Oplenac and Topola

Oplenac is a hill about 3 km above the town of Topola in the Šumadija region of central Serbia, roughly 75 km south of Belgrade. It is the burial place of the Karađorđević dynasty and the site of the Church of St George, a white-marble mausoleum commissioned by King Peter I and built in the early 20th century. Its interior is covered in mosaics that copy medieval Serbian frescoes, made from millions of small pieces of glass, and is among the largest mosaic ensembles in the world. Driving takes about 1 hour 10 minutes via the Ibarska highway. A bus to Topola is slower and less frequent, with several daily departures from the BAS station, and fares should be confirmed there. Group tours also include Oplenac, for example a 6-hour Avala and Oplenac tour at about 12,300 RSD. One ticket covers all Oplenac sites. These include the church and its crypt with the royal tombs, King Peter's House, a residence next to the church, and the nearby vineyards and cellars where the royal family once produced wine. In the valley below, Topola holds the old town of Karađorđe, the leader of the First Serbian Uprising of 1804, with a restored church and the remains of his residence. A good day begins with an early drive and a visit to the Church of St George, including the crypt, followed by King Peter's House and the museum exhibition. Lunch is best taken in Topola or at a hillside restaurant with Šumadija dishes such as roast lamb, kajmak and homemade pies, with wine from Oplenac cellars. In the afternoon, visitors can see Karađorđe's Town and the church of the Uprising before returning. The trip is easy and suits most ages. April to October gives the best weather, and spring and early autumn are especially pleasant when the hills are green or golden. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, when groups and local visitors arrive. The ticket price is not confirmed online, so inquire locally before arriving.