Subotica in Serbia is a city with a bright national flavor. Its population is approximately divided in half by Serbs and Hungarians. The mixture of two cultures made this place unique and very attractive for curious tourists.
Subotica is located in the north of the country, in a region called Vojvodina. The city changed its name several times. And now they continue to call him differently. For the Serbs, he is Subotica, for the Hungarians - Zabadka, and for the Germans and the German-speaking population - Maria Theresiapol.
Today, people of many nationalities live in Subotica (Serbia). Most of them are Hungarians. This is due to the fact that the city is located near the Hungarian border, only 10 kilometers away.
General information
Subotica is the fifth largest city in Serbia and the second in the Vojvodina region. The population is slightly more than 100 thousand people. The local community lives in the city itself and in the eighteen surrounding villages.
Due to ancient history, archaeological excavations are often carried out here. On the shore of Lake Ludash, objects of the ice age were discovered. In different eras, there were Scythians, Goths, Huns, Dacians, Avars, later Slavs on this territory.
There is no own higher education institution in the city, but a branch of Novi Sad University is operating. They study economics, construction and teaching there.
In the north of the city is growing Subotic forest. Many animals live there, and even the mouflon is a rare protected beast. In the southern part of Subotica there are many orchards and vineyards. Local winemakers make great wine.
History of the city
This settlement was built by residents of villages destroyed in 1241 and in 1242 by the Tatar-Mongol yoke. The city received the name Zabadka in the 14th century. Then he was Hungarian and mainly people of this nationality lived in it.
For the next 150 years, the city belonged to Turkey. In these years, colonists from the Balkans, mainly Orthodox residents of Serbia, settled in Subotica.
The troops of the Prince of Savoy liberated the city from the Turks. The Habsburg dynasty became the ruler of Subotica in Serbia. During this period, the city was named Maria Theresiapol in honor of Maria Theresa, and in 1779 she gave him the status of free. In 1811, the city returned its historical name Subotica.
Slowly but surely, industry developed here and culture improved. The local Lake Palich has long been famous as a resting place for many European aristocrats.
Following the results of World War II, the city became part of Yugoslavia. Subotica became part of the Serbian autonomy only at the end of the 20th century.
sights
If you are a fan of Austrian and Hungarian architecture, you should definitely visit the city of Subotica in Serbia. Sights, photos of which are many on the Internet, are largely interesting precisely during the period as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Many buildings and streets here are built in the style of Hungarian modernism.
Quite picturesque is one of the central streets of the city - Korzo, which runs from the Town Hall and fountains to the train station and railway station. It is here that you can feel the spirit of Subotica.
Town Hall, National Theater, National Club House
The town hall was built in 1908. It is located in the central square. The spire mounted on the tower of the building reaches a height of 45 meters.
The facades of the surrounding houses are colorful and richly decorated with colorful ceramics. They are made in the style of the Secession. There are two fountains near the Town Hall: one is green, and the second is blue. The Town Hall Museum houses a city history museum.
There is an observation deck on the roof of the building, from which a beautiful panorama of the city opens.
Nearby is the building of the National Theater. It was built in 1854. This theater is considered one of the oldest in Serbia.
The house of the National Club is made in non-baroque style. The building was built in 1897, and now the city library is located here.
Reichl Castle
Ferenc Reichl is the most famous architect of Hungary and Serbia at the end of the 19th century. He built many city buildings. Reichl Castle is the place where the architect himself lived. This house is considered the best example of Hungarian Art Nouveau. Now in the Palace is a gallery of modern art.
Other buildings that are landmarks of Subotica (Serbia) and built by Reichel are the Gradska Kucha complex, the Art Gallery, the City Museum.
Temples and churches
Both Orthodox and Christians live in Subotica. The main cathedral of the city is named in honor of St. Theresa of Avila. It is made in the Baroque style. It was built at the end of the eighteenth century, and in the twentieth century, relatively recently, it was restored.
Opposite the Cathedral of Teresa of Avila is a column erected in honor of the Holy Trinity. The memorial building was erected in 1815.
If you are wondering what to see in the city of Subotica (Serbia), be sure to visit the neo-Gothic style cathedral owned by the Franciscan monastery. The building was built in the XVII century at the place where once there was a Turkish fortress.
Another neo-Gothic cathedral - St. George's Church, is famous for its polychrome dome and clock tower. It was built in 1896.
There is also a synagogue in the city. It was built in the style of Art Nouveau and is decorated with brickwork and colorful ceramics.
Franciscan Monastery
This religious building is considered the oldest in the city. Near the monastery itself are the church of the Archangel Michael and a small chapel. The Temple of Michael can be easily recognized by its two towers towering above it.
In the chapel of the monastery is an altar with the Black Madonna. Her prototype is considered to be the beloved of the biblical king Solomon from the Song of Songs.
The Franciscan monastery survived almost miraculously after surviving two world wars and a civil war at the end of the 20th century. It is famous for its ascetic beauty and sophistication. Many city hotels were originally built in such a way that from the windows you could admire this magnificent building.
