Košutnjak Half of Belgrade’s natural oxygen factory (alongside Topčider), Košut- njak is undoubtedly among the city’s best-kept secrets. In truth, it’s not much of a secret – given how popu- lar it is among Belgraders – but you won’t find your way there by acci- dent if you’re a visiting foreigner. You just need someone to explain how to get there, and after that you’ll no longer need to seek out the ideal spot for a picnic in Belgrade. If you thought Košutnjak Park was named after the local deer [košuta means doe or hind], you would be correct. This dense forest was a closed royal hunt- ing ground until 1903, after which Košutnjak was also opened to citi- zens. This place has since been among the most beloved daytrip spots for Belgraders, who enjoy walking its numerous trails through the forest that’s home to both deciduous and coniferous trees. Jevremovac Botanical Garden Belgrade’s Botanical Garden might be located next to a very busy road, but you’d never think so while experiencing it. Jevremovac, which was founded in the late 19 th century by renowned Serbian botanist Josif Pančić, is a true paradise in the city; an oasis of tranquillity and greenery. This botanical paradise extends over an area of approximately five hec- tares and is home to almost 1,000 species of plants, and alongside its open-air expanses, this garden is also adorned by the premises of the In- stitute of Botany, which maintains an arboretum, herbarium and glass- house that’s home to around 180,000 specimens. Park of Friendship This New Belgrade park is the youngest on our list, having only been completed in 1961, and its close proximity to the river makes it another popular spot for relax- ation. Numerous officials and ce- lebrities have planted trees in this park as symbols of friendship, in- cluding the Rolling Stones, who did so ahead of their 2007 Belgrade con-
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cert. The park extends over a large area and boasts spacious and long promenades and cycle lanes, while strolling here can accidentally lead you to the Museum of Contempo- rary Art, which is definitely a must. Avala Just a short drive from Belgrade is Avala, one of Serbia’s many fa- mous mountains. It is an extremely popular spot for Belgraders, thanks to its vast expanses of greenery that are punctuated only by historical monuments. This is also an ideal spot for a picnic, so pack a lunch and start climbing. Pioneers Park This former garden of the Karađorđević royals was trans- formed into an urban park after World War II and renamed Pio- neers Park in 1952. It represents a unique city centre oasis of nature with historical and cultural monu- ments. It is also home to the Old Palace, which today houses the Bel- grade City Assembly, and the New Palace, which is today’s seat of the President of Serbia. Nobel Prize winning author Ivo Andrić has his own monument in the park, while there is also a monument to Na- dežda Petrović. Rare plant species, an oak tree dating back more than two hundred years, conifers of do- mestic and foreign origin and dec- orative plant beds ensure that this park is an authentic green paradise in the city’s central zone.
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Park prijateljstva
Belgrade » Beograd | 85
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