The associations and memories brought to mind at the mention of Belgrade are personal and unique for each resident and visitor. However, what makes Belgrade recognizable and what makes every passer-by, either a local or a tourist, reach for their camera, are certainly colossal edifices, the most astonishing of which undoubtedly being the Saint Sava Temple – the Balkan’s greatest Orthodox temple, the construction of which has been lasting for almost a century. Seen from all parts of Belgrade, not only is this cultural monument a Vračar’s landmark located in its very heart, but the landmark of entire Belgrade, and moreover, of the whole of Serbia.
After the delight at the Temple has started to fade out, you’ll start noticing the beautiful surrounding the Temple is set in. Namely, in front of the Temple stretches the Karadjordje’s Park, one of the first urban open spaces in Belgrade, named after the leader of the First Serbian Uprising against the Turks. In this wild chestnut park stands the monument to the aforementioned Karadjoredje, erected at the very place from which he, legend has it, watched over Belgrade during the uprising. Since those times, the park has endured numerous changes – consequences of every war Serbia passed through. Of those changes, as well as the comprehensive history of the country, you may find out more in the documents kept in the National Library, the largest and the oldest Serbian institution, located in this park, too.
In case you now feel like refreshing yourself with a piece of fruit or another local product, take a walk through the shady streets of Vračar to the Kalenić Green Market, enjoying along the way the preserved works of Serbian, German, Italian, and Check architects who contributed to raising a new Serbian Belgrade in the 19th century. The Kalenic Market, the first pick for many Belgradians regardless of the neighbourhood they come from, is the largest open green market in Belgrade, which due to the wide assortment of fresh fruit, vegetables, and traditional Serbian products, as well as the whole-heartedness of its vendors, still vigorously defies supermarkets.
While you are searching the maps on your phone, wondering where to next, remember that the museum to the man who made it possible for you to use such technology is nearby. Another sight Vračar takes great pride in is Nikola Tesla Museum, honouring and presenting the life and work of this world-renowned inventor of Serbian origin, credited with the invention of alternating current, as well as the basic designs for radio, radar, x-ray, and numerous other inventions contemporary technologies rely upon.
Eventually, when the sights of Vračar pleasantly tire you out, bear in mind that the greatest of those are yet to be seen – Vračar kafanas. Once brimming with kafanas, the gathering places of the intellectual elite and bohemians, Vračar is still proud to be hosting the best restaurants and cafes. Why don’t you settle your walk in one of them, and invigorate both your body and spirit in Voulez-Vous café-restaurant?
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