Knez Mihailova pedestrian street
Kalmegedan offers so much, to so many! It offers panoramic views, history, religion, art, fun and leisure - hence its great popularity among all ages!The place has two zones: lower and upper. Walking paths in both zones make it all accessible and easy.
The lower zone includes main entrance lined with souvenir stalls, toilets, children's attractions (a dinosaur park), statues, benches, mini wagon train, kiosk, cafe, art exhibition, tennis and basketball grounds near the fortress walls.
mini wagon train waiting for passengers
childrens' dinosaurs little park
kiosk (beverages, cards..)
cafe-restaurant
basketball playground
The variety of serbian souvenirs at the entrance is overwhelming. One could spend a lot of time just looking at them.The park, like the whole city of Belgrade is full of statues. It seems this has to do with former communist regime. In Moscow, I've also noticed a lot of statues erected in honor of people who played a role in the nation's history.
entrance path lined with souvenir stalls
'loaded' souvenir stall
statue seen from the entrance path
The upper zone, on the hill - the old fortress, (originally built by the Romans) overlooking the new city and the confluence of Danube and Sava rivers - layers of walls, gates / openings, towers - belonging to various time periods; a military museum, outdoor weaponry display, two little churches, otoman structure, restaurant with terrace, and of course, the famous Victor statue.
to the main gate of the fortress
outdoor weaponry display
otoman structure (closed)
Me, near the piedestal of 'Victor' statue
favorite bridge for bride &groom pictures
Despot Stefan tower
After my visit at Kalmegedan, I regretted not taking a wagon train ride (the little train was with parents and kids, and I thought it will distract me from looking around.. Foolish thought, although I do tend to lose my head when in contact with cute kids).Anyway, Kalmegedan is a place one would gladly visit again.
train on the move
Glad you had fun at the fortress! It is a miracle it is still there given that Belgrade has been destroyed to the ground at least six or eight times throughout its history.
ReplyDeleteWe do like statues in honour of important writers, scientists etc. There are also a lot of monuments dedicated to our heroic fight against Fascists in WW2 which left us without half of our citizens. Such places usually have a special atmosphere, grim and somehow dignified, especially the famous Sumarice Monument down in the Sumadija region dedicated to the whole high school of pupils whom the Nazis shot together with their teachers at the beginning of the war. I'm sure Israel has tons of such monuments and has special appreciation for them.
I think I've seen in the park a building with a sign that reads Authority for the protection of monuments or something like that.
DeleteThe monuments are an important part of a nation's cultural and historical heritage , and as such, deserve good protection and maintenance.
It seems, these statues are well taken care of in Belgrade.
Following you.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful place.
Got distracted too in front of Alice.
Well, I can certainly imagine you getting distracted by adorable Alice.
DeleteThe place(fortress and park), is indeed beautiful and interesting.
This looks like a wonderful spot, Duta, filled with loads of history as well as visual intereset. I love seeing that monuments are protected. Indeed, they are part of a nation's heritage. And the souvenir stands look fun!
ReplyDeleteYou've got it right, Jeanie. This is one of those places that not only offer you visual delight, but also make you ponder on the past and present, the then and now.
DeleteIs Coca-Cola everywhere? We rule the world...with tooth decay!
ReplyDeleteI think it's good to remember history, even when it's unsavory. I would go see the statues.
Thanks for your comment on my post this morning. I wrote a response over there.
Yes, Sandi. Coca Cola and McDonalds are everywhere. They're good stuff compared to other things that have invaded the world. I don't usually drink Cola (diet or zero when I do),but I do like the fish filet in a bun sold at McDonalds, especially when I'm away from home.
Delete"They're good stuff compared to other things that have invaded the world."
DeleteHa ha! That's a good point.
You may laugh, but I once overheard someone saying that the two companies deserve a Nobel Prize for their contribution to bringing world's people together and making them happy.
DeleteWow... yeah... I see what you mean.
DeleteThis looks a great place to visit and once again I enjoyed your photographs and information you provided.
ReplyDeleteI love those little waggon type trains … and have enjoyed so many rides on them over the years, they just seem to bring the inner child out that is still in us :) Great fun!
Wishing you a happy November
All the best Jan
I probably run away from my inner child - not taking the mini train ride. Who knows.
DeleteI hope to get a second chance somewhere, someday with the little wagon train, and experience the fun that comes with it.
Wow, it looks like you had a great trip! You are always an amazing tour guide to show us. It so interesting about the levels, in the first photo it looks like the people are walking on the wall?! Or they are on a higher ground so it looks like that! I noticed your comment about the inner child, I hope so too that next time you will find a fun ride for her! Maybe even some other treat close to home, or like an ice cream or a little present that she would like just for the fun of it!! ♡♡：）
ReplyDeleteOh, Shayndel, your comments are always so comprehensive!! Thank you.
DeleteYes, you're right; there are people walking on that wall and having fun. Within this wall there's a military museum with a display both of weapons and of.. torture devices! For me, the outdoor display of weaponry was quite enough.
As for my 'inner child' - yes, I should pay it more attention.
♡：）
DeleteGreat pics Duta. Makes me want to visit Belgrade even more.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Indeed, you should pay Belgrade a visit. You won't regret it. In fact, I think city capitals usually have the best of the respective country.
DeleteWho needs souvenirs when memories of places seen are the best souvenirs in my opinion and also maybe in yours, Duta, as you do enjoy seeing places and sharing their history. And, I for one, enjoy learning about them through your posts. I had to look at the photos again to see the people on the wall and definitely would have ridden that train!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Beatrice. Memories, especially the photographed ones are the best mementos. If I get tempted to buy a souvenir it'll have to be something that I could use in daily life, not just hang it or place it as decoration.
DeleteIt looks like you had quite a day in this exquisite place. Enjoyed the photos. I'd have lingered over the souvenirs too long, I expect :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Debra,
DeleteLocal souvenirs show great creativity though not so great originality in most of the items : the usual t-shirts, post cards, old money, tiny bottles of plum rakija,magnets, posters,hats and socks,wooden and ceramic mementos, you name it...
But they make a great, colorful, attractive view.
Once again, a wonderful array of photos, DUTA.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to be able to see places through your eyes...your lens...places I will never physically get to see. :)
Thanks Lee for liking my photos. There's beauty and interest everywhere around us. No specific place owns them. All we have to do is contemplate, enjoy, and ...take photos of it.
DeleteIsn't that interesting? So different than anywhere I have been.
ReplyDeleteIt was funny, when I saw the train, I thought how fun it would be with the grandkids!!!!
There are quite a lot of fun attractions for kids; the mini train is only one of them. There's a zoo (charges a fee), a dinosaurs little park, and all sorts of devices to make them happy.
DeleteGreat pictures. Love to see you near the piedestal of 'Victor' statue. Never been there. Wie weet later.
ReplyDeleteThanks Aritha.
DeleteAll one can capture on that spot is the piedestal, as the statue is very high , it doesn't enter the picture. It's a lovely spot, though.