Big Prehistoric Tour

We journey into Belgrade’s prehistory that begins with the arrival of the first Neolithic inhabitants around 6200 BCE. This period heralds the establishment of the first organized human settlements in the region, marking the inception of what we refer to as the Starčevo culture.

This foundational era of human history set the stage for the evolution of more advanced societies, including the emergence of the Vinča culture between 5300 and 4300 BCE.

Known for their extensive settlements across the central Balkans, the Vinča culture represents the highest point of prehistoric European progress, with innovations in pottery and metallurgy that laid the groundwork for future civilizations.

Their legacy, deeply embedded within the area now known as Vinča, 8 km downstream from Belgrade, underscores the region’s significance as a cradle of European culture and technological advancement.

Our “Big Prehistoric Tour” offers a unique opportunity to explore the depths of Belgrade’s ancient past, starting from the strategic vantage point of the Kalemegdan Fortress. This lesser-known settlement of the Vinča culture within the fortress’s bounds provides a tangible link to the area’s storied history.

As the tour progresses through Kalemegdan Park, with its stunning vistas of the vast plains to the north, you’ll hear about the threads of European progress, drawing from the rich resources of archaeological discoveries and scholarly research that have brought the Vinča culture to light.

We start our tour in front of your accommodation at 10:00, setting the stage for a stroll through the heart of Belgrade. This exploration is a travel through time to the earliest well-organized human communities in Serbia.

Highlighting the tour is the remarkable continuity of settlement from the Starčevo to the Vinča cultures, illustrating the transformative impact of these societies on the landscape of prehistoric Europe.

The discovery of more than 800 Vinča culture settlements across Serbia and its environs attests to the sophisticated nature of these ancient people, whose innovations in agriculture, architecture, and technology show a significant leap forward in human development.

From the creation of exquisite pottery to the forging of the continent’s first metal tools, the Vinča culture’s contributions to European prehistory are unparalleled. The narrative further reveals the first signs of administrative organization in Europe, showcasing the Vinča people’s ingenuity in property and value recording — a testament to their advanced societal structures and the enigma that surrounded their civilization.

The next phase of our tour takes us to the archaeological site of Vinča itself, where we encounter a cultural layer ten meters thick, the result of a millennium of continuous habitation.

This “prehistoric metropolis” offers not only a glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants through the artifacts displayed in the on-site museum but also a profound understanding of a civilization that flourished on the banks of the Danube, known for its resilience against flooding and its strategic location for trade and settlement.

Further enriching our experience, the Big Prehistoric tour includes a visit to the experimental farm of Radmilovac, where authentic reconstructions of Vinča houses provide a vivid picture of life 7,000 years ago. Our exploration then extends to Avala, Belgrade’s “mountain,” which played a crucial role in the lives of Neolithic people.

The cinnabar mines established by prehistoric inhabitants highlight the region’s importance not just for its natural resources but also for its spiritual and ritual significance, offering insights into the complex relationship between the Vinča culture and their environment.

As the “Big Prehistoric Tour” comes to an end, we are left to think about the lessons of our journey through time. By connecting with our ancient past, we gain not only a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of prehistoric societies but also a critical perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our civilization today.

Exploring the depths of Belgrade’s prehistory is an invitation to reflect on our own place in the continuum of human history, informed by the achievements and mysteries of those who walked these lands thousands of years before us!