Belgrade history

Belgrade stands at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, straddling a cultural fault-line where Eastern and Western Europe meet head-on. This unique strategic location has given the city a foothold in both camps but it has also invited numerous attacks over the centuries because of its prime position.

Romans, Turks, Austrians and Hungarians have all attacked and conquered, and Belgrade's turbulent past has given the city its highly individual character as each set of colonisers in turn left their mark on the architecture and culture of the city, as well as the outlook of its citizens.

As Serbia's capital city, Belgrade is the economic and cultural heart of the country. Despite its size, Belgrade retains the feel of a small city and most main sights of interest can be reached on foot from the city centre.

Thanks to its colourful 2,000-year history, the city has been attacked and destroyed several times over and consequently is not characterised by one particular architectural style. What it lacks in continuity it makes up for in variety, with big ornate buildings jostling for space alongside communist-era blocks and fashionable boutiques.