The Church of Saint Sava dominates the Belgrade neighborhood of Vračar, is an indispensable point for every visitor who wants to get acquainted with the spiritual heritage of the Serbian people and the cultural heritage of Belgrade. This magnificent temple is one of the the largest Orthodox sanctuaries in the world and reminds us of the significant Orthodox tradition in Serbia. The construction of the Temple began in 1935. and lasted several decades, and its grandiose appearance today attracts thousands of believers and tourists from all over the world.
The architecture of the Saint Sava Temple was built on the model of the mother of all churches – Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, known for its monumental dome and mosaic decoration. The dominant central dome, which rises to a height of 70 meters, with a golden crown on top, makes the temple visible from almost all points of Belgrade, and its marble facade further contributes to its imposing appearance.
The interior of the Temple is filled with mosaics that abound in gold, while the crypt is painted with frescoes – the entire decoration brings numerous scenes from the biblical, Christian and national traditions. The area covered by the mosaics extends to almost 17,000 m², and currently ranks first in the world in terms of size. Each mosaic tile is carefully placed to create a unique visual experience.
One of the special experiences during a visit to the Temple of Saint Sava is the possibility of visiting its highest dome, which offers an incredible panoramic view of Belgrade.
On the Vračar Plateau, where the temple is located, there is also the National Library of Serbia, which preserves our literary treasures. Besides, there is also Karađorđe monument , dedicated to the leader of the First Serbian Uprising, who led the Serbian people in the fight for liberation from the Turks.