Belgrade: part 2 of 2

Thursday, June 21 began with an enjoyable walking tour around Northern Belgrade, led by a lovely young Serb named Ana who was, of course, a walking textbook chalk full of historical and cultural tidbits. The tour was a leisurely, informative jaunt that was much appreciated, since we weren't exactly sure what sights were worth trekking to in the summer heat.

Here are a few snapshots of sights I found rather poignant: 

This bronze statue of Prince Mihailo, erected in 1882, is a monument of great importance as it was created in honor of the prince's greatest political achievement: complete expulsion of the Turks from Serbia and liberating the remaining 7 cities still under Turkish rule (1867). 

The meeting place for the tour: a monument of Prince Mihailo located in Republic Square.

Belgrade fortress, located in Kalemegdan Park, is situated on a 126m high ridge that overlooks where the Sava and Danube rivers join. It was first constructed by the Romans, then built upon by the Hun army led by Attila. In the 6^th century, Slavic tribes began pouring into the Balkans via the Danube and Sava rivers. When they saw the grand fortress, they would shout “White City” in their native tongue, which is what Belgrade actually means (Beograd in Serbian).

Belgrade fortress with The Statue of the Victor in the background

The Statue of the Victor, or Pobednik in Serbian, is a monument within the Belgrade fortress. Erected in 1928, it was created to commemorate the Kingdom of Serbia’s victories over the Ottoman Empire in the First Balkan War, and over Austria-Hungary in WWI. It stands 14m tall.

Pobednik

Much of our time here in Belgrade has been spent roaming the streets with a trusty map, locating various places and restaurant suggestions. Might I take another moment (and you should probably get used to this) to say just how incredible the food...namely the MEAT...is ;)

Pljeskavica...Serbian hamburger. I could eat these all day (protein-style, of course ;)

Grilled chicken with potatoes

View of modernized New Belgrade from Brankov most, or "Branko's Bridge"

Along the Sava river with Old Belgrade in the background

This time in Belgrade has served as an excellent introduction to Serbia, and I am very much looking forward to heading south to visit old friends, make new ones, and be a part of the ministry that is growing in Leskovac.

It is nice to know I have friends here in Belgrade, and Marko says customers returning to stay at his hostel get a 10% discount ;)