The Temple of St. Sava

The Temple of St. Sava is one of the most recognizable symbols of Belgrade. Located in the center of the capital, it attracts a large number of believers and tourists every day. This imposing white marble building is one of the biggest attractions of the Serbian capital, as well as the largest Orthodox place of worship in this part of the world.

History of the Temple of St. Sava
The history of this magnificent temple goes back a long way. The place where it is believed that the Turks burned the relics of St. Sava, transferred from Mileševa, is today the place where a large temple was erected in his honor. Three centuries after that event, the Society for the Establishment of the Temple was formed, and construction did not begin until 1935. By 2004, most of the work was completed, but the first row of frescoes is still awaited and the exterior and interior decorations are being actively refined. The temple was built in the Serbian-Byzantine style and has four bell towers. Below the temple is a crypt where the patriarchs will be buried.

The Importance of the Temple of St. Sava
The Temple of St. Sava is one of the largest temples in the world with its imposing size. It occupies an area of almost 5,000 square meters and reaches a height of almost 80 meters. Its dome has a diameter of 39.5 meters. Particularly impressive is the mosaic inside the temple, which covers 15,000 square meters. The church can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers.

What to see in the Temple of St. Sava
The Temple of St. Sava is a true miracle of Serbian architecture and fine arts. Inside the temple you can find many precious frescoes and icons, as well as a crypt. Here's what you can see:

Interior mosaic: The focus of this mosaic is the Ascension of Jesus, depicted with Jesus with his hands raised, surrounded by angels.
Crypt of the Temple: This underground temple bears the name of the Temple of the Holy Great Martyr Prince Lazarus. In addition to worship, exhibitions, forums, lectures and other cultural gatherings are held here. You can also see the burial place of Patriarch Irinej.
St. Sava Plateau: In front of the temple there is a landscaped plateau with a fountain. There is also a park with benches and a children's playground, a monument to Karadjordje and the building of the National Library.
How to get to the Temple of St. Sava?
Given that the temple is located in the heart of Belgrade, in Vracar, many city lines lead to it and is extremely well connected with all parts of the city. Near the temple are Slavija Square, Autokomanda and a number of faculty and health institutions. You can get to the temple:

By bus: Lines 30, 31, 33, 39, 42, 47, 48, 59, 78, E9 to the Karađorđev park stop.
By train: BG Voz1, BG Voz 2 to the Karađorđev Park stop.
By tram: Lines 9, 10, 14 to the Karađorđev park stop.
Time to visit
The temple is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The morning liturgy begins at 7:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m., while the evening liturgy begins at 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.