Belgrade

Belgrade is the capital and the largest city of Serbia, situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Danube and the Sava. This is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans, with a turbulent history, which is visible on its streets. A city that has managed to rise from the ashes, leaving behind the much troubled past, and today is famous for its stunning atmosphere, excitement and the nightlife.

Belgrade, or the "White City", as the name translates, is one of the oldest european cities built by the Celts in the 3rd century B.C.. In ancient times it was known as Singidunum, while the name Belgrade is mentioned in history for the first time in 878 A.D.. For four centuries the city became a battleground between the Byzantine Empire, the Kingdom of Hungary and the First Bulgarian Empire. In 1521 the city was conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent with the result that the greater part of the city to be razed and the entire Christian population deported to Istanbul. It was occupied by the Habsburgs three times, while the full independence of the Principality of Serbia came in 1878. The World War destroyed most of the city, while the second World War Belgrade was bombed again and occupied by the German Army and became the headquarters of the regime Nedic's under General Milan Nedic. During the post-war period Belgrade grew rapidly as the capital of New Yugoslavia. In 1999, during the War in Kosovo, the NATO bombing caused considerable damage in the city.

Kalemegdan: The Fortress of Belgrade is located at the top of the hill, Šumadija, at a height of 125.5 meters, at the confluence of the rivers Danube and Sava. The castle is the heart and the oldest part of the city of Belgrade and for centuries the city's population lived within the walls of the fort, which makes it to be perfectly interwoven with the history of the city. In the green area, there is a zoo and museums.

Church of St. Sava: The Temple of St. Sava is the largest orthodox church in the Balkans and one of the largest orthodox cathedrals in the world and is dedicated to the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Saint Sava. The cathedral is of white marble and granite, has 18 crosses on the domes and 49 bells. Until today has not been completed, while built around a century.

Museums: The city has several important museums. The main ones are the following: the National Museum, which is the oldest of the city and is located in Republic square, the Museum of Yugoslav History, with exhibits on national minorities, the yugoslav revolution and the turbulent history of the city and the Museum of Tesla, which is dedicated to scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla.

Knez Michailova: it Is the busiest commercial street along which you find shops, musicians and street but and impressive architectural works, which date back to the late 1870's.

The area of Zemun: In Zemun leads to a bridge, and a green route, while the center of the area you will find the remains of the fortress of the 15th century and historical baroque buildings, and various cafés and restaurants.

Novi Sad: it Is located 69 kilometres from Belgrade, is built on the banks of the Danube, and features baroque and rococo architecture, picturesque narrow streets, colourful buildings and important monuments.

The Serbian cuisine is a unique combination of elements of Greek, Hungarian, Turkish and austrian cuisine with an emphasis on meats and legumes. . The Cevapcici with the chopped onions, beef burgers, sausages and pork chops are the classical menu of every restaurant in Serbia. The authentic Serbian dish, which is found exclusively in the country, is the ‘kajmak’ (a type of dairy, between soft cheese and butter) a specialty that maintain unchanged both in flavor and appearance, in defiance of the industrial production. In addition, don't forget to accompany your meal with a rakija (raki) in fruit flavors. Don't miss the neighborhood of Skardarlija, the most picturesque part of the historic centre. A paved alley, which is home to Serbian taverns with the accompaniment of live music and flowered balconies. It's a must see.

Belgrade is famous for its intense nightlife. Countless bars in every corner of the city, people wandering carefree everywhere and going in and out from store to store with mood and appetite through the roof! During the summer months, the nightlife is transported through the river Sava, where people stay up late having fun on the riverboats that have been converted into a floating club. The rest of the seasons, you can choose from countless club with different styles and with different music genres.

Time zone: One hour behind Greece Currency: Denar ( 1 euro – 119 dinars ) Dialling Code: 00381 The international airport Nicola Tesla (BEG) is 18 km west of the centre of Belgrade.