Old soul city

Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe.

The magnificent City of Belgrade. A city of modern spirit and time with a history and tradition of seven thousand years! The first inhabitants of Belgrade are those from the time of prehistoric Vinca, 4,800 BC. It became the capital of Serbia in 1405. During its long history, it was demolished and burned to the ground as many as 60 times, and always, like the Phoenix, it rose from the ashes even more beautiful and magnificent. This is where all those masks and faces of Belgrade come from. When it is difficult to recognize them in pictures and postcards of the past.

People st ill ask me today why do I love Belgrade?

I love Belgrade because it has a soul. It stretches at the confluence of two rivers, Sava and Danube. Mostly everything else goes in two tracks - Sports rivalry, political affiliation, music and who knows what else. This is expected from a crossroads of Eastern and European culture. That is Belgrade.The city, where everyone finds their own track. I can remember as a lttle girl older people used to talk that the sky over Belgrade is spacious and high. It can be changeable but it is always beautiful. For winter serenity with their November luxuries. In the summer storms when the whole turns into a single gloomy cloud. Carried with the rain mixed with the dust of the Pannonian plain. In the spring, when it seems to bloom, along with the ground. The autumn when it is aggravated by autumn stars in swarms, always beautiful and rich. As a compensation to this strange town for everything. That is not in it, and consolation for everything that should not be. Belgrade is an unusual city. Nothing more spectacular and beautiful than some other cities. The most unusual precisely. Although, it has the word city in its name. It is the least of all settlements with buildings, streets and parks. Everyone who lives in it knows that it is much more than that.

- Belgrade is a story!

- Belgrade is a person!

- Belgrade is a state of consciousness, a way of thinking and living....

The spirit of Belgrade is unbreakable and defiant, unpredictable but never boring. Always alive, surprising and exciting. Everything is possible and nothing is necessary. Everything is possible and nothing is impossible. Everyone is in a hurry and always late. Loudly celebrating, mourning and loving. People are fiercely arguing and cursing. The power of turbulent history attested by every stone, visible to every eye. Everyday life is full of anxiety, but without fear. Everyone is used to it - Tanks that thunder through its streets, bombers that desecrate its piece of sky. Those that break, and ravage it. Various domestic and foreign dishonorable people. Uncertainty, as the fate of these spaces, there is "that" something, words inexpressible.

One of my favoite places growing up in Belgrade was a visit to Kalamegdan Forrtress. The whole family will have a big day out. My granpa will talk about history, and all of us, his granchildren loved listening to his interesting stories. Kalemegdan Forrtress was build in the 1st century. As a palisade with earth walls around her. It was developed over the years into the Roman stronghold ( 2nd century), and then into the Byzantine kastel (6th and 7th century). After that, becomes medieval Capital of Serbia (13th and 15th century). Finally an Austrian / Ottoman artillery fortification (17th and 18th century). Kalemegdan makes a unique cultural and historical complex within Kalemegdan park. Kalemegdan park is divided in two areas, lower and upper Kalemegdan. I also remember every time we are there my grandpa always took us to his favorite restaurant for dinner afterwards. The restaurant was ten minutes walk to famous Knez Mihailova street. It is the pedestrian zone with incredible architecture. There are plenty of venues for old and young, mainstream and alternative, arty and classy. Knez Mihailova is the place for shopping when visiting Belgrade. You will find some of the world famous brands over there as well as offer from the local designers.

Coming to Belgrade, you don't have to carry anything with you. You will find everything in it. Howeever, when leaving feel free to bring all your own. The city won' worry. What you gave him during that time, even if you wanted to, you can't take in suitcases, pockets and shoe soles. Consciously or unconsciously, you gave him the most valuable thing you have. Yourself.