Stari Grad (Old Town)

The city district Stari grad is the heart of Belgrade’s economy, finance and commerce.The most important and memorable sights located in the center of Belgrade are found in the Kalemegdan Fortress, with its vast parks and numerous monuments (the Victor, Monument of Gratitude to France, the sculpture Battle and many others). The Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, the Natural Science Museumgallery, the Military Museum, the art pavilion ‘CvijetaZuzoric’, the astronomical observatory ‘RudjerBoskovic’, the Planetarium located in an old Turkish bath, the Belgrade Zoo are all situatedwithin the complex of the Fortress. Kalemegdan, constructed at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, offers breathtaking views of New Belgrade and Zemun and is definitely one of the most popular places to visit in Belgrade. The church of Saint Petka, built in 1937 next to a natural source that is believed to have magic power,is found on the lower side ofKalemegdan’s walls.

Some of the most important scientific, cultural and art institutions are locatedon the stretch between the Confluence and the Slavija square: Belgrade City Library, Rajićeva Shopping Center, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Rectorate of the Belgrade University, National Museum, National Theater, children’s theater ‘BoškoBuha’, Belgrade Youth Center, ‘Kolarac’ foundation, as well as the Cultural Center of Belgrade, Bitef Theater, Atelje 212 (theater house), Church of Saint Michael, the Patriarchate which is home to the Museum of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Residence of Princess Ljubica, remains of the National Library and the ancient Singidunum. Museum of Vuk and Dositej and the Museum of Theatrical Art are found in Jevremova Street. There are also several other museums in Stari grad, namely the Ethnographic Museum, Belgrade City Museum, Pedagogical Museum, Gallery of Frescoes, Applied Arts Museum, Museum of Jewish History, Museum of Yugoslav Film Archive, Memorial Museum of Ivo Andric, Museum of Post, Telegraphs and Telephones.

The Old Court, built in 1882, is the arena for all important social and political affairs. Today, it is the home of the City Assembly, and across the street you will find the President’s Office and the National Assembly of Serbia, once the Assembly of Yugoslavia.

With their impressive facades and unique architecture, the Albaniapalace and Moskvahotel (Moscow) are also among the most popular sights in Belgrade.