Kragujevac is a city in Šumadija and Western Serbia, in the heart of the country. It is a former capital of Serbia and remains one of its important industrial centres, so a visit here gives a different picture of the country from the one most travellers see in Belgrade.
What to see
- Šumarice Memorial Park, a place of remembrance that visitors come to for its quiet and its significance to the city's history.
- The first Serbian university, which was founded in Kragujevac and gives the city a notable place in the story of Serbian education.
What kind of visit it makes
Kragujevac suits a slower, more reflective trip. Its streets reflect its working past as an industrial town, and the memorial park offers a calm, contemplative stop. Those interested in the history of Serbian institutions will find the city's role as a former capital and the birthplace of its first university especially worth exploring.
Because the city sits in Šumadija, it also makes a convenient base for exploring the surrounding countryside, which is known for its gentle hills and small towns. Plan for a day or two, and let the pace of the city set the tone of your visit.
