Russian heritage tour

After the October Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 and the assassination of Tsar Nicholas II Romanov, many Russian monarchists and supporters of the Tsar were forced to flee their country. A large number of these refugees, including intellectuals, military personnel, and clergy, emigrated to Serbia, with many settling in Belgrade. This group left a significant mark on the life and architecture of the city. During this tour, you will learn about the Russian cultural heritage in Belgrade and the important figures and stories that have influenced not only European events but also global history.

Our walking tour begins in front of your accomodation at 9:00. First we will stop in front of the famous Hotel Moskva, built in 1908. This hotel was a significant investment by the Russian Empire and the Kingdom of Serbia and stands on the site of the former tavern “Velika Srbija.” It is the oldest hotel in Serbia and one of the most beautiful buildings in the capital, having hosted numerous dignitaries and political figures from around the world over its more than 100-year history.

We then continue along Kralja Milana Street to the monument of the great Russian Tsar Nicholas II Romanov, located in Alexander Park (formerly Maiden Park) next to the old parliament building. The monument, a gift from the Russian Military Historical Society and a donation from the Russian Federation stands on the site of the former Russian Empire’s embassy. The Serbian people hold special gratitude towards Tsar Nicholas for his love and support during World War I.

From the monument, we descend through the park to Kraljice Natalije Street and the Russian House. The Russian Centre for Science and Culture, better known as the Russian House, was built in 1933 to preserve Russian culture and tradition, supported by then-King Alexander Karađorđević and Patriarch Varnava. Today, the center is vibrant with activities, housing a library, theater, high school, elementary school, publishing center, and two museums.

Our next stop is Tašmajdan Park, home to the Russian Church of the Holy Trinity, built in 1924. Here lies the grave of the last Tsarist general, Peter Nikolayevich Wrangel, commander of the anti-Bolshevik White Army. The church also houses many holy icons, including a scarf belonging to the young Tsarevich Alexei, who suffered a martyr’s death with his family. The Orthodox Church canonized the imperial family as saints in the early 21st century.

Near the church is a monument to Nikolai Krasnov, a renowned architect responsible for designing many significant buildings in Belgrade, such as the National Assembly building, the Archive building, and the interior of the Old Palace at Dedinje. At Kalemegdan, a cross monument features an engraved image of Saint George the Victorious in honor of Russian and Serbian soldiers who fell defending Belgrade in World War I, while a monument to the liberators of Belgrade, the Red Army soldiers of World War II, is located at the New Cemetery, which we will also visit.

We continue towards Avala, where we will visit the site where 33 Russian veterans and Marshal Birjuzov perished in an airplane crash on October 19, 1964. They were en route to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Belgrade’s liberation, which they had participated in, but tragically the plane struck the top of Avala and crashed.

Our tour, rich with stories of Russian heritage in Belgrade, concludes with a return to the city center. This several-hour journey offers a profound insight into the Russian influence on Belgrade’s historical and cultural landscape.