06.06.2023
Serbia's main city, Belgrade, is a vibrant and dynamic metropolis with a history dating back thousands of years. Belgrade, at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, has been a crossroads of civilizations and the location of significant historical events. From ancient communities through mediaeval fortifications, Ottoman dominance, and modern expansion, Belgrade has shaped Serbia's cultural, political, and social milieu. Join us on an exciting journey into Belgrade's heart, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, architectural marvels, and warm hospitality.
Ancient Roots:
Belgrade has an ancient past, with indications of human existence reaching back to the Palaeolithic period. The Vina civilisation flourished in the fifth millennium BC, leaving remarkable archaeological sites such as the Vina-Belo Brdo town, which has yielded fine pottery, figurines, and artefacts. These relics provide insight into the early people's lives and advanced societal structures.
Roman Singidunum:
The Roman Empire's influence reached Belgrade in the first century AD, when the fortification of Singidunum was built. Singidunum, which served as a vital military stronghold and trading center, had remarkable facilities, including public baths, temples, amphitheatres, and a major bridge across the Danube. Today, vestiges of Roman architecture may be seen in Belgrade, including the Belgrade Fortress and the Gate of the Roman City.
Belgrade in the Middle Ages:
The Middle Ages were a significant time in Belgrade's history. It became a hotbed for power struggles between several empires and kingdoms, including the Byzantines, Bulgarians, Hungarians, and Serbs. The Serbian Grand Principality took over Belgrade in the 12th century, and it swiftly became an important political and cultural hub. The Serbian rulers fortified the city much further, ending in the magnificent Belgrade Fortress, which was essential in safeguarding Serbian areas from Ottoman incursions.
Ottoman Rule and Austro-Hungarian Influence:
In the 15th century, Belgrade was conquered by the Ottomans, ushering in a new period in the city's history. With their architectural and cultural impacts, the Ottomans altered Belgrade, leaving a permanent impression on its urban fabric. Mosques, hammams (Turkish baths), and marketplaces sprung up, and the Kalemegdan Park, located within the Belgrade Fortress, became a communal gathering place. Belgrade underwent a succession of wars and shifting hands between the Habsburg Empire and the Ottoman Empire during the Austro-Ottoman Wars in the 18th century. This era left an unmistakable effect on the architectural environment of the city, as seen by the Baroque-style structures and the great Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava.
Modern Belgrade:
Significant developments occurred in Belgrade over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Serbia's independence fight from the Ottoman Empire began with the Serbian Revolution of 1804. Belgrade was selected as the capital of the newly founded Kingdom of Serbia, and efforts to improve the city were made. The creation of the National Museum, National Theatre, and University of Belgrade changed the city's cultural and intellectual atmosphere. The chaotic twentieth century was defined by two World Wars, occupation, and the establishment of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with Belgrade as its capital. Despite the challenges, Belgrade flourished as a center of culture, art, and intellectual exchange.
Belgrade today is a contemporary and cosmopolitan city brimming with energy, innovation, and a dynamic spirit. It is a flourishing metropolis that embraces both its historical heritage and future potential.