Avala

Avala - basic information

Avala is a mountain located 17 kilometers from Belgrade, on the road Belgrade - Kragujevac. It is considered one of the main picnic spots for Belgraders, due to its proximity and good connections with the city. It hides many natural and cultural assets, which is why, since 1859, the natural complex of Avala has been protected. Its name comes from the word havala, translated as lookout, which speaks of the view of Belgrade that this mountain offers.

History of Avala
During different historical periods, it bore different names. In Roman times, it was known as Zlatni breg, then in the Middle Ages as Žrnov, until the Turks gave it the name from which it originates today - Havala. In the area of Avala, there was a fortified city from the period of the Celts' stay in this area. Later, the Romans built a military fortification here, and in the Middle Ages, the Turks built the Serbian town of Žrnov here. All these data speak of how important Avala was in the conquest and defense of the territory.

Cultural and historical monuments of Avala

Monument to the Unknown Hero - the ruins of Žrnovo were removed in 1934, and a monument to the Unknown Hero was erected in their place, which still stands today as one of the symbols of Avala and Belgrade. The monument was built by the famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović as a mausoleum with caryatids made up of women in Yugoslav folk costumes. The unknown hero after whom the mausoleum was named is one of the soldiers of the First World War whose grave was found at the foot of the mountain. The monument is surrounded by a spacious plateau and steps
Monument to the delegation of the Soviet Army - this monument was erected in honor of 33 Soviet war veterans who died in a plane crash in 1964 while arriving to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade during the Second World War. Marshal Birjuzov, who took part in the liberation of Belgrade, was among the dead.
Avala TV Tower - Avala Tower was once the tallest building in Yugoslavia. During the NATO bombing in 1999, it was destroyed. However, a new tower was built ten years later. It is 204 meters high, has 38 floors and you can climb to the top by elevator. At 119 meters you can sit in a cafe, while the lookout is at 122 meters high tower.
The monument to Vaso Čarapić - Vasa Čarapić, also known as the Dragon of Avala, was one of the main insurgents in the fight for the liberation of Belgrade from Turkish rule. In addition to this, a monument to Vaso Carapic was erected near the place where he died, near today's building of the National Theater in Belgrade.

Flora and fauna of Avala
In this area there are about 600 different plant species, deciduous and coniferous forests. Many plants are under protection because they are considered natural rarities, so it is not allowed to pick them. About 70 species of birds have found their home here, some of which are also under protection. Then, in addition to amphibians and reptiles, it is possible that you will come across rabbits or deer during the walk, which are not uncommon on Avala. Avala is a perfect place for pink and a day trip where you can enjoy all the natural beauties that this small but important mountain offers.

How to get to Avala

by car: from Belgrade in half an hour, via E75, through Veliki Mokri Lug.
by public transport: by bus 401, 403, 405, 468, 470 and 491

Opening hours and ticket prices
By purchasing a ticket to the Aval Tower, you get the opportunity to climb the lookout in the tower, but also to enter the bar, which you will pass on your way to the top.

Opening hours: The tower and bar are open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm.
Ticket price: The price of the basic ticket is 300 dinars, for primary school students, high school students, students and pensioners it is 150 dinars, and for children up to 7 years of age the entrance is free. People with disabilities and their companions can enter for 100 dinars.