Culture of Belgrade – you did not know that about this country
Belgrade is the capital of Serbia, and it’s often overlooked as a cultural destination. But given that the city has been continuously inhabited for over 8,000 years, there are plenty of cultural experiences to be had in Belgrade. From its Ottoman-era landmarks to its modern street art and vibrant nightlife, Belgrade is a city with a great wealth of culture. Here are five things that you may not have known about Serbia’s cultural capital:
1. Belgrade Is Home to Dozens of Religious Sites: With sites like Kalemegdan Fortress, Temple of Saint Sava, and Church of Saint Sava, Belgrade is home to numerous religious sites dating back hundreds of years. This vast array of cultural heritage allows visitors to get a sense of the city’s diverse religious history.
2. Street Art Is Everywhere: From Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) Square to Dobropoljska street, Belgrade’s street art is plentiful and varied. Many international street artists have left their mark on the city’s walls, making wandering down the city’s alleyways a unique and memorable experience for visitors.
3. It Has Been Home to Numerous Empires: Throughout its 8,000+ year history, Belgrade has served as an administrative center for a variety of empires. The Romans were attracted to Belgrade’s strategic position on two great rivers, and the city spent much of its history under both Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule.
4. Its Coffee Culture Is Uniquely Serbian: Among locals, drinking Turkish coffee — or kafa—in public places is customary in Serbia and particularly popular in Belgrade.This style of coffee dates back centuries and is usually brewed on an open flame rather than boiled on the stove top like contemporary American espresso-style drinks are.
5. Its Calendar Is Full Year-Round: Belgrade hosts film festivals every year, such as the International Short Film Festival and the FEST Film Festival. The summer months also bring an annual beer festival as well as several music festivals that attract popular musical acts from around the globe. Each May brings a traditional holiday called Vrazija Buna (Eagle Claw), which celebrates ancient Serbian customs and traditions through dance, music and food.
These five facts highlight just a few of the many unique aspects that make up the culture of Belgrade — proof that Serbia is full of unexpected surprises!
There is much to discover when it comes to the culture of Belgrade, Serbia. This vibrant city has a long history and vibrant culture that is just waiting to be explored. From ancient monuments to modern art galleries, from traditional clothing to Serbian cuisine, Belgrade has something for everyone. Here are some facts about the culture of Belgrade that you may not have known.
First and foremost, Belgrade is known for its colorful street art. The walls and alleys of the city are decorated with brilliant murals, graffiti and abstract art created by local artists and students. Belgrade’s street art scene is so widely renowned that the city hosted the first ever Street Art Biennale in 2013.
Another unique aspect of Belgrade’s culture are its craftsmanship. Here you can find everything from finely crafted wooden furniture to handmade pottery, carpets and embroidery. These cultural items often reflect traditional Serbian folk art, making them perfect souvenirs or gifts to take home with you.
Belgrade is also home to one of the most renowned nightlife scenes in Europe. On any given day, you can find loud music coming from café patios and terraces scattered around the city center. You will find a variety of venues in town, from jazz clubs to techno bars and indie venues, catering to any party-goer’s taste.
Finally, the gastronomy of the city must be mentioned here too! Belgrade is well-known for Serbian cuisine which includes a variety of grilled meats, pickled vegetables and hearty stews such as casseroles – perfect for warming up during cold winter months here. It’s also hard to leave this city without trying its famous cheese burek – a type of pastry filled with cheese and other ingredients – which can be found in almost every café in town!