Saint Mark's Church

Overview

Saint Mark's Church is a large Serbo-Byzantine church in Tašmajdan Park, modelled after the medieval Gračanica Monastery in Kosovo. Its striped facade of alternating red and yellow brick and stone makes it one of Belgrade's most visually distinctive buildings.

Highlights

• Serbian Monarchs' Tombs: The church contains the sarcophagus of Emperor Stefan Dušan, the most powerful medieval Serbian ruler.
• Byzantine-Revival Architecture: The design faithfully reproduces the cruciform plan and five domes of the 14th-century Gračanica Monastery.
• Icon Collection: Notable 19th- and 20th-century Serbian Orthodox icons line the nave.

History

Construction began in 1931 and continued intermittently until 1940, when the exterior was largely complete. The interior has never been fully decorated with frescoes as originally planned, giving it an unusually austere atmosphere. The transfer of Emperor Dušan's remains from Kosovo in 1927 preceded the church's construction.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Combine with a stroll through Tašmajdan Park, which surrounds the church.
• Tip 2: The interior is sparse but the sheer scale and the play of light through the high windows are worth seeing.
• Duration: 15–30 minutes.