x-default

©Vladimir Nenezic/Shutterstock

Sveti Sava Temple

Belgrade


Sveti Sava is the Balkans' biggest (and the world's second biggest) Orthodox church, a fact made entirely obvious when looking at the city skyline from a distance or standing under its dome. The church is built on the site where the Turks apparently burnt relics of St Sava. Work on the church interior (frequently interrupted by wars) continues today as the cupola is being adorned with a 1248-sq-metre mosaic, one of the world's largest on a curved surface.

Work is expected to continue through 2020 – until then, visit the astonishing gold-ceilinged crypt and its stunning ornate chandeliers, Murano glass mosaics and vibrant frescoes.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Belgrade attractions

1. Nikola Tesla Museum

0.49 MILES

Meet the man on the 100RSD note at one of Belgrade's best museums, where you can release your inner nerd with some wondrously sci-fi-ish interactive…

2. Yugoslavian Ministry of Defence

0.68 MILES

The most dramatic ruin from NATO's 1999 bombing of Yugoslavia is this masterpiece of postwar architecture that once held the Ministry of Defence of…

3. Museum of Ivo Andrić

0.85 MILES

Established four decades ago, this sparse memorial museum is housed in the apartment where Ivo Andrić lived from 1958 until his death. The author of The…

4. Sveti Marko Church

0.85 MILES

This huge five-domed church, based on the design of Kosovo's Gračanica Monastery, houses priceless Serbian icons and the tomb of Emperor Dušan 'The Mighty…

5. Russian Church

0.87 MILES

This tiny church was erected by refugees who fled the October Revolution. It's the only Russian church in Belgrade, and houses a priceless collection of…

6. Historical Museum of Serbia

1.03 MILES

Hosts temporary well-done exhibitions on Serbian history, usually surrounding events and/or personalities, over three gallery spaces.

7. Museum of Yugoslavia

1.09 MILES

This must-visit museum houses an invaluable collection of more than 200,000 artefacts representing the fascinating, tumultuous history of Yugoslavia…

8. Museum of Automobiles

1.1 MILES

This compelling collection of cars and motorcycles is located in Belgrade's first public garage, though it was opting for new digs near Staro Sajmište at…