Kosančićev Venac

It covers the area from Belgrade Fortress to Branko’s Bridge. Kosančićev Venac is a part of the city and a street in Belgrade that was named in 1872 after the legendary Serbian medieval hero Kosančić Ivan. The nearby streets Obilićev Venac and Topličin Venac were named after his fellow warriors and friends from the Battle of Kosovo – Miloš Obilić and Milan Toplica. These streets carry the term “venac” (meaning “wreath” or “ring”) because of their curved layout.

The history of this part of Belgrade dates back to 1804, when the Serbian people welcomed the uprising liberators at this very spot. This area is known as Varoš Gate, named after the former entrance to the Sava settlement – the Serbian part of the city that developed after the fall of Belgrade under Ottoman rule in 1521. Although somewhat hidden from the main pedestrian zones, Kosančićev Venac is slowly becoming a new symbol of Belgrade, attracting more and more visitors.

When speaking of Belgrade’s historic urban areas, Kosančićev Venac is one of the first that comes to mind. This area preserves architecture from the 19th century. Old houses and buildings, along with their facades and the characteristic cobblestone streets, have been recently restored. Tree-lined avenues and traditional street lamps, in keeping with the original spirit of the neighborhood, have also been renewed. The result is a beautifully restored area that allows visitors to step back in time and experience what this part of the city once looked like.

The facades are illuminated and painted in soft pastel colors, giving this part of the city a fresh and elegant appearance. The cultural heritage and history of Belgrade are well preserved here and accessible to everyone. You can visit landmarks such as the Cathedral Church, the Patriarchate, and the famous “?” Tavern. There is also a memorial complex marking the site of the National Library, which was destroyed during the bombing in World War II.

It is also worth mentioning the house at number 13, featuring a rounded niche where a bust of Ivan Kosančić was placed in 1895, depicting him with a helmet and knightly armor. As part of the reconstruction of Kosančićev Venac, it has been restored and returned to its original state. At number 18 stands the oldest house in the street, while at number 22 you will find the house of Mihajlo Petrović Alas. Nearby are also the Princess Ljubica’s Residence and the elementary school “Kralj Petar I”, where Vuk Stefanović Karadžić once taught. There are also two new small squares (pjacetas) in this part of Kosančićev Venac – one towards Pariska Street and the other towards Pop Lukina Street. This area is often described as a hidden gem in Belgrade, quietly preserving the spirit of the Old Town.

On the wall of a building at Fruškogorska Street number 3, artists from Israel have painted a beautiful mural. The main motif features sparrows, the unofficial symbol of the capital, which visitors can enjoy. Along Fruškogorska Street, there is also a small park with an obelisk. It was erected in honor of the first conference of the Non-Aligned Movement held in Belgrade in 1961. The monument proudly overlooks Branko’s Bridge, the Sava River, and New Belgrade in the distance. Beneath this monument, the construction of a city garage is planned, which will significantly ease parking issues in this part of the city.

On the slopes of Kosančićev Venac descending towards the Sava River, there are old underground cellars (lagums) once used by residents as storage spaces for goods. This area is envisioned as a future hub where galleries in Belgrade will find an attractive setting. A City Gallery will soon be built here, partially embedded into the slope so it does not obstruct the river view. The gallery will be part of the future Cultural Center Kosančićev Venac. A public staircase will also be constructed, connecting the city center with the river, along with a passage through the gallery leading down into the lagums, making access easier towards the renovated Karađorđeva Street and the Sava riverbank. These underground spaces will be transformed into exhibition areas.

This riverside part of the city will become especially attractive, particularly the extension towards Belgrade Waterfront, Savamala, or in the opposite direction towards the Belgrade Fortress. You can also organize river cruises, offering a completely different perspective of this beautiful riverside area. It is also one of the best viewpoints in Belgrade, offering scenic views over the rivers and the city skyline.

Kosančićev Venac is one of the most beautiful places in Belgrade, offering some of the most attractive dining experiences in the city. Restaurants and cafés, perfectly integrated into the unique atmosphere with stunning views, have long been favorite spots for those who enjoy peaceful moments on cobblestone streets. With ongoing reconstruction and future development plans – including a new restaurant within the upcoming gallery – this area, often referred to as Belgrade’s Montmartre, is expected to attract even more visitors eager to discover the charm of this historic neighborhood that locals have cherished for years. This historic district of Belgrade combines culture, views, and authentic Old Town charm in one place.