Serbia, Sightseeing Around Belgrade

 

 

It is a beautiful afternoon as I leave Zurich for Belgrade, Serbia.

However, with an almost 5 hour stop over in Dusseldorf, Germany, it is near midnight before I arrive at Nikola Tesla International Airport.

 

 

 

An arranged airport pickup for 18 Euro and soon enough I am on my way to the city which is about 15 miles from the airport. After checking in at a nice room at Central Park Apartments it is about one in the morning when I set out on a peaceful walk around town.

 

 

Princess Ljubica Residence

 

 

 

For me, this is a great time to enjoy the layout of the city and to take pictures of its lit up architecture.

Tonight I even get a sampling of some late night city snacks.

 

 

 

 

A daytime walk around Belgrade takes me to some of its famous sites including historical Skadarska Street along with “The New Court”. The New Court was intended in the early 1900's as the residency of the Royal Family but today serves as the cabinet for the President.

 

 

Here I am fortunate to see the ceremonial changing of the guards take place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next with a delicious Solunac Gyro (filled with hot fries) in hand I set off to St Sava's Temple.

It is the largest Orthodox Temple in the Balkans. Although currently under renovation on the inside it is still an amazing sight to see.

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Sava’s Temple

 

 

My second night in Belgrade rewards me with more beautiful views of the city including the nicely lit up National Assembly building and famous walking street.

 

 

National Assembly Building

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the Belgrade Fortress I get a history lesson of the area during World War I when in December 1915 it was reported that “Belgrade is dead”.

Tonight as I look across the Danube River and see colorfully lit bridges it is evident that there has been a resurrection here.

A two hour bus ride outside of Belgrade and I take in views of the Serbian countryside as I head to Topola. Here a visit to “The Cathedral Church” is a must. I think you will be impressed by the colorful and amazing paintings inside this temple. Topola also offers a few more historical Serbian sites.

 

 

The Cathedral Church

 

My last day in Belgrade takes me to a museum of a man who we can all be thankful for. Although there is some minor controversy of which country should take credit for him and his great work, Nikola Tesla of Croatian and Serbian descent has a museum here. Although it is a small museum I can appreciate the significance of the displays here.

 

 

Urn  Of Tesla’s Ashes

 

 

 

 

 

 

After all, this museum is a tribute to the man who contributed so much to the advancement of humanity with his theories and inventions all built around electricity.

The next time you use the internet, talk on a cellphone or turn on a light switch you should be thankful for Tesla.

 

 

Tesla built remote control boat used in New York to demonstrate basic wireless communication.

 

 

 

 

 

For this time of the year the weather is unusually nice in Belgrade and I along with many others are really enjoying a beautiful Sunday afternoon. A delicious slice of Mexican pizza without the hot dog crust and my senses are delighted as I listen to a violin and piano make beautiful music.

 

 

 

Yes, today Belgrade is very much alive and well