Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city, is located 1 hour north of Belgrade in the fertile region of Vojvodina. The city was the epitome of culture and finesse, earning it the name “Serbian Athens”, where every Serbian poet, writer, artist, painter and journalist once lived or worked. Novi Sad flourished in the 18th century under Austria’s Habsburg Monarchy and is a true reflection of the empire with its charming facades, cuisine and culture.
The city centre “Liberty Square” offers a collection of culture sights such as the grandiose Roman Catholic Church “Name of Mary”, magnificent Neo-Renaissance Town Hall building, historic hotels, and introduces visitors to the ever famous and oldest pedestrian promenade on Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska Streets. Located at the crossroads of these streets is the oldest house in Novi Sad, untouched since the 18th century – the Bishop’s Palace “Vladicanski Dvor”, while rising high above is the towering Orthodox Church of St. George.
Name of Mary Cathedral
Orthodox Church of St. George
Bishop’s Palace “Vladicanski Dvor”
Beautiful doors
Dunavska Street
Strip of cafes on Zmaj Jovina Street
Collage of beautiful landmarks in Novi Sad
The city also offers an oasis of calm in it’s numerous shaded spots such as Dunav Park, Strand “beach” and at the city’s symbol – Petrovaradin Fortress nicnkamed “Gibraltar of the Danube”; which served to defend it’s people throughout many centuries. The fortress is located across the Danube River and can be reached by car or on foot, making it an ideal place to enjoy light exercise, fresh air, and breathtaking views of the city.
Petrovaradin Fortress
Petrovaradin Fortress
Danube Park
Novi Sad is a perfect place to spend a day trip and enjoy a different spirit to Belgrade, however I do recommend a weekend trip where one can easily get lost in the charms of the Vojvodina Region with visits to Fruska Gora Natural Park. It is a nature lover’s paradise offering the perfect shade from the heat of the sun’s rays, and fills one’s lungs with the freshest air, as well as boasts gorgeous views of the countryside.
Fruska Gora National Park
Fruska Gora National Park
Another charming spot is to visit the Baroque town of Sremski Karlovci only 10km away from Novi Sad. The medieval town is known for its immense production of wines, thanks to the flourishing lands of Vojvodina’s agriculture. Most notably, it is known for “Bermet”, a dessert wine, which is known to have been found on the wine list on the Titanic. Visitors can enjoy trips to numerous vineyards and sample award winning wine, such as at the family owned Kis winery, which offers tasting of several Bermet vintages.
Kis family winery
Kis winery’s famous Bermet dessert wine
xo,
Marina
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Disclaimer: All views are my own and all photographs are © My Sweet Escapes, unless otherwise stated.
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