7,000 Years of History and Faith: Exploring Belgrade and Its Grand Orthodox Landmark

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, considered one of the oldest cities in Europe, still stands proudly with its 7,000-year-old history. The pride of this historic city is the Church of St. Sava, which is not only a center of deep faith for the Serbian people but also boasts the distinction of being one of the largest Orthodox churches in Europe.

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 01:07 AM (IST)
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7,000 Years of History and Faith: Exploring Belgrade and Its Grand Orthodox Landmark
7,000 Years of History and Faith: Exploring Belgrade and Its Grand Orthodox Landmark

Imagine a city that has been etched into the pages of history for 7,000 years. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is not only an old city in Europe, but it also possesses the unique treasure of faith and art. The name of this treasure is the Church of St. Sava. The Church of St. Sava is not just any building made up of bricks and stones, but it is the brightest symbol of Serbian Orthodoxy and the largest Orthodox church in Europe.

The place where St. Sava Church is constructed has a moving historical background. It is the same place where the Ottomans burned the relics of St. Sava in the 16th century. St. Sava was the first archbishop of Serbia, a great educator, and a spiritual mentor. He is believed to have founded the culture of Serbia. Therefore, it is not just a place for the people, but a symbol of their religion and sentiments.

This church is a wonder for art and architecture enthusiasts. The style of this church is inspired by the Byzantine style, which is similar to the famous Istanbul landmark, Hagia Sophia. The central dome of the church is around 70 meters high and is visible from a distance, enhancing the skyline of the city. The white stone exterior and the golden mosaic work inside are a sight to behold.

The history of Belgrade, the city where St. Sava Church is located, tells a story of struggle and rebirth. History bears witness to the city being completely destroyed more than 40 times, but each time it was rebuilt in a new form. It has been ruled by numerous empires, including the Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Slavic. The city's Kalemegdan Fortress and the river views from here are the most vivid testaments to this historical legacy.

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Today, the Church of St. Sava attracts tourists and art lovers from around the world. The church's interior is still in various stages of decoration, but the religious mosaic paintings present there provide a profound spiritual peace. Today, the church has become a symbol of Serbia's national pride and history.

Muskan Kumawat Journalist & Writer