Smederevo: The Gateway to Serbian History and Wine

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdra-vo]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Do-vi-đen-ja]
• YesDa
  [Da]
• NoNe
  [Ne]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Mo-lim]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hva-la]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [Iz-vi-ni-te]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Ka-ko si?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Do-bro. A ti?]
• Do you speak English?Da li govorite engleski?
  [Da li go-vo-ri-te en-gle-ski?]
• I don't understandNe razumem
  [Ne ra-zu-mem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolim vas, želeo bih da vidim meni
  [Molim vas, želeo bih da vi-dim me-ni]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Ne je-dem me-so]
• Cheers!Živeli!
  [Ži-ve-li!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMolim vas, želeo bih da platim
  [Molim vas, želeo bih da pla-tim]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Po-moć!]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [I-di o-da-vde!]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Po-zo-vi-te po-li-ci-ju!]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Po-zo-vi-te dok-to-ra!]
• I'm lostIzgubio sam se
  [Iz-gu-bi-o sam se]
• I'm illBolestan sam
  [Bo-le-stan sam]

• I'd like to buy...Želeo bih da kupim...
  [Že-leo bih da ku-pim...]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sa-mo gle-dam]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Ko-li-ko ko-šta?]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [To je pre-vi-še sku-po]
• Can you lower the price?Mozete li da spustite cenu?
  [Mo-že-te li da spu-sti-te ce-nu?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Ko-li-ko je sa-ti?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Je-dan je sat]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Po-la (de-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [Ju-tro]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Po-po-dne]
• EveningVeče
  [Ve-če]
• YesterdayJuče
  [Ju-če]
• TodayDanas
  [Da-nas]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Su-tra]
• 1Jedan
  [Je-dan]
• 2Dva
  [Dva]
• 3Tri
  [Tri]
• 4Četiri
  [Če-ti-ri]
• 5Pet
  [Pet]
• 6Šest
  [Šest]
• 7Sedam
  [Se-dam]
• 8Osam
  [O-sam]
• 9Devet
  [De-vet]
• 10Deset
  [De-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gde je...
  [Gde je...]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Ko-ja je a-dre-sa?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li da mi pokažete (na mapi)?
  [Mo-že-te li da mi po-ka-že-te (na ma-pi)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sledeći (autobus)?
  [Ka-da je sle-de-ći (au-to-bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (za ....)
  [Je-dnu kar-tu (za ....)]

Smederevo Fortress, one of the largest lowland fortresses in Europe, was constructed between 1427 and 1430 by the order of Despot Đurađ Branković. The fortress was intended to serve as the new capital of Serbia after the fall of Belgrade to the Ottoman Empire. It was strategically positioned at the confluence of the Jezava and Danube rivers, serving both as a defensive stronghold and a symbol of Serbian resilience.

Smederevo fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1459, marking the end of the medieval Serbian state. The fortress was captured by the Ottomans, who then transformed it into a significant military base. Under Ottoman rule, Smederevo became an important administrative and commercial center, contributing to the cultural and architectural landscape of the region.

During the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Smederevo found itself at the heart of the Habsburg-Ottoman Wars. The fortress changed hands multiple times as the two empires vied for control over the region. The frequent battles left significant marks on the city's infrastructure and population, but also brought about periods of rebuilding and cultural exchanges.

In the early 19th century, Smederevo played a crucial role in the Serbian Uprising against Ottoman rule. The First Serbian Uprising led by Karađorđe Petrović in 1804 saw the fortress being used as a base for revolutionary activities. The successful rebellion resulted in the establishment of the modern Serbian state, with Smederevo continuing to be an important cultural and economic hub.

During World War II, Smederevo was occupied by Axis forces. On June 5, 1941, a catastrophic explosion occurred in the fortress, where a large quantity of ammunition was stored. The explosion devastated the city, causing numerous casualties and extensive damage. The tragedy is a somber chapter in Smederevo's history, remembered as one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history.

After World War II, Smederevo underwent significant reconstruction and modernization. The city expanded beyond its historical core, integrating more contemporary architectural styles alongside its medieval heritage. Today, Smederevo is known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and the continued preservation of its historical landmarks, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world.

Smederevo is located approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The most convenient way to reach Smederevo is by flying into Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG). From the airport, you can take a taxi or a private transfer to Smederevo, which typically takes around an hour. Alternatively, there are regular bus services from Belgrade's main bus station to Smederevo, with the journey taking about 1.5 hours. Train services are also available, offering a scenic route along the Danube River.

Within Smederevo, public transport is available in the form of buses, which connect various parts of the city. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. For more independence, renting a car is a viable option, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. The city center is quite compact, making it easy to explore on foot.

The official currency in Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Smederevo. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, street vendors, and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange offices.

Smederevo is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any city, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific neighborhoods known for high crime rates targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 192 for the police, 193 for the fire department, and 194 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities in Smederevo are well-equipped to handle emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many staff members speak English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A simple 'Zdravo' (Hello) is a polite way to start a conversation. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Smederevo like a local, visit the Smederevo Fortress, a medieval structure offering stunning views of the Danube River. Stroll through the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Serbian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss out on trying the local wine, as Smederevo is known for its vineyards and wine production.