Lake Palich and surroundings
At 8 kilometers from the city limits is located Lake Palich. The water here is warm, sulphurous in season. The lake is called the Serbian Baden-Baden. Officially, Palich is a natural monument.
Rest on the lake is well organized. Here is a real resort - there is mud therapy, thermal baths, fishing, a boat station, sports facilities, horse riding. Having been here, do not forget to take a photo.
Subotica in Serbia boasts its resort Banja Palic, located on the lake. It regularly hosts wine tastings and ethnological excursions.
Nearby is the zoo, which presents many species of animals and plants. The menagerie covers an area of about 10 hectares. There are not only animal enclosures, but also places where you can rest, playgrounds.
The surrounding area is well suited for hiking and cycling. - There are many scenic paths and walking paths.
Weather
The weather in the city is typical of the northern part of the Vojvodina region, warm and sunny in summer, mild and snowy in winter. The usual summer temperature is from +25 to +30 ° C, in winter from -2 to -5 ° C.
In winter, a lot of snow falls in the city. Because of this, Subotica looks fabulous. The architecture is very beautiful - spiers and castles covered with a snow-white coverlet make an indelible impression on tourists. By Christmas, the city is decorated, and it becomes even more beautiful.
If you did not get to Subotica for Christmas, then come here in the fall or spring. The weather is warm at this time, and the farmers' market has a large selection of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Transport
The only public transport in Subotica is the bus. The fare will cost about 40 cents. Taxi services in the city are inexpensive, so it makes sense to use it.
One of the most popular traffic directions is to Lake Palich. You can get there in 20 minutes from the hotel "Patria" by bus number 6.
Food
Subotica is often called the culinary capital of the country. Traditional cuisine contains elements of the traditions of different countries and peoples of the world. Hungarian dishes dominate the menu.
It's just that they sell cakes on street stalls - beetroots and sausages in a bun (chevapi in lepina). Local inexpensive restaurants often offer barbecue facilities for tourists.
National dishes can be ordered here in any city restaurant or cafe. Many catering establishments are located on Matie Corvina street.
Tourists usually order Hungarian goulash, which is also called paprikash. It comes from poultry, pork or fish. Season this dish with local spices and especially paprika. Try also the Serbian bun kolach and Croatian strukle.
Of alcohol, the Bitter Leaf tincture is in greatest demand here. It is an alcoholic drink infused with herbs and improves digestion. Do not forget to visit the local patisserie. Sweets in Subotica are also permeated with local flavor.
Souvenirs and shopping
The best selection of souvenirs is in the City Museum. There are figurines, straw paintings, felt, ceramic products, as well as local crafts from corn leaves.
A wide selection of souvenirs is also on the Flea Market on the Somborsky Way. The market is called "Bulyvak". Local fruits and vegetables are sold on Comor and Jacob streets. The farmers market is constantly working here.
There are also large shopping centers in Subotica. As a gift to friends, you can bring local wine from Serbia. Sell it, for example, in the store "Zvonko Bogdan", located on the street. Mathieu Corvin.
Fun and Holidays
Subotica in Serbia is famous for its rich selection of various entertainments. In the summer, creative evenings are organized here, and a children's theater often performs. Every year, the Palich International Film Festival takes place here.
In almost any restaurant or cafe, musicians play folk music. Classical compositions can be heard in the Town Hall or in the temples of the city.
All locals love music. It is here where the youth music festivals “Trenchtown” and Summer3p are held.
In autumn, in Subotica, the festival of the Duzizan reapers is celebrated magnificently.
In the evenings on weekends in the restaurants and cafes, tamburashi often perform - musicians playing on the tambour.
For youth, night clubs work in the city.
How to get there
There are several ways to get to Subotica. As a rule, first tourists come to the capital of Serbia - Belgrade, and from here they go to Subotica. You can get to Belgrade either by plane or by any other means of transport (by rail, by bus or by car).
Suppose you have already arrived in Belgrade and examined the capital city. How to get to Subotica in Serbia from Belgrade? The distance between cities is 189 kilometers. It can be overcome by car in about 2 hours. To do this, you will need approximately 15 liters of gasoline.
You can come to Subotica by bus, they go 5 times a day. The journey by this mode of transport will take about three hours. The ticket price is about 6-8 euros.
From Belgrade to Subotica, a passenger train leaves once a day; it reaches its destination in 4.5 hours. The ticket costs from 4 to 12 euros, depending on the place.
Some tourists come from Hungary. Trains and buses run from Szeged to Subotica. You can get there in just an hour and a half.
Where to stay
Subotica develops from year to year. With each new visit to the city there are more and more places where you can stay. For wealthy tourists, four hotels with a rating of 4 stars have been built here. The average price for a double room is 70 euros per day. In three-star hotels (there are also enough of them here) prices are lower by about 2 times.
All four-star hotels in the city have free Wi-Fi. In hotels of a lower rank about the availability of the Internet, you should be interested in advance.
Subotica is a modern city. There are two hostels, where you can spend the night for only 10 euros. Locals offer tourists rooms and apartments in the private sector.