home since it became operational in 1965. One of the most beautiful TV towers in Europe, it was destroyed in the bombing in 1999, and until 2010 – when it rose proudly above Avala again – we were left without one of our favourite landmarks indi- cating that we’re home. As a symbol of rebirth, it was erected anew, now two metres taller than its predeces- sor, and is open to visitors every day except Mondays. ere you will enjoy the magnificent views that extends over the whole of Belgrade and the surrounding area from the café-res- taurant at the top, which can be ac- cessed using one of two lifts. Just a few minutes’ walk from the Tower is the very top of the moun- tain and the monumental lane sur-
AVALA Belgrade’s most beautiful observation point Just twenty-odd kilometres from the city centre, posing high above Belgrade, is Avala, the city’s green guard, the oasis of the capital, a haven for Belgraders and everyone eager for nature and beauty A t only 511 metres tall, it’s just over the boundary that separates a hill from a moun- tain, which is why the Turks called it “Ha- vala” (a lookout point, a rise that domi- nates its surroundings), and that’s why it’s today called Avala. e credit for the alternative name of the Watchtower, which it was also dubbed, belongs to the former fortification that was built on its highest point during the Middle Ages. Žrnov towered over the city like a guardian, although today its contours can on- ly be imagined. Our mountain is known around the world for its characteristic blue-green mineral, which is unique any- where in the world and is named Avalit after the moun- tain. It is preserved in the collection of rare minerals at the Museum of Natural History. Among lovers of the treasures of nature, it is known for its 600 plant spe- cies, some of which are very rare and some very medic- inal, but also high forests and eight clean water moun- tain springs. In Serbia, however, Avala is best known for its tower, which – from a height of 202.8 metres – has been telling generations of Belgraders from afar that they’ve arrived
rounded by rich greenery that reveals another impor- tant building - the famous Monument to the Unknown Hero on Avala, which was erected on the site of the old town of Žrnov on the holiday of Vidovdan, 28 th June, 1938. e work of famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović, it was designed in the neoclassical style in the form of a Greek temple. e mausoleum of an unknown fall- en soldier from World War I is guarded at the entrance by monumental pillars, caryatids in folk costumes that symbolise the mothers of soldiers and the united peo- ples of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. In the vicinity of the Čarapićev brest mountain lodge, don’t miss out on visiting two monuments – one dedicated to Karađorđe’s duke, Vaso Čarapić, but also the Monument to Soviet war veterans. Or just come to enjoy the natural beauty of this mountain that’s so important to the inhabitants of Belgrade. Just be careful, because when you’ve been once you’ll defi- nitely feel the need to return. It’s very easy to fall in love with our Avala.
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