Sometimes it’s best to abandon all tour guides, travel magazines and other well-known traveling gadgets that we usually consult when visiting a new place and instead rely on the advice and the information of those who’ve visited it before us. That’s why we’ve decided to pass on the impressions and advice that we received from one Russian traveler. You let us know yours!
Serbia, somewhere in Central Europe
“What do you know about Serbia?” A young country somewhere in Central Europe that was a part of Yugoslavia… All true, but these are only superficial and dry facts. Because of the Kosovo conflict Serbia has not been so popular amongst the travelers.
Serbia isn’t one of those tourist traps from the guide books, this country is a promising touristic destination that has a lot to offer. Located on the Balkan Peninsula, Serbia is home to alluring nature, which is the main attraction for the travelers heading this way. Throughout history Serbia was invaded by the Huns and was a part of both Roman and Ottoman Empires. All this cultures left their traces in Serbian architecture, its history and its people.
What I love the most about this country is that no matter what your preferences are as a traveler Serbia can satisfy them all.
A breathtaking and mysterious Devil’s Town
Devil’s Town (Đavolja Varoš) is a rock formation in southeastern part of Serbia, near the city of Kuršumlija which is located at the foot of the mountain Radan. There are two springs near the rock formation that carry the name ‘’Devil’s Waters’’ (Đavolja voda) and a place called Devil’s Town. It has 202 mysterious formations, which look like very thin rocks.
Their height varies between 2 and 15 meters and their width from 4 to 6 meters. These thin rocks were created by strong soil erosion, a result of intense volcanic activity, and wind erosion many years ago.
Devil’s Town rocks are known as hoodoos or fairy chimneys, in simple words earth pyramids. There is an old legend about the creation of these rocks that tells a story of an ancient wedding party that ended with its guests being turned into stones by the Devil himself. If you’re one of those people who are drawn to the mystical this is the place for you.
If you’re lucky enough to have friends who share the same passion as you, you’ll definitely enjoy the night tours they offer. However, if you don’t, there are plenty of websites that can help you with that. My sincere recommendation is mariadating.com. Also, if you wish to propose to your loved one in a mysterious and an exotic setting this place is perfect for you.
If this isn’t mystical enough and your dark tourism appetite, don’t worry, there is more Serbia has to offer. The Skull Tower of Niš. I think the title says it all. The Chele-Kula tower on Chegar hill was built from the skulls of vanquished Serbian rebels and represents an ominous monument to the confrontation of Serbs and Turks.
In 1809, about a thousand Serbian soldiers led by Stefan Sinjibich choose to blow themselves up to avoid being captivated by the Turks. From the skulls of Stefan and his soldiers the Turks built a tower and sent their skin to the sultan in Constantinople as a trophy. Today, there is a small chapel over the 58 skulls that remain preserved in the tower. So if you’re brave enough feel free to come and visit these old spirits trapped in the walls of this eerie relic.
Remarkable nature and fascinating fortresses
If you want to enjoy the nature and medieval castles there are some places in Serbia for you as well.
The most incredible one, in my humble opinion, is the Golubac Castle. It was built in the 14th century, with sweeping curtain walls and tall square towers. It is incredibly well preserved, but is now partially flooded by the waters of the Danube River.
If you’re an Instagram addicted this place is definitely for you. Castle, water and an amazing view will make for a perfect photo. Another big plus for this touristic attraction is its location. The castle is 2 hours drive away from Belgrade, which makes it a perfect destination for a day trip.
The castle is located in the National Park Đerdap, where you can also see the Iron Gate, Lepenski Vir, the very place Mesolithic hunters used to live and the Trajan’s Bridge or Bridge of Apollodorus the longest segmental arch bridge that is spread over Danube River.
Famous traditional food
Culinary tourism is the way to get to know a city with your tastebuds and if you are a gastro-tourist ‘?’ is the must go to place for you in Belgrade.
Near The Church of St. Micheal in Belgrade there is a restaurant called ‘?’ (The question mark).
The first owner wanted to give the restaurant a simple name – “At the Cathedral” but the diocese was against it. They hung a temporary sign, a question mark, at the entrance. But as history proves, there is nothing more permanent than the temporary. It was named in 1823, so in 2023 the restaurant will celebrate its 200th anniversary under its now permanent name the ‘?’. You can try all the traditional Serbian food in this restaurant.
Some of the best meat dishes you can try there are ćevapi – a grilled dish made from chopped meat, a type of skinless sausage, Pljeskavica – a grilled dish of spiced meat, patty mixture of pork, beef and lamb meet served with kajmak (similar to clotted cream) and a Vesalica (The Hanger) steak meat cut to cubes with a lot of spices. You should also try beverages such as rakija, various fruit brandies or a non-alcoholic fizzy corn drink called Bozа.
There are other beautiful and important places that should be mentioned and visited as well, such as the Sirmium, the Uvac River Meanders, the Western City Gate Of Belgrade, the Ruzica Church, Ruins of the Yugoslav Army HQ, the Vucjanka River, the Memorial Park Bubanj, the Gamzigrad Felix Romuliana and many others, but this was MY list of best places to visit when in Serbia.
You can choose to follow my advice or choose to buy a ticket to Serbia and create your own list, but one thing is certain, this country is worth visiting.
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