Belgrade: Beyond Expectations

We did not expect Belgrade to surprise us the way it did.

Our first stop was the Church of St. Sava, and it instantly commanded our attention. Its immense white marble facade gleamed under the morning sun, standing as both a beacon of faith and resilience. The golden mosaics reflected the light like whispers of eternity. Surrounded by the faint scent of candle wax and the quiet hum of prayer, we felt humbled.

From there, we wandered to Knez Mihailova, Belgrade’s vibrant pedestrian street. The air buzzed with life: locals chatting over coffee, street musicians playing lively tunes, and the aroma of fresh pastries drifting from nearby bakeries. We browsed a tiny bookstore overflowing with well-worn volumes and paused to watch a street artist sketch portraits. Every step revealed another layer of Belgrade’s charm.

Then came Kalemegdan, and we weren’t prepared for the sheer scale of it. Perched above the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, the fortress felt timeless. We walked along the ancient stone walls, taking in the view of the rivers merging below. The sunset cast the sky in hues of orange and lavender, and for a moment, it felt like the city was at peace.

The Nikola Tesla Museum added another layer of awe. Stepping into Tesla’s world, we marveled at his personal belongings, patents, and letters. The interactive exhibits were mesmerizing—watching electricity spark from a Tesla coil was like witnessing magic. It was a reminder of how one man’s brilliance still shapes the world today.

Our final stop was the National Museum. Inside, we wandered through centuries of history and art, from delicate Roman artifacts to masterpieces by Serbian and European artists. Each piece told a story, and together, they painted a picture of a city shaped by creativity and resilience. Amidst the impressive collection, we also came face to face with a mummy.

Belgrade doesn’t reveal all its beauty at once. It invites you to linger, to notice the small details, and to keep exploring. Belgrade gave us more than we ever expected, and we left with a promise to return. 🇷🇸 #getgoing2025 #travel #thingstodo

Post by Warlie Zambales Diaz | Jan 14, 2025