After the October Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 and the assassination of Tsar Nicholas II, many Russian monarchists 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 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 the Hotel Moskva at 10:30. First, you will hear a story about this famous hotel, 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 one of the oldest hotels in Serbia, 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. This monument reminds of the great gratitude that the Serbian people feel towards Tsar Nicholas for his 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, was built to preserve Russian culture and tradition, supported by then-King Alexander Karađorđević. 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 last Tsarist general, Peter Nikolayevich Wrangel, commander of the anti-Bolshevik White Army. The church also houses a great relic, a scarf belonging to the young Tsarevich Alexei, who suffered a martyr’s death with his family.
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.
After that we will go to the Red Army cemetery and hear the story of the joint anti-fascist struggle of Soviet and Yugoslav communists in 1944.
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.
