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Avala photo By Miljan Simonović By Miljan Simonović

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Avala, Serbia

Avala is a mountain in Serbia, overlooking Belgrade. It is located in the southeastern corner of the city. This mountain provides a great panoramic view of Belgrade, Sumadija and Vojvodina, as well as the surrounding area on all sides since is mostly lowlands.

It is a low type of the Pannonian Island Mountain, though it is actually the northernmost mountain in Sumadija. The mountain is built of Serpentinite, limestone and magmatic rocks, which are injected in the shape of a cone. It is 511metres (1,677) above sea level.

Avala is open to tourists to visit. This Tower is open from 9 am to 4 pm during winter and from 9 am to 8 pm during high seasons. It is a must-visit location and I recommend it to all tourists visiting Serbian.

1. The Name of the Mountain has Significant Meaning

Avala mountain has not been named a name from anywhere. It was given a name with significant Meaning. The name ‘Avala’ is of Oriental origin and comes from the Arabic word ‘Havala’.

 This name means wonderful observation or viewing point. The name of the mountain was significant since the mountain provides a great panoramic view of Belgrade, Vojvodina and Sumadija and the surrounding area of the mountain since is mostly lowlands.

2. Avala is a Habitat of Plants

A nice spring meadow at the Avala hill near Belgrade, Serbia Photo by Own work

Avala is a small mountain and despite that, it is known for its diverse plant life. It is estimated that there are 600 plant species living on the mountain.

Some plants are protected by law as natural rarities such as the Box tree, Black broom, common holly and martagon lily. In Avala mountain, there are abundant medicinal herbs as well, like belladonna and early-purple orchid. The plants make up more than 70% surface of the mountain forested.

3. It is Home to Several Animals

This mountain acts as home to different species of birds. It is estimated that approximately about 100 species of birds live in Avala.

A total of 21 bird species that live in Avala are strictly protected. Some of these birds which are protected include the Eurasian sparrowhawk, Europe honey buzzard and European green woodpecker among others. Other species that are not protected are like the Stock dove, common kestrel, Eurasian scops owl and common buzzard among others.

4. Avala Tv Tower is Located on Avala

Avala Tv Tower photo BY-SA 3.0

Avala Tv Tower was constructed in 1965, it was 202 metres high hence becoming one of the tallest structures in the Balkans.

 It was constructed by the architect Ugljesa Bogunovic,( a Serbian architect from 1922 -1994, among Belgrade’s and the country’s most prominent),  architect Slobodan Janjic ( a Serbian futsal player who plays for CS Informatica Timisoara and the Serbia national futsal team), and M. Krstic.

The tower was destroyed in 1999 during the NATO bombing of Serbia. In 2006, the reconstruction began and was officially opened at a ceremony on April 21, 2010. The new tower is the exact replica of the tower which was destroyed.

5. Avala Functioned as Quarantine During 1972 Yugoslav Smallpox Outbreak

Mount Avala has been of great impact on Serbia people. It is interesting to know that in 1972, during the 1972 Yugoslav smallpox outbreak, Avala operated as a quarantine. This was to separate the sick and healthy and to prevent more spread of smallpox.

The sick persons were first placed in the mountaineering camp known as ‘Carapicev Brest’, which was adapted into the ad-hoc hospital. After the patients were quarantined in Avala camp were later relocated closer to the main road, in the ‘1000 Ruza’ motel.

6. Avala is Easily Accessible

Avala mountain is easily accessible since is well connected with Belgrade and other parts of Serbia via roads, highways and railway.

 In case you want to visit this amazing mountain from any corner of Serbian don’t worry about means of transport since they are available and at an affordable price to any social class.

7. Tourist Attraction Site

Avala is a tourist attraction site. Some of the attractions and capacities on the mountain include Avala Tower, it is a landmark that was destroyed during the 1999 Nato bombing of Serbia and was later reconstructed in 2010 and opened in 2017. This tower has a restaurant, sports field and outdoor gym.

Another attraction site for tourists in Avala is the hotel Avala which was built in 1928 by the Russian architect Viktor Lukomsky, the weekend -settlement on the southern slopes and Tresnja resort, in the southernmost extension of the mountain among others.

8. Avala has Several Monuments

There are several monuments located in the Avala Mountains. These monuments are special attractions of the Avala. Some of these monuments include Memorial Park which was dedicated to the victims of World War II.

Monument to the Soviet war Veterans was dedicated to the members of the Soviet military delegation who died in an aeroplane crash on the Avala on October 19, 1964. Monument to the Unknown Hero is also another Avala Monument dedicated to the Unknown Serbian soldiers from World War I.

Lastly, is the Monument to Vasa Carapic which is dedicated to Vasa Carapic, one of the leaders of the First Serbian Uprising in 1804.

9. A Traditional Camp of Serbian Mountaineers is Held on Avala

Every year from July 1 to July 10 in Serbia a traditional camp of mountaineers is held on the Avala. Several activities take place and competitions among mountaineering activities are held in Avala.

Some of the activities that mountaineers take competition in during this period include Orienteering, Climbing, on an outdoor Climbing wall, mountain biking not forgetting mountain running.

I recommend this place to all mountaineers as is the best place to enjoy and show your skills. In case you need to participate make the calendar and register yourself when the time comes in advance to be allowed to participate.

10. Avala is a Ski Center

In 1929, the first skiing competition in Yugoslavia was held on Avala. The first local, Serbian competition after World War II was as well held here in the year 1946.

The route used was the one starting at the logger’s cabin and ending all the way to the foothills above Ripanj. For the lovers of Skiing, this is the best place for you. I recommend you visit this mountain and have fun.