Belgrade Introduction

City Introduction

Belgrade is the capital and largest city in Serbia; it’s also the country’s economy, culture, education, and technology center and one of the oldest cities in Europe. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, and is an important hub of East-West traffic artery.

Outspoken, adventurous, proud and audacious; Belgrade is by no means a 'pretty' capital, but its gritty exuberance makes it one of the most happening cities in Europe. While it hurtles towards a brighter future, its chaotic past unfolds before your eyes: socialist blocks are squeezed between art nouveau masterpieces, and remnants of the Habsburg legacy contrast with Ottoman relics. 'Belgrade' literally translates as 'White City,' but Serbia's colorful capital is red hot.

History

One of the most important prehistoric cultures of Europe, the Vinča culture, evolved within the Belgrade area in the 6th millennium BC. After 279 BC Celts conquered the city, naming it Singidūn. It was conquered by the Romans during the reign of Augustus, and awarded city rights in the mid-2nd century. It was settled by the Slavs in the 520s, and changed hands several times between the Byzantine Empire, Frankish Empire, Bulgarian Empire, and Kingdom of Hungary before it became the capital of Serbian king Stephen Dragutin (1282–1316). In 1521, Belgrade was conquered by the Ottoman Empire and became the seat of the Sanjak of Smederevo. It frequently passed from Ottoman to Habsburg rule, which saw the destruction of most of the city during the Austro-Ottoman wars. Belgrade was again named the capital of Serbia in 1841. As a strategic location, the city was battled over in 115 wars and razed to the ground 44 times.

Natural Environment

Belgrade lies 116.75 meters (383.0 ft.) above sea level and is located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. The historical core of Belgrade lies on the right banks of both rivers. Since the 19th century, the city has been expanding to the south and east; after World War II, New Belgrade was built on the left bank of the Sava River, connecting Belgrade with Zemun. The city has an urban area of 360 square kilometers (140 sq. mi); while together with its metropolitan area it covers 3,223 square kilometers (1,244 sq. mi). Throughout history, Belgrade has been a crossroad between the West and the Orient.

Climate

Belgrade lies in the humid subtropical climate zone, with four seasons and uniformly spread precipitation. Monthly averages range from 1.4 °C (34.5 °F) in January to 23.0 °C (73.4 °F) in July, with an annual mean of 12.5 °C (54.5 °F). Belgrade receives about 690 millimeters (27 in) of precipitation a year, with late spring being the wettest.

Public Holidays

2016

New Year's Day January 1-2

Julian Orthodox Christmas January 7

Statehood Day February 15-16

Orthodox Good Friday April 29

Orthodox Easter May 1

Orthodox Easter Monday May 2

May Day / International Workers' Day May 1-2

Armistice Day November 11