Church of Saint Sava - Image 1

Belgrade,Serbia

Church of Saint Sava

ChurchOpenModernContemporary

The Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade is one of the largest Orthodox Christian churches in the world, dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Built on the Vračar plateau, the site is traditionally believed to be where the Ottoman authorities burned Saint Sava’s relics in 1595, making it a place of long-standing religious and national significance. Construction began in 1935 but was interrupted multiple times due to World War II and the socialist period in Yugoslavia. Work resumed in the late 20th century, with the church largely completed in the 2000s. Its design draws heavily on Byzantine architectural traditions, particularly the Hagia Sophia, and the interior continues to be developed with extensive mosaic decoration.

Key Facts

Height
79 m (including dome)
Materials
Concrete, Marble, Granite
Civilization
Serbian
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible in main areas
Date(s)
1935 - 2020 (largely completed)
Condition
Active church, largely completed with ongoing interior decoration
Original Function
Orthodox Christian church
Key Figures
Saint Sava, Aleksandar Deroko, Bogdan Nestorović
Architectural Style
Serbian-Byzantine Revival

Historical Significance of the Site

1595

The site is traditionally associated with the burning of the relics of Saint Sava by Ottoman authorities, an act intended to suppress Serbian resistance and religious identity. This event gave the location lasting symbolic importance in Serbian cultural and religious memory.

Early Plans and Construction

1895 - 1941

Plans to construct a monumental church on the site emerged in the late 19th century, with a design competition held in 1926. Construction officially began in 1935 under architects Bogdan Nestorović and Aleksandar Deroko, but progress was halted with the outbreak of World War II.

Interruption During Socialist Yugoslavia

1945 - 1985

Following the war, construction was suspended under the socialist government of Yugoslavia, which limited religious building projects. The unfinished structure remained dormant for decades, symbolizing both political change and interrupted cultural continuity.

Resumption and Completion

1985 - 2020

Construction resumed in 1985 with state approval, and the massive central dome was completed in 1989. Work continued through the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with significant progress on the exterior and structural elements. Interior decoration, particularly mosaics, advanced rapidly after 2000.

Modern Role

21st century

The Church of Saint Sava functions as a major religious center for the Serbian Orthodox Church and a national symbol. It hosts religious ceremonies, state events, and attracts visitors as one of Belgrade’s most prominent landmarks.

Cultural Significance

The Church of Saint Sava holds a central place in Serbian national identity, representing both religious continuity and historical resilience. Its dedication to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, ties it directly to the formation of Serbian spiritual and cultural institutions in the medieval period. The site’s association with the burning of Saint Sava’s relics transformed it into a symbolic location of resistance during Ottoman rule. In the modern era, the church serves not only as a place of worship but also as a national monument, frequently used for state ceremonies and public gatherings that reinforce its role in collective memory.

Interpretive Notes

Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty

Debate has occasionally focused on the architectural scale and funding of the church, particularly during the late 20th century when construction resumed. Some scholars and commentators questioned the appropriateness of allocating significant resources to a monumental religious structure during periods of economic difficulty. There is also discussion regarding the interpretation of the site of Saint Sava’s relic burning, as historical documentation is limited and partly based on tradition rather than definitive archaeological evidence.

Visiting Information

Entry Rules

Open daily. Entry is free. As an active church, access may be limited during liturgical services and major religious events.

Best Times to Visit

Morning hours and late afternoon for fewer visitors. Major Orthodox holidays draw large crowds due to active religious use.

Photography

Photography permitted inside and outside. Flash and tripods may be restricted in interior areas. Commercial filming requires permission.

Preservation Notes

Visitors should remain in designated areas and avoid disturbing religious services. Some interior sections may still be under ongoing decorative work.

Nearby POIs

11 shown

Sources & Further Reading

  1. [1]
    The Church of Saint Sava — Serbian Orthodox Church. Official Church Publications
  2. [2]
    Architecture of the Balkans — Robert G. Ousterhout. Yale University Press (2019)
  3. [3]
    Temple of Saint Sava. Tourism Organization of BelgradeView