By Jessica Pierné.
Halfway between East and West, the capital of Serbia is a strong and troubled city. Twenty-six years after NATO's strikes on the former Yugoslavia, Belgrade still bears the scars of the Atlantic Alliance's bombings, and some buildings are still in ruins. But in recent years, the Serbian city has been revived and transformed into a festive and creative destination. People come here to dance between two banks, discover its rich heritage, and escape to the parks around Lake Sava. A wonderful getaway to recharge your batteries for a weekend!
The remains of the Kingdom of Serbia
In the heart of Belgrade, the remains of the Kingdom of Serbia can be seen in front of the main post office in the city center and the White Palace on Dedinje Hill. The straight streets of New Belgrade immerse us in the past of the former Yugoslavia, with the immense towers that housed 230,000 inhabitants in the 1960s. Today, this social utopia is a place of pilgrimage for fans of this architectural movement.
Saint Sava is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world
The Church of Saint Sava is a basilica dedicated to Saint Sava, founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church. It was built on the site where, according to tradition, Koca Sinan Pasha burned Saint Sava's remains in 1595. Its monumental silhouette with its glittering domes on Vracar Hill can accommodate 10,000 worshippers. Inside, the walls and ceilings are covered with magnificent mosaics. A marvelous place not to be missed.
Kalemegdan Fortress, an iconic historical site
Overlooking the Danube and Sava rivers, this imposing fortress dates back to the Celtic era. It sits in the heart of a lush green park and is the oldest part of the Serbian capital. After passing through this historic gate, stroll along the ramparts and enjoy the panoramic view of Belgrade. On site, you can also visit the Military Museum or the Maritime Museum.
Serbia offers breathtaking landscapes
We leave Belgrade for a brief getaway to the heart of the verdant mountains. Here, hikes in the national parks offer a captivating blend of natural landscapes and unique historical sites. In Mokra Gora National Park, board the miniature train for a unique experience through Serbian nature. You can even explore the "wooden village," created by director Emir Kusturica, for a total immersion.
Belgrade's Military Museum traces the country's historys
It was March 24, 1999, at 8 p.m., when NATO launched the largest military operation in its history by bombing the former Yugoslavia. The Alliance wanted to end the repression of Kosovar Albanians, led by leader Slobodan Milosevic. That day, in Belgrade, residents heard the warning sirens and took cover. For eleven weeks, the bombing of Serbia, Kosovo, and Montenegro intensified, leaving more than 10,000 dead. Today, the memory of this war remains deeply etched in the minds of Serbs, who remain traumatized by this war that could have been avoided.
ROUTE BOOK :
GO THERE:
Paris-Belgrade flights from €70 return with Easyjet.
www.easyjet.com/fr
WHERE TO SLEEP ?
At Mama Shelter in Belgrade. Designed by Jalil Amor, a former acolyte of Philippe Starck, this beautiful contemporary design combines graphic style with local design. It features a superb 500m² rooftop and comfortable rooms. A great way to fully enjoy the "white city," just 2.5 hours from Paris, in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
https://fr.mamashelter.com/belgrade/
