Subotica – the most graceful city of Serbia
Author: Jelena Stefanović
Located on the north, Subotica is a little charming city full of Central European influence in its architecture – which the city carries with such beauty. Even if it has that familiar Vojvodinian spirit, Subotica is still unique and different from other cities of Serbia.
The thing I love the most about this city is its peacefulness, life without rush, easy steps on the main road and art nouveau style that doesn't look too intimidating but really graceful. It all adds up to feel very welcomed in Subotica.
This city carried multiple different names throughout its history, but I think that Subotica (on Serbian “Subotica” is a diminutive of the word “Subota” that means Saturday) fits the best. I believe the reason for the name is different but to me a visit to Subotica feels like the first day of the weekend, even if it’s actually a Monday.
The peacefulness of this city comes from its people who live the same peaceful life – regardless of the different religion, ethnicity and culture. The beauty of this multicultural city can be felt in every single corner without a doubt. And the stories I could tell just about its religious buildings that look purely European! Subotica has it all – the Cathedral, Franciscan spiritual centre, Orthodox churches, Synagogue and mosque. Because of this, Subotica is like a miniature of the world, an ideal world where there is no difference, where everyone respects everything and where all live in harmony. I hope the residents are proud of this because they really ought to.
Subotica has rich and long history. So the city can gladly please us with its stories, especially the one about Jovan Nenad, the self-proclaimed emperor from the 16 century, and about the famous Maria Theresa that became very important for Subotica for giving the royal city freedom two centuries later.
One thing people of Subotica are proud of when highlighting their tourist attractions are the buildings in the art nouveau style, which I already mentioned as graceful. The style is quite discrete, moderate, tasteful and gives a real effect of luxury on the few buildings that we can spot it on.
It’s visible even on the building that’s also the city's symbol – City Hall with its tower that thrusts out and greets us when we enter Subotica. The tower stands out even on the surrounding roads of the opaque flat Pannonia, and you can even enter it and see the view of the roads from it. To be on the roof of the north Serbia is a real treat!
Except its protruding tower, its luxurious stained glass and its symbol of the city status, the City Hall carries many more roles that the guides will eagerly tell you about when you visit.
While walking through the city, you shouldn’t miss the aforementioned Synagogue that looks so massive yet architecturally very coherent with the art nouveau style attaining a special charm.
Still, when the walk takes us to the Reichel Palace, we can’t help but stop and stare at all the magnificent details. Of course, it’s in art nouveau style, but you can never get bored of this style in Subotica. There are so many details present on the building that in some moments it can even remind of Gaudi’s style.
Subotica is the city of art nouveau style, but if you’re a lover of oldest moments in architecture then the building of the National Theatre is there with its tall white Corinthian columns on the main square next to the City Hall, a typical example of neoclassical style.
One of Subotica's advantages is its proximity to one of the most beautiful Serbian lakes. Lake Palic is really close; either you arrived by car or you'd use the public transport which is very nicely organized. In just a few minutes you’ll find yourself in a real natural oasis. The greenness from the park and the blueness of the lake will bring you the same essense of serenity as the city itself, though you’ll find peace here that only nature could bring.
Cute houses by the lake are a little scattered from one another, so they seem lonely, but it’s important to say that they carry the same spirit you can see in the city center.
As expected, even on the lake you can spot the art nouveau style, especially on the Palic watercourse and Female stand.
If you want you can sit next to the lake and eat something or even drink a cup of coffee or a glass of fine wine (which this region is rich with!), Palic lake has all the capacities but there are also numerous choices of traditional farms nearby.
If you had enough of the rush and loud noise, Subotica and its surroundings are the best part of Serbia where you can relax, slow down, drink a glass of high quality wine and enjoy the beauty of a city that has style. After a visit to Subotica one can only assume that life is indeed beautiful.