Banja Kovilajca known since the Romanian times

Belgrade May 25. 2010. (Serbia Today) - Archaeological researches showed that Banja Koviljaca was Inhabited even in Roma times. Just like people in the middle ages, under the walls of “Koviljkin grad”, you can visit the springs of remedial water. Banja Koviljaca is a spa center placed in the western part of Serbia, in Podrinje region. Koviljaca is located on the right bank of river Drina, in the foothills of the mountain Gucevo, at a height above sea level of 125m. Sulphurous mineral waters (of 15-28 degrees of C) and the remedial mud represent natural remedial factors of Banja Koviljaca. Remedy is carried out in the Special rehab hospital “Banja Koviljaca”, along with the application of hydrotherapy, peloidotherapy, magnetic therapy, manual therapy, underwater and vibrating massage.  Banja is surrounded with one of the biggest and the most beautiful parks in Serbia, suitable for walks and recreation. The spa ballroom “Kur-salon” attracts visitors with its beauty, and luxurious interior reminds of the past times and luxurious balls. On the mountain Cer there are remains of the old towns and establishments (Kosanin and Trojanov grad), as well as the memory mausoleum, and in the spa itself are “Koviljkin grad” and Gradac. Close by Banja Koviljaca is Trsic, birth town of Vuk Stefanovic Karadzic Serbian language reformer, with ethno village under protection of the state, which evokes the way of life in Vuk`s time (XIX century). There is also a monastery Tronosa, in which the “Museum of early education of Vuk” is located, where Vuk learned to write. On Drina there are arranged places for recreational fishing, and on Gucevo there is a large number of popular resorts. Banja Koviljaca also have very good travel connections - from Belgrade, it is three hours drive by high way Beograd-Ruma, and then regional road Ruma-Sabac-Loznica-Banja Koviljaca (145km), from Novi Sad by regional road Novi Sad-Ruma-Sabac-Loznica-Banja Koviljaca (143km).  The nearest airport is in Belgrade (135km). The border crossing toward Bosna and Hercegovina is 5km far. Banja Koviljaca has a good road network system with Banja Luka and Sarajevo.

Roland Garros begins, Serbian tennis players receive heavy opposition

Belgrade, May 24. 2010 (Serbia Today) – French Open, the second Grand Slam of the year - Roland Garros, starts on Sunday 23rd May. It will last 15 days. The defending champions are Roger Federer from Switzerland and Svetlana Kuznetsova from Russia. Tournament prize is 16.8 million euros, with the winners in men's and women's singles each expected to earn 1.12 million euros. Serbian tennis players Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic could meet at the French Open in the quarter finals. Ivanovic’s first opponent will be 19-year Chiang Kai Cen from Taiwan, ranked 89 in the world. In the second round, Ivanovic could meet with Alisa Kleybanova from Russia, ranked the 29th tennis player on WTA list. In the same part of the draw as Jankovic and Ivanovic is also the first holder Serena Williams. Jelena Jankovic the 4th seed is expected to play with Astralian Alicia Molik, 95 in the fourth round. Serbian tennis players Viktor Troicki, and Janko Tipsarevic have a difficult path. Tipsarevic, 41st in the rankings, is expected to meet Alejandro Falla in the first round The winner of the match can expect to meet Roger Federer in the second round. Troicki, 40th on the list, will play against Tommy Robredo from Spain in the first round. In the following round, Troicki could meet with Philip Pecner and Michael Juzni who is 13th in the world. Currently the top-ranked Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovich, the third holder and the third in the rankings, will play against Evgeny Korolev from Kazakhstan in the first round.

Stankovic stays in Inter

Belgrade, May, 22.  2010 (Serbia Today)  Officials of Inter football club have offered a new contract to Serbian national football team captain Dejan Stankovic (31), reported Italian media. Stankovic has played 38 matches for Inter and has scored five goals with the same number of assists. Inter has won the Serie A title for the fifth time and with the Italian Cup, reached the double crown. Stankovic arrived in Milan in 2004 has played 192 Serie A matches for Inter. As of the 2009/10 season, he has played more than 400 matches in his career, and scored 95 goals.

Eric Clapton – fascinating guitar show comes to Belgrade

Belgrade, May, 24. 2010. (Serbia Today) - The legendary British guitarist Eric Clapton will perform with Steve Winwood on June 9. at the Belgrade Arena. Ticket prices are 30, 35, 40, 50 and 60 EUR and can be purchased at the ticket office of the Belgrade Arena, SKC - Delphi bookstore, Youth Center, Event, Ticket Service, as well as the site www.arenabeograd.com. Clapton's career began as a 17-year-old part of the Roosters, then played in The Yard birds, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Cream and Blind Faith. The first solo album released in 1970, and the last studio release was an album with JJ Cale, The Road to Escondido. Concert in the Arena will be Clapton’s third in Belgrade – in 1979. He played in Hall Pioneer, and 1984.

Elton John comes to Belgrade

Belgrade, May, 22.  2010 (Serbia Today)  One of the most famous pop musicians of today Elton John will perform on June 3 at the "Belgrade Arena". Tickets for Elton John concert are priced at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 EUR and can be purchased in the Ticket Service," Eventim, the Youth Center, a bookstore "Delphi" in the Student culture center and at the box office of "Arena.” Elton has more than 50 hits that were on the list of 40 most popular, including seven number one songs. He has won Oscars, Grammys, Tonys and Golden Globes. Elton John has been a Knight of the British kingdom since 1997. That same year, the magazine "Billboard" announced that he is the third most successful artists of all time.

