Setted streets, old buildings, facades refurbished in the spirit of authentic town houses that withstood the test of time and now stand romantically weathered, waiting to seduce, bringing the days long gone to the present moment
According to many Belgradians, but also numerous tourists, Kosancicev Venac (“The Wreath of Kosancic”) is the most beautiful of the three wreaths spread from Knez Mihailova Street to Varos-Kapija, named after renowned heroes from the battle of Kosovo. The wreaths of Obilic, Toplica and Kosancic represent more than just a string of streets; they could very well be the most beautiful parts of the Old Town, having remained attractive throughout different periods of Belgrade’s history and suited the taste of many a generation.
This part of city centre has been going through a detailed reconstruction for quite some time, since it is a must-see site for all the visitors of the Serbian capital, especially due to its central location. Together with the quiet streets of Vracar, Slavija, Terazije, Knez Mihailova Street and Kalemegdan, the three wreaths surrounding the old city gate of Varos-Kapija certainly count among the locations that define the beauty and individuality of Belgrade. Therefore, as soon as you turn left from Knez Mihailova, if you are walking from Terazije, you enter a special part of town, similar to the ones that every European metropolis has. These are the most popular zones of city centres that, even though they are at the very heart of the city, harbour a certain intimacy and serenity. After a whole string of cafes at Obilic Wreath, a light break in the park of Vojvoda Vuk at Toplica Wreath, from Pop Lukina Street every visitor of Belgrade will get the first view of the Kosancic Wreath, which holds the greatest richness of cultural heritage and historical landmarks.
Kosancic Wreath, frequently featured in art and literature, represents a group of streets that have maintained the original form of an urban settlement from the second half of 18th century, when the history of this small, but significant quarter of the capital began. Its setted streets, old buildings, facades refurbished in the spirit of authentic town houses that have withstood the test of time and still stand, ready to seduce, romantically weathered, bringing the days long gone into the present moment. The remnants of the old Singidunum are here, too, the historic sites and necropolises, witnesses of Belgrade’s history during the period of Classic Antiquity. It is this heritage that gives Kosancic Wreath its poetic and material value.
The oldest buildings originate from 1815. The wreath is located between the Cathedral Church and the Residence of Princess Ljubica on one side, and the river bank on the other. It was the site of the National Library that was destroyed during the bombing of Belgrade in 1941. Other remarkable landmarks show that this is a crossroad of many different ancient periods. At the site of the National Bank, during the ancient times, there stood a temple of Jupiter with a typical sacrificial altar, while city thermal baths were located right below the former Faculty of Theology. The street is also the home of a monument to the hero of the battle of Kosovo in 1389, after whom it was named – Ivan Kosancic. According to the epic poems from that period, he was renowned for his exceptional beauty.
photo: Dragan Bosnić
Kosancic Wreath also offers an extraordinary experience of the river. After a string of buildings, a panoramic view of Novi Beograd suddenly breaks before the visitor, standing in stark contrast to the Wreath itself. Pleasant coffee shop gardens, small galleries and restaurants can still be found here – in other words, facilities that complete the experience of this street which was, and still remains, one of the synonyms for Belgrade.
autor: Miloš Paripović