Sremski Karlovci

Sremski Karlovci is a small baroque town in the Srem region of Vojvodina, about 60 km from Belgrade on the Danube side of Fruška Gora. By car the journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes; by public transport it takes about 2 hours, usually by bus to Novi Sad and then a local bus from Novi Sad, so a car or a group tour combined with Novi Sad is the most practical choice. The town was the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Metropolitanate and later the Patriarchate, and it hosted the 1699 Treaty of Karlowitz that ended the war between the Ottoman Empire and the Holy League. Its centre, Trg Branka Radičevića, holds the main attractions within a few minutes' walk: the Four Lions Fountain, the Patriarchate Palace, the Orthodox Cathedral of St Nicholas, the Roman Catholic church, the Town Hall, and the Karlovci Gymnasium, one of the oldest Serbian secondary schools. The Chapel of Peace on Tronoš hill marks the site of the treaty signing and gives a view over the vineyards. The area is known for wine, including the sweet spiced dessert wine Bermet, and several family cellars and the Museum of Beekeeping and Wine-related collections welcome tastings. A suggested day starts with a late-morning arrival, an hour in the central square and churches, a walk to the Chapel of Peace, lunch at a tavern serving Srem dishes such as grilled meats and fish stew, and an afternoon wine tasting before heading back. Spring and early autumn are the best seasons, with the grape harvest in September and October adding atmosphere, while the summer midday heat can make walking tiring. The town is small, so half a day is enough, and combining it with Petrovaradin and Novi Sad or the Fruška Gora monasteries fills a full day. Cellars often need advance notice for tastings, particularly outside the high season and on weekdays.