Sremska Mitrovica | Top 10 in Cities of Serbia

Ćira Milekić Square

The Old City Center of Sremska Mitrovica and an unavoidable destination when visiting this city is Ćira Milekić Square. Its central part consists of the eponymous street, over 250 meters long, along which the most beautiful architectural buildings of this town are arranged. Among them, the building of the Serbian House stands out, which now houses the city library, as well as the building of the Parish House, several buildings designed in the Secession style, and the magnificent Church of St. Dimitrije. As probably the most beautiful street in the city, Ćira Milekić Street belongs to the pedestrian zone of Sremska Mitrovica, and it is home to the most popular shops and cafes, as is usually the case. In the central part of the street, where the square touches the City Park, there is a bronze bust of Ćira Milekić - the first mayor of Sremska Mitrovica (after the abolition of the Military Frontier), who led the city for a full 27 years (1881 - 1908), during which the city experienced various advancements.

Stone Flower Monument

Right next to the main pedestrian street, there is a beautifully arranged City Park, whose central part is adorned with an unusual and very attractive fountain called Stone Flower - one of the symbols of Sremska Mitrovica. The author of this sculpture is architect Irina Nepokojčicka, a Russian immigrant who came to Sremska Mitrovica before World War II after the October Revolution. According to tradition, Irina got inspiration for her work in a dream, and the fountain symbolizes eternal tears that could be interpreted as mourning for the homeland. The Stone Flower sculpture was erected in 1948, just a few months before the artist's untimely death.

Museum of Srem

On the opposite side of the Square, the City Park "leans" against the magnificent building of the Museum of Srem, which dates back to the 18th century. The rich history of Srem is presented chronologically through a permanent exhibition called "Srem Through the Centuries," containing material and written evidence from the time when Sremska Mitrovica, or Sirmium, was one of the most important centers of the mighty Roman Empire. The museum also possesses a rich and highly valuable collection of archaeological, artistic, ethnological, and natural history exhibits. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions, art workshops, scientific lectures, and promotions, making it the most important cultural institution in Sremska Mitrovica and the entire region of Srem.

Sirmium and Imperial Palace

For many, the first association with Sremska Mitrovica is Sirmium, an ancient city and one of the four capitals of the Roman Empire, located precisely where the largest city in Srem stands today. One of the most significant archaeological sites in Serbia and beyond, it was discovered only in the mid-20th century when the modern settlement with its streets and houses already covered the precious archaeological remains of a city where ten Roman emperors were born. In the 1970s, there was even an initiative to relocate the entire city to enable archaeologists to explore the entire area of former Sirmium. Such an idea, of course, was unacceptable from various aspects, so the exploration of Sirmium was carried out in locations where it was possible. Through long and careful excavations, the Imperial Palace, hippodrome, residential buildings, baths, sewerage, and mighty walls that protected the city on multiple levels have emerged to the surface. All these traces can be seen in several locations throughout Sremska Mitrovica, and there is also an organized tourist tour of Sirmium available at symbolic prices of 100 dinars (children) and 150 dinars (adults).

Žitni Trg

The place where remains of ancient Sirmium can be seen even during a casual walk is Žitni Trg, one of the main city meeting points. About 50 years ago, the remains of the former commercial district of Sirmium were accidentally discovered at this site, which is now arranged and accessible to visitors as one of the major attractions of Sremska Mitrovica. Surrounded by buildings with beautiful facades, just a hundred meters away from the Sava River bank, this square is also one of the most beautiful places in Sremska Mitrovica. The amphitheater-like depression in the central part of the square has been adapted and transformed into a summer stage, occasionally hosting various cultural events and gatherings.

Promenade and City Beach

From Žitni Square, in just a few minutes, you can reach the well-maintained promenade, known as the Promenade, where you can take a walk along the left bank of the Sava River for about one kilometer and enjoy the view of the mighty river and the impressive pedestrian Saint Irinej Bridge. You can also cross this bridge with a leisurely stroll and enjoy the view from the other side of the river. The Promenade ends at the location of the beautifully arranged city beach, where the residents of Mitrovica spend their warm summer months in large numbers, swimming and engaging in recreational activities by "their" river.

Etno Zdanije Zmaj od Noćaja

If you cross the Saint Irinej Bridge and step onto the right bank of the Sava River, you will reach Mačvanska Mitrovica, a small town that, although not geographically part of Srem, is almost an integral part of Sremska Mitrovica. In this place, a 15-minute walk from the bridge, you will find the Etno Zdanije Zmaj od Noćaja. This complex, which embodies rural tourism in this region, is named after the voivode of the First Serbian Uprising, Stojan Čupić, better known as Zmaj od Noćaja. A curiosity is that this ethno building is owned by direct descendants of the famous voivode, which further emphasizes the significance of the tradition nurtured by this ethno complex.

Bešenovačko Lake

One of the youngest artificial lakes in Serbia, as well as one of the most beloved excursion spots in Srem, is located about 20 kilometers north of Sremska Mitrovica, in the village of Bešenovački Prnjavor, at the foot of Fruška Gora. Bešenovačko Lake, also known as Beli kamen, was formed in a former quarry where raw material (chalky limestone) was extracted for the Beočin cement factory for decades. When the stone extraction ceased, the pit was filled with water in 2004. Thanks to the lake basin carved into the white limestone rock, the water of this lake is unusually transparent and has an almost turquoise color. Therefore, the lake is extremely attractive for swimming, fishing, and simply enjoying the beautiful and picturesque surroundings.

Leget Battle Memorial

Just over 6 kilometers southeast of Sremska Mitrovica, along the banks of the Sava River and among thousands of meticulously planted poplar trees, there is a small clearing with a prominent nearly 10-meter high monument. This memorial is dedicated to the Serbian and Austro-Hungarian warriors who perished in the Battle of Leget in 1914. The Leget Battle was one of the first battles of World War I. Thousands of Serbian soldiers tactically crossed the Sava River to disrupt the Austro-Hungarian forces and regroup the opposing army. Although this maneuver had some strategic significance, thousands of lives were lost from the Serbian army, and the entire operation was deemed a failure. The tall white concrete pyramid-shaped monument serves as a reminder of lives that didn't have to be lost.

Fruška Gora Monasteries

Serbian Holy Mountain, often referred to as Fruška Gora due to the large number of Orthodox monasteries, extends partially within the municipality of Sremska Mitrovica. There are even five monasteries located within 20 kilometers of the city - Bešenovo, Kuveždin, Petkovica, Šišatovac, and Vranjaš. While the founding of Bešenovo Monastery is associated with Serbian King Stefan Dragutin Nemanjić and the 13th century, Vranjaš Monastery is one of the youngest in Serbia - established only in 2014. For enthusiasts of pilgrimage journeys, this is a unique opportunity to visit five monasteries at once and explore their historical significance for the Serbian people in Vojvodina throughout the centuries.