings in the capital - the National Assembly building - and introduce you to the history of its construction, embodying the turbulent history of Serbia in the first half of the 20th century. On King Peter Street, you will visit St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral and the Patriarchate Palace, as well as see the oldest cafe in the city. In addition, the program includes the magnificent St. Mark's Church, located in the picturesque Tašmajdan Park, and the Russian Church of the Holy Trinity, where the 'Black Baron' of the White Movement, Pyotr Wrangel, is buried.
Organizational details
No additional expenses are foreseen along the way (except for personal spending on cafes and restaurants).
