Subotica | Top 10 in Cities of Serbia

Subotica Architecture

Subotica is often and rightfully called the "city of secession". At the turn of the 19th to the 20th century, Subotica saw the construction of over a hundred buildings that belong to the artistic style of secession (Art Nouveau) in terms of their beauty and appearance. This style reached Subotica through Budapest, placing the city on par with Vienna, Paris, and Munich, where secession reached its peak. Buildings such as the City Hall, the Synagogue, the Palace of the Subotica Trade Bank, the Palace of Ferenc Rajhl, and many others are just a part of Subotica's rich architectural heritage. The most important Hungarian architects of that time, Dezső Jakab and Marcel Komor, played a crucial role in Subotica's secessionist movement.

Subotica City Museum

The Subotica City Museum was established back in 1892 as a result of the need to display various collected objects from the city in one place. The museum was originally located within the Secondary Gymnasium, but today it is housed in the beautiful Miša Demeter House from the 18th century. The museum features ethnological, archaeological, historical, artistic, and natural science collections gathered from the wider Subotica area. The museum also includes the Bačka Topola Museum and the interior of the pharmacy "Kod majke zaštitnice," which is exhibited in the City Hall.

Monument to Emperor Jovan Nenad

One of the central city squares is dedicated to the self-proclaimed Serbian Emperor Jovan Nenad the Black, who ruled the territory of present-day Vojvodina in the early 16th century. In the central part of the square stands a magnificent monument to this interesting and perhaps not widely known figure from Serbian history. The monument was solemnly unveiled in 1927 but was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in 1991. The marble sculpture of Emperor Jovan Nenad is located on a pedestal made of the same material. The monument also features the figures of his courtiers Fabijan Literata and Subota Vrlić. The emperor is depicted in warrior attire with a sword in hand, and the words "Tvoja je misao pobedila" (Your thought has prevailed) are carved on the monument.

Blue Fountain

Unusually picturesque, the Blue Fountain is also the only one in the city today, and it represents one of the newer symbols of Subotica. Until recently, there was also a Green Fountain, built in 1985, but it was removed in 2020 due to the reconstruction of the square. The Blue Fountain was built in 2001 and is located in front of the City Hall. It is made of the so-called Zsolnay ceramics, which is produced in Pécs and was used to construct a large number of secessionist buildings in the city. Due to complex maintenance, the fountain is covered during the winter months to prevent damage.

Religious Buildings

Subotica is a city where more than twenty ethnic groups and peoples have been living in harmony for centuries. This demographic mosaic has led to a multi-confessional character of the population, reflected in the existence of numerous religious buildings belonging to different religions. Subotica has the largest number of Catholic inhabitants (around 60%), and accordingly, there are 6 Catholic churches in the city. The oldest among them is the Cathedral of St. Theresa of Avila, dedicated to the patron saint of Subotica, built in 1779. The Orthodox Church of the Ascension of the Lord was built in 1726 in the Neo-Baroque style and is the oldest religious building in the city. In Subotica, there is also the Synagogue built in 1902 in the Art Nouveau style by renowned Hungarian architects Dezső Jakab and Marcel Komor. From the same period, there is the Lutheran Evangelical Church, while the Muhadžir Mosque was built in 2008.

Horse Breeding Farms - Stud Farms

In the vicinity of Subotica, there are two stud farms - one in Kelebija and another near the city. The Kelebija Stud Farm was established in 1993 and currently covers an area of about 25 hectares. It is the largest Lipizzaner stud farm in the region and participates in carriage shows and competitions with its horses. The Bunford Stud Farm is located three kilometers from the city and is home to numerous Lipizzaner and other horse breeds. Both stud farms offer a rich tourist experience. In the wider surroundings of the city, in Bačka Topola, there is also the well-known Zobnatica Stud Farm.

Palić Zoo

Near Lake Palić, there is also the beautifully landscaped Zoo. It was established in 1950 and boasts a large number of exotic species in a natural environment. The zoo is home to over 150 animals and numerous plants. It is visited by day-trippers, as well as school excursions, and various educational workshops and lectures are organized in the zoo on such occasions. The zoo also includes a representative botanical garden with native plant species.

Pačir Spa

About thirty kilometers from Subotica, in the village of Pačir, there is the eponymous thermal spa. The spa complex is relatively new and represents a unique attraction in Serbia (the lake water is pink), but the thermal water was discovered long ago. This water, which comes from a depth of about 1400 meters, is salty and rich in minerals. It contains sodium, iodine, sulfate, bromine, and many other minerals. The water temperature ranges from 30-35°C, and it has a certificate confirming its healing properties. Within the complex, there are also two indoor pools, so the spa is active even during the winter months.

Lake Palić

Just a ten-minute drive from Subotica, near the village of Palić, there is the eponymous lake. It belongs to the group of aeolian lakes and is the largest natural lake in Serbia. In the past, it was saline, and salt was extracted from it. It is shallow (only 2 meters deep), but it is ideal for active leisure, fishing, and enjoyment. The lake was popular as early as the 19th century when it was connected to Subotica by a tram. During that period, a large number of villas and summer houses were built, most of which still exist today. There are thermal-mineral water wells around the lake, so a thermal pool has been built. In line with its long tradition, Lake Palić is now one of the most beautifully arranged excursion sites in Serbia.

Rokin Farmstead

Vojvodina is known for its farmsteads, and some of the largest and most famous ones are located in northern Bačka. The Rokin Farmstead is situated on the banks of Lake Ludoš near Palić. It represents a true example of a preserved and authentic farmstead that existed over a hundred years ago. The farmstead is open to visitors only during the warmer part of the year, and there is no electricity, so food is prepared in an authentic way. The farmstead has been adapted into a museum space, showcasing ethnological and archaeological collections of authentic items from the late 19th century.