Visit the Temple of Saint Sava – the Spiritual and Cultural Heart of Belgrade

Saint Sava Church

The Saint Sava Church on Vračar is one of the most important Orthodox churches in the world and one of the most recognizable landmarks of Belgrade and Serbia. It stands on the site where, in 1594, the relics of Saint Sava — the first Archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church, enlightener, and founder of Serbian spirituality — were burned by order of Sinan Pasha in an attempt to extinguish the spirit and identity of the Serbian people. It was precisely on this sacred ground, three centuries later, that the idea emerged to build a magnificent church that would stand as an enduring testament to faith and national identity.

The Society for the Construction of the Saint Sava Church was established in 1895. Following an architectural competition, the design, created by architects Bogdan Nestorović and Aleksandar Deroko, was selected, and construction officially began in 1935.

The Second World War and the political circumstances that followed interrupted the construction for more than four decades. Work resumed in 1985, and over the following decades the Church gradually acquired its present monumental appearance, becoming a symbol of the spiritual renewal and unity of the Serbian people.

Built in the Serbian-Byzantine style, the Church dominates the Belgrade skyline with its magnificent central dome rising nearly 80 meters. Covering more than 17,000 square meters and accommodating approximately 10,000 worshippers and visitors, it ranks among the largest Orthodox churches in the world.

One of the Temple’s greatest treasures is its breathtaking interior, adorned with one of the largest and most impressive mosaic ensembles of modern times. More than 17,000 square meters of mosaics, created from millions of stone and glass tesserae enriched with gold leaf, transform the entire interior into a masterpiece of sacred art. The monumental mosaic of Christ Pantocrator, located above the altar, stands as the largest mosaic depiction of Christ in the world.

Beneath the main church lies the spacious Crypt, home to the Church of Saint Prince Lazar and the Serbian New Martyrs, richly decorated with marble, mosaics, and frescoes.

Today, the Saint Sava Temple is not only a place of worship but also one of Serbia’s foremost cultural and tourist destinations. Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world come to admire its remarkable architecture, exceptional artistic heritage, rich history, and profound spiritual atmosphere.

A visit to the Temple offers a unique opportunity to experience centuries of Serbian history, Orthodox tradition, outstanding ecclesiastical art, and contemporary craftsmanship, making this sacred site an essential destination for every visitor to Belgrade and Serbia.

Experience the Temple with Our Professional Guides

A visit to the Saint Sava Church is far more than simply touring one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches — it is a journey through the history, culture, and spiritual heritage of the Serbian people.

Our official licensed guides will introduce you to the Temple’s unique significance as a place where spirituality meets art, and where history comes alive through architecture, symbolism, and tradition.

During your guided tour, you will discover:

Who Saint Sava was and why his life and legacy remain fundamental to Serbian identity;
How the Church was built and the many historical challenges that shaped its construction;
The symbolism behind its magnificent mosaics;
What can be seen in the Crypt and why it is regarded as one of the finest achievements of contemporary sacred art;
What the Temple galleries have to offer;
Why the Saint Sava Church is one of Belgrade’s most visited landmarks and the spiritual symbol of the Serbian nation.

With our professional guides, your visit becomes much more than sightseeing — it becomes an inspiring and unforgettable experience.

Ticket Prices

Group admission with your own licensed tour guide

€5 per person — Main Church and Crypt

Group admission with an official Saint Sava Temple guide

€10 per person — Main Church and Crypt (Duration: approximately 40 minutes)
€20 per person — Main Church, Crypt, and Galleries (Duration: approximately 75 minutes)

Discounts