Belgrade is rightly called one of the oldest and extraordinary cities in Europe, that was collapsed and rebuilt many times, each time changing its appearance.

Belgrade is also known as the capital and largest city of Serbia. It's compared with Moscow and Paris, but what truly fascinates is its architectural mix of old and new buildings that brings you a feeling of traveling through the time. Here you will findalive pieces from the past of the Celts, the Ottoman and Roman empires, as well as the striking traces of the former Yugoslavia.We have prepared for you the top 15 things to see in Belgrade.

1. Belgrade Fortress

The Belgrade fortress was built in the I century. Some sources are inclined to believe that the construction was built several centuries earlier. Most of the constructions inside date back to the XVIII century, although traces of the Roman and Byzantine eras remained inside the fortification. For such a long time, they fought for the fortress more than 100 times, destroyed and rebuilt it 44 times. Belgrade Fortress is the most visited tourist attraction in Belgrade.

2. Skadarlija

The old city quarter, which is often called the Serbian "Montmartre". Skadarlija is famous for the fact that noble writers and publicists lived and worked there. The place gained bohemian fame in the late XIX - early XX centuries. Today, the quarter has retained its special atmosphere of creativity and freedom, which invariably attracts tourists.

3. Knez Mihailova Street

One kilometer long the pedestrian alley and the main shopping street in the heart of Belgrade. Knez Mihailova Street is landmarked as the Cultural Heritage of Serbia since 1979. At any time, the street is filled with artists, musicians, actors, and souvenir sellers. People dine in restaurants, do shopping, watch improvised scenes and just enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.

4. Museum of Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla is one of the most famous scientists with Serbian origins. A scientific museum dedicated to his life and work. It was found by the decision of the Yugoslav government in 1952.

The unique collection contains models of Tesla's inventions, as well as his manuscripts, drawings, letters, and some personal items. The entire collection contains several tens of thousands of exhibits.

5. The Temple of Saint Sava

Nowadays the Temple of Sava is the Belgrade's largest active Orthodox church. The construction of the cathedral began in 1894 on the very spot where, the Ottomans burnt the relics of St. Savva, the first Serbian archbishop who lived in the XII-XIII centuries. By 1939 only walls were erected, then the Second World War began. Work continued until the early 2000s with long interruptions. Even now, the temple isn't still finished. However, it's opened for visitors.

6. Avala TV Tower

Avala Tower is a telecommunications tower located on Mount Avala. The tower was built in 1965. In 1999 it was destroyed during the NATO Allied Force operation and restored only by 2010. Those circumstances increased the interest of tourists. The construction is considered as the highest in the Balkans. Mount Avala rises above Belgrade and the surrounding area for 500 m.

7. Mausoleum of Tito "House of Flowers"

Josip Broz Tito was the Secretary-General of the Central Committee of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia, virtually the sole ruler of Yugoslavia until 1980. After his death, ethnic conflicts broke out with new force, which eventually led to the collapse of the country. The main difference between the mausoleum of Tito and his comrade Lenin is that the Yugoslav leader rests in a closed sarcophagus. At the tomb, a museum is opened, where gifts and personal belongings of the leader are stored.

8. Museum of Yugoslavia

The public historical museum of Yugoslavia, perhaps, one of the first and last places that store the chronicles of a kingdom, state that doesn't exist anymore. It's the most visited museum in Serbia with 120.000 visitors annually.

9. St. Marks Church

The orthodox church is located in the Tašmajdan park, near the parliament building. The church was built in 1940 in the Serbian-Byzantine style in imitation of the architecture of the Gracanica monastery (Kosovo). Inside the church, the remains of Stephen IV Dushan - the creator of the Serbian kingdom can be found. St. Mark's Church is famous for its valuable collection of icons from the XIII-XIX centuries.

10. The National Museum of Serbia

It's the largest and oldest museum in Belgrade, Serbia. Its collection consists of almost 400 thousand exhibits. Ancient Egyptian and Roman artifacts, coins, sculptures, costumes, and household items from different eras are stored here. Particularly impressive is the art exhibition, in which there are works by Matisse, Rubens, Picasso, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and other eminent masters of the XVI-XX centuries.

11. Palace of Princess Lyubitsa

The castle is located in one of the oldest districts of Belgrade. It was built in 1830 and has a classic example of the urban architecture of Belgrade of the XIX century. Originally, the residence was built to be a residence and home for the wife of Prince Obrenovich Princess Lyubitsa and their sons, later rulers of Serbia. At different times, the palace served as a lyceum, gymnasium, court, boarding school and even a church museum. In 1979, the palace was recognized as a cultural monument.

12. Gardos Tower

The memorial tower was erected at the end of the XIX century in honor of the millennium anniversary of the formation of the first Hungarian settlements. The construction of the tower was financed by the authorities of Austria-Hungary. The height of the structure is 36 meters, which made it possible to use it as an observation tower and respond in time to the fire if it'd occurred.

13. The House of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia

The classical-style monumental palace was built in 1936 according to the design of J. Ilkich and K. Jovanovic. For a very long time, the government of Yugoslavia was based in the building, since 2006 the Parliament of Serbia is placed here. The construction has important historical and cultural significance and is considered a valuable monument.

boats often run here. The meeting point of two water arteries is clearly visible from the territory of the Belgrade fortress.

14. Ada Ciganlija

Ada Ciganlija is the peninsula, located on the outskirts of Belgrade, is a popular recreation area with a lake and a pebble beach. Citizens come here for swimming and sunbathing, to have a picnic, play sports, dine in a cafe or chat with friends. On the peninsula, you can also meet deer, hares, pheasants, and ducks.

15. Danube and Sava rivers

The capital of Serbia is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Rough waters connect where the Pannonian lowland passes into the Balkan Peninsula. This is a wide bend with picturesque banks, in the middle of which is an island overgrown with lush vegetation.

Although the buildings make a city great, its citizens and culture make it truly unique. So, when in Belgrade don't forget to enjoy the local food, attractions, and true Serbian hospitality and culture!