Foto: The Cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Serbia - The Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade, also known as the Temple of Saint Sava, is one of the largest and most impressive Orthodox churches in the world. Located on the Vračar plateau in the heart of Serbia’s capital, the building dominates Belgrade’s skyline with its imposing white façade, green domes, and gilded crosses. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Sava, the first Archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church and a key figure in Serbia’s religious and cultural history. Construction began in 1935 on the site where the relics of Saint Sava were publicly burned in 1595 by Ottoman Grand Vizier Sinan Pasha in an attempt to suppress Serbian resistance to Ottoman rule. The monumental church was intended as a symbol of national revival and religious identity. Its architectural style is inspired by the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and combines Byzantine influences with modern construction techniques. The central dome reaches a height of 70 meters—or 82 meters including the cross—making it one of the tallest Orthodox churches in the world. Construction was interrupted several times: first by World War II, then by political circumstances during the communist era in Yugoslavia. It wasn't until the 1980s that work resumed, with the exterior mostly completed by the early 2000s. The interior remained unfinished into the 21st century. In recent years, impressive mosaics have been added, including a massive depiction of the Ascension of Christ in the main dome—one of the largest religious mosaics in the world. The interior is richly decorated with marble, gold, and colorful mosaics, blending traditional Orthodox iconography with modern artistic techniques. The crypt houses underground chapels, a museum, and a mausoleum for Serbian Orthodox patriarchs. The cathedral can accommodate over 10,000 worshippers and is frequently used for major religious services and national ceremonies. Saint Sava’s Church is not only a religious center but also a powerful national symbol of Serbia. It reflects the country’s turbulent history, the strength of its religious identity, and its commitment to cultural and spiritual continuity. For visitors, it is a place of peace, awe, and profound symbolism.
Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade
Serbia - The Kalemegdan Fortress, also known as the Belgrade Fortress, is a historic fort and park complex situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Located on a rocky hill in the center of Belgrade, it is one of the city’s oldest and most significant ...
The Resava Caves
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The walled Manasija Monastery
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