Beligrad

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.

  • The oldest document which contains the Slav name of Belgrade. Original is preserved in the Vatican Secret Archives, 878, IAB, Zfk. (Page 1)
    The oldest document which contains the Slav name of Belgrade. Original is preserved in the Vatican Secret Archives, 878, IAB, Zfk. (Page 1)
  • The oldest document which contains the Slav name of Belgrade. Original is preserved in the Vatican Secret Archives, 878, IAB, Zfk. (Page 2)
    The oldest document which contains the Slav name of Belgrade. Original is preserved in the Vatican Secret Archives, 878, IAB, Zfk. (Page 2)
  • Church Ružica and tower in Kalemegdan, adjacent to the former mediaeval city wall from the period of despot Stefan Lazarević, IAB, Zf.
    Church Ružica and tower in Kalemegdan, adjacent to the former mediaeval city wall from the period of despot Stefan Lazarević, IAB, Zf.