Mount Avala: Avala Tower & Monument to the Unknown Hero
Авала
A forested hill 16 km south of the city. The rebuilt Avala Tower's observation deck overlooks the whole city, and the summit holds a monument designed by Meštrović.
Mount Avala rises to about 511 metres, roughly 16 km south of the city centre. Its dense forests make it a popular weekend escape for locals. On the hillside stands the Avala Tower, about 205 metres tall. The original was destroyed in the 1999 NATO bombing and rebuilt in 2010 to its original design. The tower has a triangular cross-section, and a lift takes visitors up to the observation deck for a 360-degree view of Belgrade and the Šumadija hills. At the summit is the Monument to the Unknown Hero, designed by sculptor Ivan Meštrović in 1938: a black granite temple surrounded by eight female statues dressed in the traditional costumes of Yugoslavia's various peoples, imposing and solemn. Tower admission is a few hundred dinars (check on site). Getting there: about 30 minutes by car or taxi. Note: The observation deck may close on windy days.
Opening hours
Tower approx. 09:00–20:00 (shorter hours in winter; confirm on site)
Nearby sights
- Royal Compound (Dedinje)
- Museum of Yugoslavia
- Topčider Park & Prince Miloš's Residence
- Church of Saint Sava
- Nikola Tesla Museum
- Museum of African Art
- St. Mark's Church
- House of the National Assembly