Surrounded by more popular Balkan countries such as Croatia, Hungary, or Bulgaria, Serbia is the new up-and-coming country to discover. My name is Guido Gutierrez Ruiz, and this was my second time traveling to this still an exotic place, and this time, I was able to explore more of its history, culture, and gastronomy. Through my pictures (@guigurui) I wanted to show you the beauty this country has to offer.
Topola, Kraljevo, Novi Sad, were just a few of the old cities I was able to explore on this trip.
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Belgrade
Two words - blown away. Walking through the capital's streets, the amount of energy you feel is incredible. There is something in the city that simply makes you smile. Whether it's walking through the pedestrian-friendly street of Knez Mihajlova, which the famous Trg Republike square to the Kalemegdan Park and the famous Belgrade Fortress or whether it's having a coffee in one of its many terraces, this is the number one place to visit.
Novi Sad
The country's second-largest city is located just 100km north of its capital. The Danube River splits the city between the old town and the newer part of the city. The neighborhood of Petrovaradin is a well-preserved cobblestone town with a fort overlooking the city. The newer side of the city is full of pedestrian-friendly streets, terraces and spectacular facades.
Žiča Monastery
This is quite a special place to see. The monastery of Žiča is the location where up to seven kings have been crowned. Although it has been partially restored, the main tower dates back to the year 1210 when it was established by Saint Sava, the patron saint of Serbia.
Mecavnik - Drvengrad
All right, so this where one escapes from reality. Drvengrad is the village built by Emir Kusturica for the film "Life is a Miracle." A picturesque village where you can contemplate magnificent panoramas of the mountain range.
Kraljevo
Located about 190km south of Belgrade, I arrived to Kraljevo. Its name is translated as "King's Town" since it was the place of the coronation church.
Topola
Located in an area of vineyards, I visited the Church of St. George; the Royal Mausoleum of the Kings of Serbia. The Mausoleum of the Karadjordjević dynasty is considered one of the most important monuments of Serbian culture and heritage. Its interior, in addition to being covered by 40 million tesserae reproducing a mosaic, is decorated with antique frescoes and marble floors — an authentic gem.
Studenica Monastery
Founded in 1190, this monastery, surrounded by fortified walls and declared a World Heritage Site, contains two churches: the Church of the Virgin and the church of the King. Also, it is the largest and richest of the orthodox monasteries of Serbia.
Zlatibor
Located at the west of the country, the region of Zlatibor in one of the most well-known in Serbia. Among its pine and spruce forests, lays the village of Zlatibor. A town built to focus on tourism in this region and which has become one of the most popular destinations for Serbs. Restaurants, concerts, shops, bars surrounded by an artificial lagoon, and forests. A perfect place to enjoy beautiful nature.
Krusedol Monastery
This monastery was founded in the sixteenth century. Today is one of the most beautiful monasteries remaining, decorated with magnificent paintings dating from the eighteenth century.
Sremski Karlovci
Close to Novi Sad, this town with a population of fewer than nine thousand residents will surprise you with its picturesque city historical center. This town full of neoclassical buildings is where the peace agreement of Karlovic was signed in the year 1699. It was signed by the Turks, Poles, Venetian, and Austrian on a round table that is known today as the Chapel of Peace.
Exploring the historical and cultural richness of Serbia brings to mind the timeless charm and architectural mastery found in other regions with a similarly storied past.
Just as I was entranced by the monasteries and fortresses in Serbia, there's a captivating allure to the craftsmanship of old stone bridges in Northern Greece, which stand as silent yet eloquent reminders of a region's history and artistic heritage.