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TODAY |
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Serbia |
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Copyright © 2010 SERBIA TODAY |
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SERBIA FACT SHEET: |
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Belgrade, the capital of the Republic of Serbia |
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CITIES The biggest cities in Serbia are Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, Užice, Kragujevac i Kosovska Mitrovica. The beautiful city of Belgrade (“Beo”-grad—meaning: White City) is the capital of Serbia and is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Built over two thousand years ago by Celts, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Novi Sad is an attractive city situated 90 km north from Belgrade. This city, located on the banks of the Danube river, is administrative and cultural center of the Vojvodina - northern region of Serbia. Niš is the third biggest city in Serbia and from ancient times it has been considered a “gate between the East and the West”. Užice is situated between the high hills, in the valley of Djetinja river. It represents commercial and cultural center of Zlatibor Region. Kragujevac is the largest city and the administrative centre of Šumadija District. It is situated on the bank of Lepenica River. Kosovska Mitrovica is one of the oldest known settlements in Kosovo, situated in the south Serbia. |
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Belgrade’s medieval Fortress |
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New Belgrade Municipality |
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Serbia's Jewel to the South: Nis Nis, Nov.28, 2009 (Serbia Today) - Nis located 300 km south of Belgrade. For philosophers and romantics, Nis is a great place to relax and enjoy the Serbian urban experience. Dress up for an evening stroll down the main walking street, Ovrenoviceva, the main shopping street. Grab a coffee at a 15th century Hammam (Turkish baths), now a restaurant, at the Nis Fortress. Or brush up on your Serbian history at one of the many historical monuments, museums and archaeological sites - Cela Kula, the Mediana and Cegar. The third largest city in Serbia, Nis has had its share of majestic moments, some of them quite recent. Not only does Nis host an annual international film festival in August, but also welcomes music lovers to a three day music bacchanal called Nisomnia, rivaling Novi Sad's Exit Fest in popularity. Local tradition has it that Nis was the birthplace of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. In fact, nearby at the Mediana you can see the remains of a sprawling 4th century villa built at his command (the adjacent museum has mosaics and artifacts found on the site). If you happen to be in the area in June, stop by for the yearly celebration in Constantine's honor, the Day of Saint Emperor Constantine and Helene. The city is guaranteed to be full of music, food and dancing. Straddling the Nisava River, the city has a lively shopping district, an archaeological museum featuring items from the city's long-past Roman era, as well as some Turkish architectural gems, a classic Turkish bath, and a well preserved amphitheater. |
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Novi Sad: The Light to the North Novi Sad, Dec.2, 2009 (Serbia Today) - The people of Novi Sad are intensely proud of their city, and with good reason. Often compared to Belgrade, it has a similar charm, culture, and night-life to the capital, but on a smaller, more personal scale. For those who appreciate art, music, food and fun, but prefer a laid back city that is less frenetic than Belgrade (which has been called the city that sleeps less than New York!) Novi Sad is a perfect combination of urban sophistication and bohemian relaxation. Novi Sad draws visitors from all over the world to the EXIT music festival. Arguably the hippest of Eastern European summer music festivals, each year in July, Novi Sad becomes a playground for free spirits and anyone who loves music. Novi Sad, which has been called "a haven of tranquility and tolerance," is one of the more multi-ethnic cities in Serbia, and is situated on the plains of Vojvodina, in the north. The quaint center of the city sprawls along the banks of The Danube, above which, on volcanic rock, perches the Petrovaradin Fortress. Dating back some 600 years, and challenged by the Tartars, the Turks and the Croats (to name a few), the fortress has a wonderful view of the city. Its labyrinth construction is complete with alleys, bulwarks, trenches, gates, and underground passages and tunnels to explore. With a burgeoning Fine Arts and Music Academy, Novi Sad is also home to the Vojvodina Museum which houses regional exhibits from the Paleolithic to late 19th century, with an emphasis on relics from WWI and WWII. After sight-seeing, Novi Sad offers myriad restaurants featuring the unique cuisine of Vojvodina, influenced by Serbian, Hungarian, Romanian and Slovakian spices and tradition. Many restaurants serve these specialties to the accompaniment of a tamburitza orchestra.
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