Belgrade - Serbia's beguiling city

Saint Sava

Belgrade Fortress

Many people associate the Balkans with recent wars as a result of ethnic cleansing and therefore not on most tourists' to go list.

But a special opportunity came up to visit  Belgrade ( Serbia ), Sarajevo ( Bosnia & Herzegovina ) and Sofia ( Bulgaria ) and I gamely decided to go.

We travelled Serbia Air to Belgrade, a young airline,  but nonetheless, it was like any other European carriers operating short haul flights. Worth mentioning is the Metropole Palace Hotel, which is a classy property exuding an old world charm. This Luxury Collection hotel is the best thing to come back to.

NATO bombing ruins

In case you don't read Cryllic and speak one of the many Slavic languages, then taking a guide is a a must do. Milena, an archeologist  who doubles up as a tourist guide when she is not busy on digs has a wealth of knowledge. I learnt that Serbia's existence dates back from 13 century: complicated and
interesting with its many twists and turns.

Holy Virgin Church, Topola

"Beo" means "white" in Slavic and "Grad" means "city", the name Belgrade means white city and it comes from the white walls of the fortress that surrounds the city. Set atop of a plateau overlooking the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, this place has origins dating back to Roman times and beyond.

Because religion is deeply rooted here, there are many churches and medieval monasteries, dotting the landscape. One such is the Church of St Sava, a Serbian Orthodox church. Another worthwhile church to visit is in Topola, Church of the Holy Virgin. The most beautiful intact mosaic inlaid icons,  covers the walls and ceilings. Beneath the church, there is a crypt, where the royal families are laid to eternal rest. This wooded region of Topola and Oplenac, is famous for its wineries and unknown to many people, produces some of the finest wines.

Holy Virgin Church

Wineries of Oplenac

Back to modern day Knez Mihailova, this is the main shopping street filled with all kinds of international brands. While constructions were going on, engineers discovered the ruins of a Roman village. You can still see this at one of the shopping arcades.

Stuffed Cabbage roll

Grilled Meats

It's cuisine is like most eastern European food: copious, hearty and meaty.  Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat, pea broth, grilled meats, stews are among the staples. Fruits, nuts are also plentiful here. A popular spread is Ajvar - Serbian roasted red pepper sauce - eaten by young and old, like Kaya or Nutella. I was amazed by the amounts of fresh produce found here: mushrooms, radishes, greens, tomatoes, cheese and honey.

Yes, wild honey.

Take a Guide, Milena