When a person considers a
travel destination, Yugoslavia is not a place at the top of his or her list. This war torn country has experienced foreign occupations and political unrest. In ancient times the Illyrians occupied the territory followed by invasions from the Celts and Romans, in the 4th and 5th centuries B.C., respectively, and the Ottoman Empire in 1389. Yugoslavia was invaded and divided during World War II which resulted in thousands of its citizens being killed.
In 1945, Yugoslavia became a republic only to face war again when Croatia declared its independence in 1991. On February 4, 2003, Yugoslavia was dissolved into two countries. The result was the formation of Serbia and Montenegro. Despite the territory’s heavy destruction, Serbia and Montenegro offer a traveler a variety of destinations. Where should a person visit?
Belgrade: The capital city of Serbia is one of the oldest cities in Europe, dating back over 7,000 years. It has seen its share of destruction over the course of history. A good starting point for a visitor is the Stari Grad. This is the oldest part of Belgrade and a number of museums can be found here.
Stari Grad is home to the National and Ethnographical Museums. Each museum offers a visitor a variety of archaeological displays and art. There is also a display of Serbian costumes showcasing the history and culture of the country. The Gallery of Frescoes is located nearby. The gallery displays a number of replicated fresco paintings that can be found in the churches throughout the territory.
Belgrade is also home to the Kalemegdan Citadel. Found within this large park is the Belgrade Fortress that dates back to Roman times. Most of what stands today was reconstructed in the 17th century. Belgrade’s Military Museum is found within Kalmegdan. The museum lets a visitor see first hand the effects that war has had on the country.
Budva: The original town of Budva collapsed in 1979 during an earthquake. The city was then rebuilt as a tourist attraction and today is one of the top beach resorts in Montenegro. The town is host to a number of attractions that will peak the interest of any traveler. One of the favorite destinations in Budva is Sveti Stefan. At one time Sveti Stefan was a fishing village. Today, this island town is a secluded tourist resort.
Cetinje: This city, located on a plateau, was once the capital of Montenegro and was favored because its location was not prone to attacks. The main tourist attraction in Cetinje is the Crnojevic monastery. The original monastery was built in 1484, by shepherds in the region. The monastery was destroyed in 1692 but was rebuilt in 1701. The Cetinje Monastery has many historical artifacts on display. Of particular interest are the liturgical songs that were originally printed in 1494.
Nearby, a traveler can visit Mount Lovcen. This area is one of the top national parks in the country. A person hiking to the summit can see the tomb of Peter II Petrovic Njegos, the former king.
Durmitor National Park: This national park is located in Montenegro, near the Bosnian border. Durmitor National Park is home to eighteen mountain lakes. The largest lake is Crno Jezero, located near Mount Meded. The most popular tourist attraction in the park is the Tara Canyon. The canyon, considered to be one of the largest in the world, is over 60 miles long and 3,500 feet deep. The Tara River flows through the base of the canyon and is a favorite with white water rafting enthusiasts.
Peja: A person needs to look no further than the city of Peja to witness the scars that fighting has left on the country. Located near the border of Kosovo, the city has been heavily damaged and still retains troops. The city is known for its monasteries. The Bajrakli Mosque was constructed in the 15th century and is still in use by the citizens of Peja. The Patrijarsya Monastery, nearby, was built in the 13th century. The church is famed for its three domes and magnificent medieval frescoes.
The former republic of Yugoslavia is a region that is still trying to overcome its war torn past. However, a traveler to the regions of Serbia and/or Montenegro will experience a place rich in history and culture.
