Due to its position on the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, Belgrade was an attractive proposition for settlers and invaders, prompting the construction of several fortifications across the city. Numerous traces of these ancient defences can still be seen today, with Kalemegdan Citadel being the most significant of the bunch.
Built to defend Belgrade from Ottoman invaders, Kalemegdan is now the site of an imposing ruined fortress and several acres of parkland, which become very popular with locals during the spring and summer thanks to the commanding views offered across the city.
Dominating the Belgrade skyline, the Cathedral of St Sava may look like any other historic church, but this Serbian Orthodox example is actually relatively new, with construction still on-going within the cathedral’s ornate interior.
Despite its youth, the Cathedral of St Sava is still an impressive spectacle. Indeed, its sheer scale places it among the largest churches in the world, and it is built on the site where Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, is supposedly buried — adding historic intrigue to the cathedral’s list of attributes.
The rich depth of history on display across Belgrade provides surprises and intrigue around every corner, and here we provide some interesting and lesser-known facts about the city.
