In this post we drive from Belgrade to Stremska Mitrovica via Sremski Karlovci, Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad and the forests of Fruška Gora NP.
Sremski Karlovci (Pop 8,750, Elev 87m, Founded 1308) is a cute little village on the Danube that was originally the site of a Roman Fortress in the 4th Century and later became the centre of the Serbian Orthodox Church under the Habsburg reign.
Novi Sad (Pop 341,625, Elev 80m, Founded 1694) is the second largest city in Serbia and on the Danube. The area of Novi Sad was first occupied in 5000BC and later the Romans and was eventually founded in its current state by the Habsburgs. The Petrovaradin Fortress opposite Novi Sad across the Danube was built by German Charles Eugène de Croÿ in 1692 to defend Novi Sad against the Ottomans. Ironically it was never attacked by the Ottomans but by Austria during the Hungarian Revolution. Today it offers the best views of the Danube and Novi Sad and a great place to take the family out on a Sunday with its many restaurants.
Sremska Mitrovica (Pop 37,751, Elev 82m, Founded 1180) on the banks of the Sava River is one of the oldest cities in Europe but famous as one of four Capitals of the Roman Empire from 36AD to 582AD when it was known as Sirmium. Ten Roman Emperors have been born in or near Sirmium and the ancient city is actually under the modern day city and most of it cannot be excavated since it would involve mass demolition of existing apartments, churches and roads. The only excavations possible was notable part of the Roman Imperial Palace and a very small part of the Amphitheatre. Sirmium also has a huge Hippodrome but this cannot be excavated and lies buried under the town next to the Palace. This is an easy city to visit and even has a beach for swimming against the Sava.
Enjoy our last two days in Serbia…
No comments:
Post a Comment