Serbia > Belgrade Fortress

On the seventh floor of the hotel, an extensive breakfast buffet is ready. Everything is available. While enjoying breakfast, we have a beautiful view over the city. The sun is shining, and the weather is clear. In the distance, we see the two little towers of Hotel Moskva. This luxurious historic hotel from 1908 is where our city walk through Belgrade will begin shortly.At ten o’clock, we leave the hotel. Across the street lies the Farmer’s Market (Zeleni Venac). The red-and-white checkered building stands out prominently. Inside the hall, mostly locals are doing their shopping. We continue through Terazijska Park toward Hotel Moskva. Hotel Moskva is a four-star hotel known for its rich history, stunning Russian architecture, and luxurious interior.

Serbia - The historic Moskva hotel from 1908

The hotel has hosted many celebrities.Near the hotel is the parliament building. In 1907, King Peter I commissioned the construction of the House of the National Assembly. Due to various wars, the building was only completed and put into use thirty years later. Heading toward Republic Square, we pass Skadarska Street, a narrow lane filled with restaurants. It is said to be bustling in the evenings, but now most terraces are empty.We approach Republic Square from the side of the National Theatre. This historic building was constructed in 1868 and is still used for performances. Next to the theatre, in the square, stands the National Museum. In front of the museum is the equestrian statue of Prince Mihailo.After a short break at the hotel, we continue our route through Kneza Mihaila shopping street. It’s obvious that it’s Saturday afternoon—it’s crowded.

Serbia - Prince Mihailo on horseback in front of the National Museum

Various street performers are trying to earn money with their acts. The shopping street stretches for over a kilometre. We take an earlier turn to reach the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel.This Serbian Orthodox church is the second-oldest in Belgrade and is known for its richly decorated interior, including icons, frescoes, and a gilded iconostasis. The building was completed in 1840. The interior is stunning.The cathedral is just a stone’s throw away from Kalemegdan Park, which also houses the Kalemegdan Fortress. In the park, there are various stalls and simple fairground rides. The park is larger than I expected. We walk along the castle wall to reach the small church.

Serbia - The Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel in Belgrade

It takes a bit of figuring out how to get to the entrance of the Orthodox Rose Church. This 15th-century chapel is one of the oldest in Serbia. Inside the church, chandeliers made of weapons and bullets are hanging—very special.From the church, we cross the wooden bridge into the Kalemegdan Fortress. From the tower, there is a beautiful view over the city and the Danube River. Under the trees of the fortress, we enjoy an ice cream. Then we exit the walled fortress on the other side.We descend to the bank of the Sava River, which flows into the Danube. Along the bank, there are several restaurants.

Serbia - In front of the towers of Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress

At one of the venues, we order something to drink. We’ve earned it after the city walk. In the meantime, we watch boats sailing on the water.From the Sava River bank, it’s only a short walk back to our hotel. In the evening, we decide not to go far for dinner. Obilicev Venac street looked nice. We order a dish on a terrace. Slowly, it gets dark. We end the day via Republic Square. The route back to the hotel is starting to feel familiar.

Serbia - Cozy dining on a terrace in the center of Belgrade