Why visit: History, Culture, Architecture

The church of the Holly Mother of God, better known as Ružica (Little rose) is a unique and beautiful church located on the steep slope between Lower and Upper Kalemegdan, near St. Petka church. A medieval church of the same name existed on the site in the time of Stefan Lazarević. It was demolished in 1521 by the invading Turks. Today’s church was a gunpowder magazine in the 18th century, and was converted into a military church between 1867 and 1869. Heavily damaged during the First World War, the church was renovated in 1925.

Ružica church features a unique interior with ornaments made of weapons and ammunition from the First World War, with a chandelier made of sables and bullets. The chamber has impressive acoustics thanks to it’s rounded cave-like shape.

The path in front of the church entrance connects what once were the upper and lower parts of the city – the people’s town and the noblemen town, passing by walls and below towers.

This church was featured on various charts of the most original and beautiful churches in the world. Come and check out for yourself! 🙂

Getting here

You can get here only on foot, it’s situated in the middle of Belgrade’s central park Kalemegdan. The easiest way is from the restaurant Beogradska terasa, through the stairs below Jakšić tower, or through a small gate beside the Despot’s gate (Observatory). If you’re coming from lower Kalemegdan, take the path beside the fountain leading to St. Petka and Ružica churches.

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Location

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