Watched over by a centuries-old tower, Vršac is a historic city in the Banat region of Serbia. It was originally inhabited by the Agathyrsi people and settled by the Slavs in the 6th century before becoming part of the Kingdom of Hungary during the medieval period. Vršac was destroyed by the Ottomans in the 16th century but was quickly rebuilt as a garrison town.
Things to do in Vršac
Rising atop a hill to the east of the city centre is Vršac Castle, which is believed to have been built by the Serbian Despot, Đurađ Branković, in the 15th century. Only its fortified keep remains today and can be accessed along a short hiking trail. From the hilltop, there are sweeping views across the surrounding countryside, all the way to Romania on a clear day.
Also nearby is the Mesić Monastery, which legend states was built by Arsenije Bogdanović in 1225. Designated as an Immovable Cultural Heritage of Exceptional Importance, it centres around a beautiful church built in the Raska architectural style. Within the church is a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary painted in 1803.
Occupying a 19th-century hotel is the Vršac City Museum, where you’ll find exhibits related to the archaeological, ethnographic and natural history of the region. You can learn about the life and legacy of the Serbian painter Paja Jovanović and get up close to an antique high-wheel bicycle. The town’s oldest pharmacy has been transformed into the Pharmacy on Stairs and houses a collection of antique pharmaceutical equipment.
Getting around Vršac
Vršac is around 1.5 hours' drive from Belgrade and Nikola Tesla Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Regular buses connect to Vršac and the city centre is compact enough to explore on foot.