Tašmajdan is the second largest park in downtown Belgrade, and one of the most important in the city both historically and in terms of attractions and activities.
History
In Roman times stone was extracted from this place for the construction of Singidunum (ancient Belgrade), and it remaing opertaional until the end of the Ottoman rule, hence the name (Turkish: Taš – stone, Majdan – mine).
During the First Serbian Uprising and the subsequent Siege of Belgrade in autumn of 1806, leader of the Uprising Karađorđe set his camp in Tašmajdan and conducted the liberation of Belgrade from there. A mound in the eastern section of the area was used for public reading of decrees and laws. It was here that on November 30, 1830 the Sultan’s hattisherif (decree) was publicly announced, declaring autonomy (de facto, internal independence) of Serbia and granting hereditary ruling rights to the Obrenović dynasty.
Features & Attractions
The most prominent landmark in Tašmajdan is the St. Marko church, Belgrade’s second largest temple and one of the most beautiful. Just behing this colossal church, there’s a tiny but lovely Russian Orthodox church. Other features include the Tašmajdan stadium, Tašmajdan swimming pools – the main water sports venue in the city, the recently reconstructed hotel Metropol, and the ruins of RTS (Radio Television of Serbia).
Belgrade’s largest street – Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra borders the park’s southern side, connecting it to other many features nearby, such as the National Parliament, the Law and Technical faculties buildings and the Vukov spomenik underground station.
The Tašmajdan caves and underground tunnels, constructed over the centuries are probably even more interesting than the park above, but are unfortunately currently inaccessible to the public.
Photo Gallery
Location and Features map
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