WanderLex

Category: Serbia

  • Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan

    Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan

    Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan are easily reached from Knez Mihailova, right at the end of the popular pedestrian street. And it’s a nice serenity change from the usual busy atmosphere. Here’s the historical centre of older Belgrade and ‘Kalemegdan’ can mean either the remains of Belgrade Fortress or the green city park.

    Sculpture

    Sculptures around Kalemegdan

    Market stalls at park

    The locals’ favourite recreational park is also home to monuments, museums, sports facilities and Belgrade Zoo. It seems like a nice place to chillax on the bench and enjoy a peaceful stroll. Or maybe for a game of table tennis like these Serbian youths.

    Table tennis at park

    Tennis courts at park

    Else it’s also good to take some time to admire the sculptures around the green city park while your body gets recharged with negative ions.

    Fountain at park

    Belgrade fortress

    Flowery fortress

    Exploring Belgrade fortress

    The strategic location of Kalemegdan on a hill overlooking the confluence of Danube and Sava rivers, making it a vital stronghold for defensive purposes. Therefore, ruling empires of the Balkan region in the past have seen this important ground being fortified and destroyed multiple times before what is left standing today.

    The ruins of Belgrade fortress is now an oasis of peace inside the expansive green park.

    Map of Fortress

    I entered the fortress via Stambol Gate and behind it was the display of military cannons, tanks, and anti-aircraft guns.

    Stambol Gate

    Weapons display at Belgrade Fortress

    Weapon display at Fortress

    The clock tower of Belgrade Fortress
    The clock tower of Belgrade Fortress

    One of the famous landmarks here is the statue of Victor which was erected to commemorate Serbia’s war victories. The statue holds a sword and a falcon, looking at the rivers and beyond.

    This important monument was originally placed on Terazije square and was shifted here due to the complaints about the statue’s nudity.

    The statue of the Victor

    Statue of the Victor

    Ada bridge in Belgrade
    The Ada Bridge

    Upper Town of Belgrade Fortress

    It’s crystal clear about why the Upper Town of Belgrade Fortress was heavily contested in the past when I stood at the plateau. The commanding view would have added advantage to any defensive sides as a result.

    Hence, how I wish I could stay for the sunset…just look at these views!!

    City walls of Belgrade Fortress

    Confluence of Danube and Sava rivers

    View of the Belgrade Lower Town

    I probably only managed to cover a small part of the upper town in the vast Belgrade fortress.

    Ruins of Belgrade Fortress

    Around Fortress

    Around Fortress

    Around Fortress

    Around Fortress

    Entrance to Roman Well

    Hexagon tomb inside Fortress

    Towers of Fortress

    My tired legs gave a warning when I thought of exploring the lower town LOL.

    Therefore, I slowly made my way back to Restoran Romanija to have a hearty and delicious dinner before my train to Podgorica. The same waiter I met this morning recommended me a set dinner menu for me,

    And I must say that the food here is very affordable as compared to Western Europe.

    Soup at Restoran Romanija

    Dinner at Restoran Romanija

    Unique place, good food, nice people, that’s Belgrade for me and I will certainly be back here in future.

    [alert]

    What are your thoughts about Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan? Leave a comment and share it with me.

    [/alert]

  • The shopping street of Knez Mihailova

    The shopping street of Knez Mihailova

    The interesting mix of architectural styles is apparent when nearing the popular shopping street of Knez Mihailova (Knez Mihailova Ulica). In which, there are also some nice looking buildings which totally stand out from the usual bland boxy ones. First of all is the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia with nice looking dome and accompanying sculptures.

    Flowers outside National Assembly of Serbia

    National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia

    Sculptures outside National Assembly of Serbia

    Nice flag post in Belgrade

    Then there’s the famous uniquely designed Hotel Moskva or simple Hotel Moscow.

    Hotel Moscow in Belgrade

    And the famous Nikola Pasic Square.

    Nikola Pasic Square

    In addition, this unknown building which looks rather different from the rest.

    Nice building in Belgrade

    The walk along Knez Mihailova

    Knez Mihailova Street or Prince Mihailo Street is regarded as a landmark with great cultural importance in Belgrade. The lively street is probably one good place to feel the city’s pulse. Maybe also just people watch or laze at one of the many cafés.

    Cafe near Knez Mihailova

    Plenty of cafe along Knez Mihailova

    Fountain at Knez Mihailova

    Knez-Mihailova in Belgrade

    Knez Mihailova street in Belgrade

    Furthermore, the shopping scene is rather vibrant. Local brands in additional of the international ones. Well-knowns like Gant, Tommy Hilfiger, United Colors of Benetton, Adidas, Gap, Replay, Zara, Mango, Miss Sixty, Bally etc. Seems like quite a lot of choices to choose from right? And the coffee culture seems deeply rooted with tons of cafes to choose from. Hence, the thriving atmosphere makes me wonder why Belgrade is not on most people’s travel destination list yet.

    Along the shopping street of Knez Mihailova

    Shopping street of Knez Mihailova

    Maybe its dubious reputation as a result of what happened in the past remains a stumbling block for would-be tourists. Hence, the city is still very much under the radar. Almost like how I always get the same funny look while mentioning my visit to Belgrade. And even the friendly locals were equally puzzled about my visit. It’s probably uncommon to see an Asian walking around with a DSLR, that’s maybe the reason why I got weird stares.

    And you know it’s not a touristy place when there isn’t any other Asians around while I wander. There are also no haggling street-sellers here.

    “Why you come here? There’s nothing in Belgrade to see. And where’s Sing-gar-por?” The question from the diehard FK Partizan bookshop owner.

    He is probably very pleased after I bought a notebook of his favourite football team. And maybe that’s why he went on happily about the Football Club’s history while taking swipe at FK Red Star. But I have no idea about the mentioned players since I don’t follow Belgrade football.

    FK Partizan notebook bought in Belgrade

    Belgrade’s way of mobile advertisement along Knez Mihailova.

    Funny Mobile Ads in Knez Mihailova

    Funny Mobile Ads along Knez Mihailova

    I spotted an art exhibition while strolling along the street. There are some very nice pieces of artwork and almost all are war-related.

    Art exhibition at street of Knez-Mihailova

    Art exhibition along Knez-Mihailova

    Art exhibition at Knez-Mihailova1

    Art exhibition at Knez-Mihailova2

    Art exhibition at Knez-Mihailova3

    Art exhibition at Knez-Mihailova4

    Art exhibition at Knez-Mihailova5

    Art exhibition at Knez-Mihailova6

    Art exhibition at Knez-Mihailova7

    Nice building at Knez-Mihailova

    Painted art stall in Knez-Mihailova

    And how can I not have a cup of coffee here in Knez Mihailova? So I settled down in a cafe for a cup of warm beverage to perk up while I people watch. I probably drank more coffee in the last few days than the past few years combined LOL.

    Coffee break at Knez-Mihailova

    [alert]

    What are your thoughts about Knez Mihailova? Leave a comment and share it with me.

    [/alert]