Dreams That Came True: The Legacy of Supreme Leader Karadjordje and His Grandson King Peter I
This is one of the most popular tours south of Belgrade, into the very “heart of Serbia” — the pleasant region of Šumadija.
For five centuries, the Serbian people longed for freedom from Ottoman rule. In 1804, one courageous man, Karadjordje (“George the Black”), led the uprising that turned this dream into reality. A century later, his grandson became King Peter I of Serbia — a visionary monarch who built one of the most impressive royal mausoleums: the magnificent Church of Saint George, famed for its breathtaking mosaics.
This program offers a profound insight into Serbia’s royal heritage and the enduring legacy of the Karadjordjević Dynasty.
Visit the Monument to the Unknown Hero, a renowned work by Ivan Meštrović, the famous Yugoslav sculptor. Built on a mountain peak (511 m), it offers excellent views of the rolling hills of the Šumadija region in central Serbia. Make a photo stop at one of Belgrade’s landmarks — the Avala TV Tower. At 204.68 meters, it is the tallest structure in the Balkans, and its architectural design makes it unique in the world.
Karadjordje’s Town Once a fortified residence of Karadjordje — the courageous liberator and founder of the Royal House of Karadjordjević — today it houses the Museum of the First Serbian Uprising, along with the small but very interesting Church of Our Lady (1813). Saint George’s Church – The Royal Mausoleum Built after WWI by King Peter I Karadjordjević, this monumental yet extraordinarily beautiful structure was envisioned as the Royal Family Mausoleum. Seven rulers rest here: Supreme Leader Karadjordje, Prince Alexander, King Peter I, King Alexander I, Queen Mother Maria, Queen Alexandra, and King Peter II. Constructed in the tradition of Serbian medieval architecture, the church is most famous for its breathtaking mosaics: 725 painted compositions containing around 1,500 figures. The mosaics cover 3,500 square meters (38,000 sq. ft) and are composed of 40 million pieces of glass in 15,000 different color shades, creating a uniquely vivid and detailed artistic impression.
Visit the Royal Oplenac Winery, or Optional: Take a short 15-minute drive to the Aleksandrović family wine cellar, renowned as keepers of the royal winemaking tradition. Some of their wines are still crafted according to original royal recipes. The visit includes a wine tasting and demonstration.
Optional: Enjoy lunch in the nearby town of Aranđelovac, at a restaurant whose interior is fully dedicated to the Royal House of Karadjordjević. The walls are adorned with dozens of authentic photographs and portraits, creating a unique royal atmosphere. Guests are treated to excellent local gastronomy and fine wines.
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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