Continuously occupied since the Palaeolithic Age, modern day Serbia was originally the territory of Slavic migrants in the 6th century. In the time since, it has been recognised as a part of the Byzantine, Frankish, and Hungarian kingdoms. The Serbian Kingdom obtained recognition by the Holy See and Constantinople in 1217, reaching its territorial apex in 1346 as the Serbian Empire. It was then annexed by the Ottomans, with their rule being occasionally interrupted by the Hapsburg Empire. Subsequent Yugoslav wars have seen the territory disputed and re-outlined.
The result is a country with a range of historic sites which reflect its changeable past. We’ve chosen 5 which make for essential viewing when paying a visit.
What are the best Historic Sites in Serbia?
1. Petrovaradin Fortress
Petrovaradin Fortress is a seventeenth century fortified structure in Novi Sad. There has been a fortress on the site since the Bronze Age. The first fortifications on the site of Petrovaradin Fortress were built by the Romans and were later expanded by Cisterian monks in the thirteenth century.
Today, Petrovaradin Fortress is a popular tourist destination and visitors can tour its walls as well as its buildings. One of the most popular aspects is its catacombs, which are believed contain the riches of Serbia’s medieval leaders.
2. Sirmium Imperial Palace
The Sirmium Imperial Palace complex in Serbia contains the remains of a Roman imperial palace which was home to several Roman Emperors, including Constantine I. Built at the end of the third or beginning of the fourth century AD, the complex has now been opened to the public as a museum.
Today the Sirmium Imperial Palace complex is one of the most important Roman sites in Serbia and is a testament to the central role this area played in the middle and late Roman Empire.
3. Serbian Monument to the Unknown Hero
The Serbian Monument to the Unknown Hero (Spomenik Neznanom junaku) was built in memory of the victims of World War One as well as the Balkan Wars. It is located on the former site of the medieval Zrnov fortress.
The unknown hero who was originally buried at the top of the Avala mountain is believed to have been killed by Austrian howitzer missiles in 1915. For several years after the war, only a wooden cross marked the grave. In 1921, momentum built to construct a more dignified commemorative mark, as members of the Allied Forces began erecting monuments across Europe. The national exhumation committee put together in 1923 learned more about the figure but was ultimately unable to confirm his identity.
4. Princess Ljubica's Residence
Located in Belgrade, Princess Ljubica’s Residence is a palace that has been deemed to be a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance. Built between 1829 and 1830, it is one of the most remarkable preserved examples of civil architecture of the era, and is generally regarded to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
It was lived in by Princess consort of Serbia Ljubica Vukomanović, the three stories open to the public demonstrate a mixture of Turkish and European architectural and decoration influences.
5. House of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia
The House of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia is the seat of the National Assembly of Serbia. Located on the historic Nikola Pašić Square in downtown Belgrade, and is a landmark and therefore a popular tourist attraction.
Plans for a national assembly house were drawn up in 1891. Completed between 1936 and 2006, it was the seat of the Parliament of Yugoslavia and Parliament of Serbia and Montenegro. The interior features an intricate neo-baroque style, while the exterior is surrounded by a scenic park which is popular among visitors.