Come to the heart of one of Serbia’s major wine regions and visit the city of Sremski Karlovci. It’s a city of Baroque and neoclassical masterpieces, ancient legends and significant historical events. Admire the picturesque setting between the mighty Danube and the forested hillsides of Fruška Gora Mountain. Once home to a Roman citadel, Sremski Karlovci passed between the Ottomans and Habsburgs and is where the great Serbian poet Branko Radičević is buring.
Find magnificent architectural treasures on the streets surrounding the main square. The Patriarchate Court dominates the square and features decorated church partitions by Theodore Kračun and Uroš Predić. Drink from the Four Lions Fountain, with water that is said to bestow marriage on all who return to the city. See the tomb of St. Arsenius of Srem and frescoes by Paja Jovanović inside the elaborate St. Nicholas Cathedral.
Tour the 18th-century Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity, the Lower Church and the Upper Church. Visit the Gymnasium School, where Branko Radičević and other famous Serbs studied. See the elegant City Hall and the Orthodox Theological Seminary.
A 10-minute walk south from the center is the Chapel of Peace. On this site, in 1699, the Turks and Austrians contracted a peace treaty. Nearby is the Museum of Beekeeping and Wine Cellar Zivanovic, which showcases the life of an apiarist and offers wine tastings. Roman Emperor Probus planted the first vineyards. The age-old wine tradition is today enjoyed at friendly taverns and restaurants. Join in the annual viticulture celebrations at September’s Grape Harvesting Festival.
Enjoy open-air activities in the undulating landscapes of Fruška Gora National Park. Hike up Fruška Gora Mountain. Ramble amid sprawling vineyards and around placid lakes. Discover centuries-old landmarks such as Krusedol Monastery, Novo Hopovo Monastery and Velika Remeta Monastery.
Reach Sremski Karlovci by flying to Belgrade and continuing by bus or train. For some adventure, bicycle along country lanes from the city to the Petrovaradin Fortress and the city of Novi Sad.
