In a country endowed with so many superb medieval monasteries it’s hard to choose the most beautiful, but Studenica with its stunning 13th- and 14th-century frescoes is certainly high up the list. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was founded in 1191 by the powerful Serbian ruler Stefan Nemanja, whose tomb lies within.
The spectacular rocky cliffs of Europe’s largest river gorge rise to heights of to 500 m (1,640 ft) and narrow to just 150 m (492 ft) in places. Separating Serbia from Romania across the Danube, the region has been fought over for millennia and the brooding fortresses at Ram and Golubac (pictured) form part of its fascinating legacy.
The seven layers of civilizations discovered beside the Danube in 1965 date back to the Mesolithic era (c. 7,000 BC) and are among the oldest finds of their kind in Europe. The foundations of the numerous ancient dwellings on display were moved here when the Danube was deliberately flooded in 1971. They are now protected by a giant glass structure.
Overlooking Novi Sad from the eastern bank of the Danube, this massive fortress was built in the early 1700s to defend the Habsburg Empire’s southern border from the Ottomans. Sections of its 16-km (10-mile) long underground tunnels, built to shelter up to 30,000 men, are now open to the public, and the popular EXIT music festival is held here every year.
Named after the mountain at its heart, this densely forested park is home to wild cats, chamois and golden eagles. Serbia’s largest population of brown bears also occupies the park, so visitors taking advantage of the well-marked cycle and hiking paths are advised to stay in groups and remain vigilant.
Built during the 15th century in an attempt to hold back the invading Ottomans, the 25 towers of this incredible riverside fortress are remarkably intact. It served its purpose for just a few decades before succumbing to the Turks in 1459, following a three-year siege that brought the end of the medieval Serbian state.
This delightful city boasts some of Serbia’s most striking Art Nouveau buildings. Known locally as Secessionist, the architectural style dates back to the early 1900s, when wealthy citizens contributed to the construction of fabulous edifices. Highlights include the City Hall – which remains a magnificent centrepiece – and the home of architect Ferenc Raichle (pictured).
Chosen by 13th-century monks seeking refuge from the Ottomans, the caves in which this tiny monastery was built would have been all but inaccessible at the time. Since then a rickety wooden walkway has been erected, and visitors are welcome to explore the simple interior.
A visit to this wonderful outdoor museum, with its collection of wooden buildings dating back to the 19th century, provides a fascinating glimpse of Serbian rural life in the not so distant past. Accommodation in period dwellings is on offer along with delicious traditional cuisine.
For sweeping views and an authentic experience of the steam age, the ?argan Eight railway does not disappoint. It takes its name from the figure-of-eight track layout – a remarkable engineering feat that enables the trains to ascend and descend more rapidly than a conventional setup.
Devil’s Town is perhaps the country’s most unusual attraction. Its 202 spindly towers of eroded earth make for an intriguing spectacle and can be observed from several viewing platforms that overlook the site.
Belgrade’s mighty fortress occupies a strategic position above the Sava and Danube rivers that has been fought over since Roman times. While just a few centuries ago the fortress contained the entire city within its walls, today it’s a peaceful park that locals flock to for a break from hectic city life.
Despite being largely destroyed by mutinous Hungarian troops in 1849, Novi Sad is a delightful place to visit. Here, beautifully restored Neo-Classical buildings tower over the city’s neat pedestrianised streets and their multitude of outdoor cafés. The mighty Petrovaradin Fortress (above) that dominates the opposite bank of the Danube is another key attraction.
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