Exploring Novi Sad, Serbia
Exploring Novi Sad, Serbia
Today marks our farewell to the beautiful city of Budapest in Hungary and our departure from the European Union as we head southward toward the Republic of Serbia.
Serbia, in the west-central Balkans, boasts a rich history. For the majority of the 20th century, it was an integral part of Yugoslavia, meaning the "Land of the South Slavs."
Our initial destination in Serbia is the city of Novi Sad, situated along the banks of the Danube River.
Novi Sad stands as one of Serbia's most culturally diverse regions, home to diverse ethnicities, including Hungarians, Croats, Slovaks, and Romanians. The city's roots trace back to Serbs who founded it, seeking refuge and freedom to practice their Orthodox faith.
Today, Novi Sad has six official languages and boasts three prominent places of worship lining the historic square: a neo-Gothic Catholic church, an Orthodox Bishop's palace, and the Synagogue of Novi Sad.
Upon our arrival and settling in, we had some free time to explore. I must say, Novi Sad's atmosphere is charming, with bustling streets and people of all ages relishing the warm autumn weather.
We enjoyed a late lunch before embarking on an evening stroll to the riverbank. This leg of our journey is shared with a group of 16 travellers, from Canada, Australia, Belgium, Great Britain, and the United States, along with our knowledgeable Croatian guide.
As the day transitioned into night, we visited the site where bridges were destroyed during the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia. The aerial bombardment targeted Novi Sad, impacting oil refineries, roads, bridges, and telecommunications relay towers.
Our solemn journey continued as we paid our respects at the Raid Victims Memorial Monument known as "Family." It was at this site, under Hungarian occupation in 1942, that the Novi Sad Raid took place, resulting in the execution of Serbs, Jews, and Gypsies. The tragedy claimed the lives of over 1,300 people, with many more declared missing, totaling around 4,000 Serbs, Jews, and Gypsies lost.
It was a warm evening and many of us walked back through a residential neighbohood back to the old center. We walked around there a bit and then enjoyed a night cap to wrap up the day.
Tomorrow Belgrade
