Zemun, the perfect excursion 8 kilometers from Belgrade
Just 8 kilometers from Belgrade , in Serbia , is Zemun, a small town on the banks of the Danube, now absorbed by the Serbian capital but still retaining its charm.
If you want to spend a day away from the big capital, take a walk on the lake, visit charming little shops and sit by the river to read a book, this is the ideal destination. you have to catch a bus from Zeleni Venac (they leave very frequently and the tour takes barely twenty minutes).
Historians say that Zemun was a settlement in the Neolithic and according to the information that is handled, its first inhabitants settled on the right bank of the Danube, very close to the confluence with the Sava River.
In modern times, it soon became the point of confluence between East and West, since, in the past, Belgrade belonged to the Ottoman Empire and Zemun, on the other side of the Danube, to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, although it was not always like that (there were times when Zemun also belonged to the Ottoman Empire).
The two cities always had good relations, Except in times of war in which they had to serve their respective empires.
Zemun, Serbian tranquility on the banks of the Danube
It never had, Zemun, the claim of its neighbor Belgrade. It is for this reason that monumental, superb or pompous constructions are not seen here, quite the contrary. Like a sought-after antagonism, Zemun exudes sobriety, humility and simplicity.
But above all, it exudes charm. The arrival, in 1883, of the railway, together with the construction of the bridge that connects it with Belgrade, put on the table the strategic importance of the town.
Until 1934, Zemun was separated from Belgrade, but during this year was absorbed by the capital because of the development of New Belgrade (Novi Beograd) and the expansion of its neighboring city, the country's capital.
It was after the Second World War when Zemun was officially and definitively incorporated into Belgrade.
Zemun, the other Belgrade
THE PERFECT DAY
To escape the hustle and bustle of Belgrade, ideally take a mid-morning bus to Zemun to enjoy a calm day on the banks of the Danube.
If you are interested in soviet style architecture, Before reaching the historic center of Zemun, stop to take some photos of the impressive Yugoslav Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in the country at the time.
The Hotel Yugoslavia opened its doors in 1969 and at that time it was considered one of the most beautiful hotels in Europe, although now, from the outside, it looks like a mass of offices without any charm.
Personalities of the stature of Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Tina Turner or Queen Elisabeth II of England herself.
During the NATO bombing in 1999, the hotel was hit by two missiles and closed its doors to the public in 2006.
One of the wings was opened as a casino in 2008 and currently a reconstruction of the hotel is planned so that it can operate again as luxury accommodation. Although there is a project on the table, the works have not yet begun.
Another of the emblematic buildings of Zemun is the Faculty of Agriculture, belonging to the University of Belgrade. If there is time, after the walk, it is worth taking a walk to enjoy the beautiful Roman motifs on its façade.
The famous Hotel Yugoslavia
WALK, GALLERIES AND MARKET
Once in Zemun, let yourself be carried away by the tranquility that exudes its streets , forget about your mobile and keep your watch in your pocket.
You can start by visiting some small shops and galleries in the center. It is essential to stop, even for a moment, to admire the shop window of the Draslar hat shop (Aleksandar Draslar Sesiri).
He has some wonderful caps and hats, both winter and summer. Check out his Instagram account!
Going towards the shore you find the Art Galerija M , the ideal place to buy an original souvenir. there are so many ceramic pieces and some paintings.
Don't forget to visit the Umetnicka Galerija Stara Kapetanija (already on the shore), one of the epicenters of creation in Zemun, where you can enjoy exhibitions and workshops that are regularly organized (usually for the youngest) .
You can also stop at pom pom gallery , much more modest, but with pretty macrame pieces, playful costume jewelry and some handcrafted clothing. Its motto defines its philosophy: “Being creative is not a hobby, it is a way of life”.
Finally, before sitting down to eat, you have to visit the local market, one of the most colorful in Belgrade. There you will find fresh fruit, vegetables and fish , cheap clothes and assorted junk.
the multiples cafes in the market square are ideal for taking a break.
One of the cute shops in Zemun
TIME TO EAT!
For fish lovers , Zemun is posited as paradise. tens of r traditional restaurants decorate the banks of the Danube and they offer all kinds of dishes. From a Balkan-style roast lamb dish to a menu with the fish of the day.
Recommended, of course, **opting for fish (carp, pike perch and catfish) **, which is usually fresh and of very good quality.
Insiders in Serbia can't help but try ajvar, a condiment based on red peppers, aubergine, garlic and pepper that is spread on bread or accompanies main dishes. If the traveler does not want to be scared, it is best to ask if it is spicy or not (it does not have to be).
Sit in any of the restaurants on the banks of the Danube and watch the boats go by, in the company of a book and a good glass of white wine with a fish soup It is possibly the most successful thing to do in Zemun.
Don't leave without trying the ajvar
GARDOŠ TOWER AND MADLENIANUM OPERA AND THEATHER
One of the essential places in Zemun is the Gardoš Tower, from where you have spectacular views, 360 degrees, over the Danube, the mouth of the Sava, Zemun and Belgrade.
Also known as Millennium Tower, the tower dates from 1896, when it was built to celebrate the thousand years of the Hungarian settlement of Pannonia (Four other towers were built just like this one, throughout the empire, also in Budapest).
It is also essential to admire, even from the outside, the Madlenianum Opera and Theater, one of the most beautiful buildings in Zemun. The opera and theater opened its doors in 1999, thanks to the patronage of the Zepter couple (in fact, it is called Madlenianum in honor of Madlena, the wife and main promoter of the project).
If you want to end the day in a round way, you can have a drink or dinner on the banks of the river, on one of the terraces, with the illuminated Danube and magnificent Belgrade on the horizon.
In summer, there is a lot of atmosphere and some groups of live music They will liven up an evening that, possibly, will be unforgettable.
Millennium Tower