Kragujevac: The Heart of Serbia's History and Culture

• HelloЗдраво
  [Zdravo]
• GoodbyeДовиђења
  [Doviđenja]
• YesДа
  [Da]
• NoНе
  [Ne]
• Please/You're welcomeМолим / Нема на чему
  [Molim / Nema na čemu]
• Thank youХвала
  [Hvala]
• Excuse me/SorryИзвините
  [Izvinite]
• How are you?Како си?
  [Kako si?]
• Fine. And you?Добро. А ти?
  [Dobro. A ti?]
• Do you speak English?Да ли говорите енглески?
  [Da li govorite engleski?]
• I don't understandНе разумем
  [Ne razumem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseЖелео/ла бих да видим мени, молим
  [Želeo/la bih da vidim meni, molim]
• I don't eat meatНе једем месо
  [Ne jedem meso]
• Cheers!Живели!
  [Živeli!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseЖелео/ла бих да платим, молим
  [Želeo/la bih da platim, molim]

• Help!Упомоћ!
  [Upomoć!]
• Go away!Оди даље!
  [Odi dalje!]
• Call the Police!Позвате полицију!
  [Pozvate policiju!]
• Call a doctor!Позвате лекара!
  [Pozvate lekara!]
• I'm lostИзгубио/ла сам се
  [Izgubio/la sam se]
• I'm illБолестан/на сам
  [Bolestan/na sam]

• I'd like to buy...Желео/ла бих да купим...
  [Želeo/la bih da kupim...]
• I'm just lookingСамо гледам
  [Samo gledam]
• How much is it?Колико кошта?
  [Koliko košta?]
• That's too expensiveТо је превише скупо
  [To je previše skupo]
• Can you lower the price?Можете ли снизити цену?
  [Možete li sniziti cenu?]

• What time is it?Колико је сати?
  [Koliko je sati?]
• It's one o'clockЈедан сат је
  [Jedan sat je]
• Half past (10)Пола (10)
  [Pola (10)]
• MorningЈутро
  [Jutro]
• AfternoonПоподне
  [Popodne]
• EveningВече
  [Veče]
• YesterdayЈуче
  [Juče]
• TodayДанас
  [Danas]
• TomorrowСутра
  [Sutra]
• 1Један
  [Jedan]
• 2Два
  [Dva]
• 3Три
  [Tri]
• 4Четири
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• 6Шест
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• 7Седам
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• 9Девет
  [Devet]
• 10Десет
  [Deset]

• Where's a/the...?Где је...
  [Gde je...]
• What's the address?Која је адреса?
  [Koja je adresa?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Можете ли да ми покажете (на мапи)?
  [Možete li da mi pokažete (na mapi)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Кад је следећи (аутобус)?
  [Kad je sledeći (autobus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Једну карту (за ....)
  [Jednu kartu (za ....)]

Kragujevac's roots date back to the early medieval period, with archaeological evidence suggesting that the area was inhabited by Slavic tribes as early as the 6th century. The name 'Kragujevac' is derived from the Serbian word 'kraguj', a type of hawk, symbolizing the early settlers' connection to nature and wildlife.

In the early 19th century, Kragujevac became a focal point during the First Serbian Uprising against Ottoman rule. Led by Karađorđe Petrović, the uprising aimed to liberate Serbia from centuries of Ottoman domination. Kragujevac served as a strategic location for the revolutionary forces, contributing significantly to the eventual success of the uprising.

In 1818, Prince Miloš Obrenović declared Kragujevac the first capital of modern Serbia. This pivotal moment marked the city's transformation into a center of political and cultural significance. The establishment of various governmental institutions, including Serbia's first court and university, underscored Kragujevac's growing importance.

The mid-19th century saw Kragujevac at the forefront of Serbia's industrial revolution. In 1853, the city became home to the first weapons manufacturing plant in the Balkans, known as the 'Kragujevac Gun Foundry'. This development not only bolstered Serbia's military capabilities but also spurred economic growth and technological advancement in the region.

During World War II, Kragujevac was the site of a tragic event known as the Kragujevac Massacre. In October 1941, German occupying forces executed thousands of civilians, including schoolchildren, in retaliation for partisan resistance activities. This somber chapter in the city's history serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

After World War II, Kragujevac underwent significant reconstruction and modernization. The establishment of the Zastava Automotives factory in the 1950s marked a new era of industrial growth, making the city a hub for automotive production in Yugoslavia. The post-war period also saw the development of educational institutions and cultural landmarks, further solidifying Kragujevac's role as a dynamic urban center.

Kragujevac boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous festivals and events celebrating its history and traditions. The Joakim Vujić Theatre, founded in 1835, is one of the oldest in Serbia and continues to be a cultural beacon. The 'Anti-War Cartoon Salon' is an annual event that attracts artists from around the world, promoting peace and tolerance through art.

Kragujevac is located in central Serbia. The nearest international airport is Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade, approximately 140 kilometers away. From Belgrade, you can take a bus or a train to Kragujevac. The bus journey typically takes around 2 hours, while the train takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car from Belgrade and drive to Kragujevac, which will take about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Kragujevac has a reliable public transportation system that includes buses and taxis. Buses are the most common form of public transport and cover most areas of the city. Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, renting a car is a convenient option. The city is also bike-friendly, and renting a bicycle is an excellent way to explore the local attractions.

The official currency in Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available throughout Kragujevac, making it easy to withdraw cash as needed.

Kragujevac is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any city, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Kragujevac does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Kragujevac. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and avoid loud behavior. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating and drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly nod or a smile is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kragujevac like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Serbian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Šumarice Memorial Park, which commemorates the tragic events of World War II. For a unique experience, explore the Zastava Museum, which showcases the history of the famous Yugoslav car manufacturer.