One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, a white marble and granite dome rising above the Vračar plateau on the site where the Ottomans burned the relics of Saint Sava in 1594. The interior mosaics, including the gold dome mosaic, have been completed in stages. The crypt of Saint Lazar is richly mosaicked.
The Temple of Saint Sava stands on the Vračar plateau at Krušedolska 2a, one of the highest points in central Belgrade, Serbia, and is counted among the largest Orthodox churches in the world. It marks the site where the Ottoman authorities burned the relics of Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian church, in 1594. The exterior is clad in white marble and granite, and the central dome is visible from many parts of the city, which makes it a useful orientation point when walking between Slavija Square and the old town. Inside, visitors find a vast, open interior whose walls and domes have been decorated in stages, so some areas show finished gold-ground mosaics while others remain bare stone. The gold mosaic in the main dome is the centrepiece and is best appreciated from the middle of the nave, looking straight up. Beneath the church, the crypt of Saint Lazar is richly mosaicked and has a quite different, more intimate atmosphere; access to the crypt and the gallery level follows a visitor schedule and is paid, with guided groups typically charged about 600-1,200 RSD. Entry to the main church is generally free, and the building is open daily from roughly 7:00 to 19:00, though visitors may be asked to wait or step out during services. Most visits take one to one and a half hours, including a slow walk around the exterior plaza, where the scale of the building is easiest to grasp. For photographs, the broad plaza to the south gives a full view of the facade, while the park-like surroundings offer angled shots of the dome. Crowds build on Sundays and Orthodox feast days, when services draw worshippers and the interior can feel busy; weekday mid-mornings are the calmest period. At dusk the dome is lit and the exterior looks especially striking. Modest dress is expected: shoulders and knees covered, and men are asked to remove hats inside. Because the building remains partly under decoration, a few areas may be screened off, and visitors should treat the site as a working place of worship rather than a museum.
| Admission | Adult Church entry generally free; guided access to the crypt and gallery is paid, about 5-10 EUR (600-1,200 RSD / ~$6-12) per person for guided groups · Child Children and school groups free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, roughly 7:00-19:00; closed to visitors during some services; crypt and gallery by visitor schedule |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Mid-morning on weekdays; at dusk when the dome is lit |
| Getting there | 10-minute walk from Slavija Square (trams and buses stop at Slavija); route planners show the stop 'Hram Svetog Save' |
| Address | Krušedolska 2a, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia |
Location
Krušedolska 2a, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
44.7983, 20.4688 View on map
Highlights
- White marble and granite exterior crowned by a large central dome
- Gold dome mosaic in the nave
- Richly mosaicked crypt of Saint Lazar
- Site linked to the 1594 burning of Saint Sava's relics
- Illuminated dome at dusk
Tips for visiting
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, and remove hats inside.
- Church entry is generally free; the crypt and gallery are paid, about 600-1,200 RSD for guided groups.
- Visit on weekday mid-mornings to avoid service-day crowds.
- Allow 1-1.5 hours including the exterior plaza.
- Walk about 10 minutes from Slavija Square, which has tram and bus stops.
When to visit
Mid-morning on weekdays is calmest, and dusk shows the lit dome at its best. Sundays and feast days are the busiest.
Accessibility
The main floor is largely level and open, which suits most visitors, though the approach involves steps from the surrounding plaza. Check on site for step-free access to the crypt and gallery levels.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Temple of Saint Sava take?
Most visitors spend one to one and a half hours. Adding the crypt and gallery can extend the visit.
Is entry free?
Entry to the church itself is generally free. Guided access to the crypt and gallery is paid, at roughly 600-1,200 RSD.
Is the interior finished?
The mosaic decoration has been completed in stages, so some sections are finished while others are still bare.