Why Novi Sad, European Capital of Culture, is globally attractive: Discover the beauty of the "Serbian Athens"

Even before it was declared the European Capital of Culture for this year, Novi Sad was known as a city that is interesting to tourists. Whether you visit the "Serbian Athens," as it is known, for a day or stay longer, you can be sure to enjoy the trip.

Precisely because of the fact that during the 18th century it was an important center for Serbs who lived in the territory of what was then Austria-Hungary, the city was called the "Serbian Athens". The founding of the Serbian National Theater, and of the cultural institution Matica Srpska, had a big impact on the development of the city, which over time became a significant cultural center.

In addition to all that, it is the holder of a very flattering title, since he has been declared the European Capital of Culture for 2022.

How to spend a day in the "Serbian Athens"?

Taking a walk is the first thing that comes to many people's minds when discussing the best way to get to know the beauties of Novi Sad. Just go downtown and start out.

Sloboda (Freedom) Square, the Synagogue, the Serbian National Theater, the Matica Srpska building, the Bishop's Palace and an Orthodox church dedicated to the Holy Great Martyr George, the monument to Svetozar Miletic and the Catholic Church of the Name of Mrija are just some of the edifices that a visitor can enjoy. It is definitely worth visiting the Museum of the City of Novi Sad and the Museum of the province of Vojvodina, as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art of Vojvodina.

Although Svetozar Miletic tried to build the National Theater there, the City Assembly occupies that spot. It is particularly interesting that this building in the Neo-Renaissance style was modeled after the City Hall in Austrian city of Graz.

Enjoying one of the hospitality venues in Laze Teleckog Street is not to be missed while visiting the "Serbian Athens".

Zmaj Jovina Street is a famous pedestrian zone, which stretches between Sloboda Square and Vladicanski Dvor (Bishop's Palace). It is here that the oldest house in the city, built in 1720, is located. Built in the Baroque style, the number 28 house is considered to be of the first multi-storey buildings in Novi Sad. In front of the Bishop's Palace, which is located in the same street, is also a monument to the classic Serbian author Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj.

If you want to learn more about the history of the city, don't miss a visit to Dunavska (Danube) Street. It goes without saying that stopping by at the Danube Park is also "mandatory." Designated as a natural monument, it is located near the city center. It is especially interesting around the New Year holiday because it has a beautifully decorated ice rink during that season.

And of course, there's the Petrovaradin Fortress, which is an integral part of any visit to the "Serbian Athens." Also known as the "Danube Gibraltar," it offers visitors an amazing view of the city.

(Telegraf.rs)