Detailed review by DaniUKLondon
DaniUKLondon
London, United Kingdom98%
Hram Svetog Sava is the largest Eastern Orthodox Christian cathedral in Serbia. It's the second largest in the Balkans and amongst the largest in Europe. The architectural style is Byzantine. It was decided in 1895 to build the Cathedral then planned, although construction did not begin until 1935. Construction was stopped during WWII and begun again in 1985 and will go perhaps into the next decade as it still looks fairly baren on the inside but mostly finished on the outside.
Historically speaking: St Sava was Prince Rastko Nemanjic named Sava as a young monk when he joined a monastery at Mt Athos Greece. He and his father restored another monastery there called Hilandar which became a centre for Serbian monks. He was canonised first Archbishop, and founder, of the Orthodox Christian Church in Serbia and lived in medieval times from 1175-1235. The Cathedral is being built in the borough of Belgrade called Vracar thought to be the very place where the Saint's remains were brought and burned by Ottoman Turks in 1595.
I understand the Cathedral will be able hold up to 10,000 people inside although this is a bit hard to imagine even when you are inside (it sounds a bit much). It's said the choir loft will be able to hold up to 800 people. There is a lower level which contains a crypt of the Saints relics but no access to the lower level. There are bell towers and they contain 50 bells which are massive in size and sound.
Must See: This cathedral is worth an hour on your own to walk around inside and outside and take photos. It is free of charge to enter on your own and see local craftsmen at work on the marble, tile, and woodcarvings. There is a lot of scaffolding inside. There is slow but steady progress going on inside of the dome, ceiling and walls. The dome is 70m high and provides plenty of light coming in. The floor is currently unfinished except for the marble of the altar. On the outside the cathedral is surrounded by a large garden with some park benches and large area to walk around.
The structure is huge and reminds me of a beacon to the centre of the City which helps to subdue the homliness of the architecture in the centre. It's hard to miss seeing it from any direction for its size and most of the exterior is finished in white granite. There are 3 large wooden carved front entry doors and they are usually closed. There are also sets of doors on the sides and the back where I entered. You cannot understand the size of the structure until you enter one of the doors and walk in and see the scaffolding. When I walked in and to the centre and looked up at the dome it was absolutely dizzying and beautiful. As I was looking up, I saw something moving and it was a workman waving to me. He looked the size of a tennis ball. I could barely see him.
I believe donations may be the only current funding source for construction work. It's not apparent in English from the little or no signage. There is a vendor selling icons, candles, small wooden crosses, books, and other souvenirs for very cheap prices. I have visited twice and left behind all spare coin and bills in the mind set this little bit will somehow help the efforts and get this magnificent structure ready for completion in the near future. It is a truly impressive structure and will beautify with each working day and is worth the trip.
Accessibility: Easily accessible via car, bus, taxi, tour coach, bicycle or on foot. There is limited street parking but you may luck out and find a space if you are willing to walk a bit. There are no public toilets. You would have to go to a nearby café. There is a bus stop in front of the cathedral and the cathedreal itself sits off the road about 100 metres and located next to the central library and a small park and green area. Ask any local and they will know how to direct you.
Cathedral of Saint Sava8
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