Serbia

4
Foreword
Most widely known to the rest of the world as the birthplace
of Constantine the Great (p 10), Niš has spent the
past decade or so both modernising its infrastructure
and embracing its rich cultural past. The recent addition
of some first-rate hotels and chilled out hostels (p 19)
guarantee visitors will find a great place to stay no matter
their budget, and the wide selection of dining options (p
24) likewise caters to all tastes and wallets (although as
with elsewhere in the region vegetarians will be looked
upon with some combination of sorrow and amusement).
Of course most tourists visit Niš for the sights,
and there is plenty to see and do, including several great
museums (p 34), some breathtaking natural wonders (p
36) and the world-famous Niška Banja spa complex just
outside of town.
Although it may have yet to attain the international recognition
of the capital Belgrade or second city Novi Sad,
as Serbia's third largest city and cultural heart of the
country's south, Niš boasts an unparalleled historical
legacy and enough modern attractions to put it on par
with any city in the region, and of course never fails to
deliver when it comes to the legendary Serbian sense of
hospitality. Add to this the inevitable arrival of inexpensive
travel options from Western Europe now that Serbia has
finally been extended visa free travel to the Schengen
zone, and there has never been a better time to visit this
warm, welcoming, dynamic city on the move.
Cover story
In a region awash with Roman
ruins, Mediana is indisputably
one of the most important archaeological
sites. Comprising
the best-preserved part of the
ancient city of Naissus, Mediana
was both the birthplace and
long-time home of Constantine
the Great, and was also used
by several other emperors after
his death in 337. The city was
eventually abandoned after
being levelled by the hordes of
Attila the Hun in 441, and today is home to a museum,
as well as many well-preserved and restored structures.
Read more about Mediana on page 34.
ESSENTIAL CITY GUIDES
Niš In Your Pocket
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Tourist Organisation of Niš
Voždova 7
18000 Niš, Serbia
tel. (+38118)523 118
www.nistourism.org.rs
CIP - Katalogizacija u publikaciji
Narodna biblioteka Srbije, Beograd
ISSN 1821-4576
COBISS.SR-ID 173535244
Editorial
Editor Yuri Barron
Writers WilIiam Dunn, Yuri Barron
Editorial Contributors
Natalija Živanović, Nebojša Krstić
Design Boba Jovanović
Layout Milan Komlenić
Research Natalija Živanović, Jelena
Petrović
Photos Dragan Bosnić (cover photo),
BG Info Box gallery, Ton gallery Niš,
Maps Tourist Organisation of Niš,
BG Info Box
Sales & Circulation
General Manager Saša Marjanović
Sales & Circulation BG Info Box
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