Next Day

Around 3 a.m.we arrived in Belgrade and following breakfast and a lecture we left for a city tour. Our first stop was the Belgrade Fortress known as Kalemegdan — the site where Belgrade got its start during the 4 century B.C. with the Celts. Then there were the Romans and on and on. The landscape has been built upon and changed over the centuries with the fortress we see today being built in the mid -18th century, Yet within its walls is the old 15th century Acropolis or the Upper Town which grew when Belgrade was made the Serbian capital in 1404.

The city has been razed to the ground 36 times since its founding, The last time was during World War II, so most of Belgrade built since then is in the bleak socialist-modern style although we were able to visit some wonderful sections with Mittel Europa — the grand old style of central Europe and Turkish exotica that has survived.

Our drive continued until it was time for a pit stop in the major shopping area. Once we had rounded everybody up (not always easy) we were again on our way. We noted the city was vibrant with activity. The stores seemed well stocked. It was hard to believe that a little over five years ago the city was under attack. That was until we saw buildings that had not been repaired

We stopped at the Saborna Church. A Serbian Orthodox Church, it was built in 1837-40 in a style of Classicism wih late Baroque elements.

In the afternoon we were on our own. We climbed the stairs to the major shopping area and had a great time shopping and people watching.

For background on:

the Belgrade Fortress

1999 NATO bombing of Belgrade

Below: Saint Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox Church in the world.

Next Day

Cruising Across Europe — Index

Great Adventures