Over 1600 years had passed between the first settlement Singidunum, founded by Celts, and the first Serbian capital.
First mention of Slavic name Belgrade is recorded in a letter by Roman pope John VIII to Bulgarian prince Boris on 16th April 878.
Between 1403 and 1427 Belgrade becomes a Serbian capital for the first time under Stefan Lazarević (1389– 1427). Despot’s state was one of the most stable in Europe. e city had churches, schools, a hospital and an almshouse. He was second listed on a founding charter of the Order of the Dragon next to Hungarian king Sigismund and twenty-two other European noblemen. Stefan charmed Europe, considered by chroniclers as the moon among stars.
Of Stefan’s city all that remains today is preserved gate in the city wall and a tower at Kalemegdan.