Church of Saint Sava, Belgrade

The Church of Saint Sava stands as an imposing and majestic landmark in the heart of Belgrade, Serbia. This magnificent Serbian Orthodox church is one of the largest church buildings in the world and dominates the city's skyline with its grandeur and spiritual significance. Constructed on the Vračar plateau, the church is dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church and an important figure in medieval Serbia.

With its construction beginning in 1935, the church has been a labor of love and dedication for the Serbian people. It was built on the location where it is believed that the Ottomans burned Saint Sava's relics in the 16th century, making it a site of profound historical and emotional resonance for the faithful. The building's architecture is styled after the famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, with a central dome that rises to a height of 70 meters, and is topped with a gold-plated cross extending 12 meters higher.

The interior of the Church of Saint Sava is adorned with intricate mosaics, marbles, and artworks that are a testament to the craftsmanship and artistic heritage of Serbia. The central dome is decorated with a breathtaking mosaic of Christ Pantocrator, a common theme in Orthodox iconography representing Christ as the ruler of the universe.

The church covers an area of 3,500 square meters on the ground floor alone and can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers. Despite the fact that the construction of the church has been lengthy and at times fraught with delays, its partial completion has allowed for church services and visitors to be welcomed since the 2000s. The exterior of the church is primarily white marble and granite, giving it a radiant appearance, especially when bathed in sunlight.

The Church of Saint Sava is not only a place of worship but also a cultural hub, housing a library, a museum, and a grand hall used for various functions. It stands as a symbol of the Serbian nation's faith, resilience, and artistic achievement.