Greaters for Belgrade tourists

 
Belgrade May 24. 2010. (Serbia Today) - Belgrade foreign visitors should be prepared for the “Greeters”,  new service of The Belgrade Tourism Organization. As tourist organization of Serbian capital announced the service will be provided by volunteers acting as informal hosts to foreign visitors. They are not tour guides, but their goal is to present their favorite places in the city and the best image of Belgrade to visitors. Of the 500 applicants, 50 underwent training and 20 are ready to start work. The project is modeled after similar services in New York, Paris, Amsterdam and other cities. Belgrade is the first city in southeastern Europe to become a part of the Global Greeter Network. Fifty other cities have applied to become members of the network, said reports.

Nis - european crossroads

 
Belgrade, May, 22. 2010 (Serbia Today) - Nis lies on the crossroads of some of the major Balkan and European roads that connect Europe to Near East, and therefore has, for centuries now, considered to be the gates between the East and the West. Nis was for the first time mentioned in documents under the name of "Via Militaris" in Roman and Byzantine period, while in the Middle Ages it was known as "the Road to Constantinople.” Nis is well-known for its hospitality and delicious food. Mediana  - a royal estate in the outskirts of the antic Nis dating from Roman period (4th century), Fortress  - the best preserved Turkish fortress in central Balkan erected in 1723. on the remains of Roman Naissus, Cele kula (The Skull Tower) - a unique monument with skulls of Serbian rebels built in its walls by the Turks as a reprisal after the battle on Cegar, The monument dedicated to the liberators of Nis  - 1937. Traditional Film Encounters, "Nisvil" Jazz Festival, "Nismonia" Music Festival, 
"The Days of Burek" (burek - national cheese pie made from thin layers of dough and a cheese filling). Nis Spa Center - it is situated only 10 km from Nis at the foot of mountain Suva. Suitable for rest, holidays and excursions. It is very much visited because of its mineral water springs and healing climate. Sicevo Gorge - a protected natural phenomenon, an attractive 17 km long canyon of the river Nisava. Jelasnik Gorge - a special 2 km long natural reserve with waterfalls. Cerjanska cave - 14 km from Nis, near Cerje village, at 515 m above sea level, with karst gems in its underground halls such as stalaktites, stalagmites, stone curtains, pillars. Bajanine waters and Kamenicki peak - places for skiing and sleighing.

Djokovic again behind Nadal, new chance for attack after Paris

Belgrade, May, 21, 2010 (Serbia Today) – Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic dropped by a place in the ATP world rankings, published on Monday, and is now officially the third ranked player of the world. Djokovic has relinquished the second place to Rafael Nadal, who won the Masters Series tournament in Madrid, when he beat Roger Federer. Previously, Nadal won titles in Rome and Monte Carlo, and proved that
he has regained his form, which should make him a big favorite
in upcoming Roland Garros where he has already been champion four times. Viktor Troicki has remained on the 40th place, and in front of Janko Tipsarevic. Ilija Bozoljac drops by five places and he is now 134th in the world, while Philip Krajinovich maintained 209th position.

Jazz and Blues Festival in Kosovska Mitrovica

Belgrade/Kosovska Mitrovica, May, 21. 2010 (Serbia Today) – Eighth International Jazz and Blues Festival North City 2010 will be held in the House of Culture in Zvecan from 20. to 22 May, announced organizers: association "Union - M" from Kosovska Mitrovica. As they announced, this year's festival will open band of the guitarist Peter Rakic, and first night concert will perform the U.S. trombone player Frank Lacy and the Austrian Dusan Novak’s Quartet, as well as alternative rock band “Naked” from Belgrade. On the second night one of the best European saxophonist Tony Lacatos will perform with fellow Roberto Magris. They will present music from different meridians, which is well packed in jaz and fusion composition. That same night to the audience will present pop  singer  Ognjan Radivojevic with his band. Final night will play an American bassist Garry  Willis and his orchestra Triphasic, Festival will close band from Greece Nick & the Backbone. General sponsors of the "North City" Festival are the municipality of Kosovo Mitrovica and the Ministry of Culture of Serbia.

Studenica - History lesson

Belgrade, May, 21. 2010  (Serbia Today)  Monasteries are Orthodox,  cultural and historical heritage of Serbia. Since the 12th century they have been the cultural and spiritual center of Serbia. There is no single state ruler who has not left behind a temple – reminder of his name and importance. Studenica is  one of the largest and richest Serb Orthodox monasteries,  founded by  great ruler Stefan Nemanja (1171-1196), the founder of  independent state Raška and the founder of powerful Nemanjić dynasty (1169-1196), built the Church of the Mother of God, his foundation.  There he rests, not as a ruler, but as a modest monk Simeon, with his wife, nun Anastasia, and their sons, Vukman and Stefan (the First-Crowned). The monastery was founded around 1190 and placed near Kraljevo town 2000 kilometers from Belgrade. Way to Studenica Monastery goes through the Ibar’s “Valley of Centuries” where once was the heart of Serbian medieval state Raška. Studenica was declared  Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 19179 and protected by Republic of Serbia. In 1986 UNESCO included  included  Studenica  monastery on the list of  World heritage Sites. The crucifix and the portraits of the saints at the altar make Studenica a unique monastery. The legend says that, while he was hunting along the Studenica River close to the place where it empties into the Ibar River, the grand county ruler Stefan Nemanja and his escort stopped to rest. Delighted by the nature and guided by the Providence, he decided to build a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Holy Virgin’s Church in Studenica was built in the last two decades of the 12th century. It is one of the most beautiful monuments of Raška architectural style and the most respectable among Serbian monasteries. Its rich sculptural plastics in white Radočelo’s marble has Romanesque-Byzantium forms, and gorgeous wall-paintings personified in The Crucifixion attracts tourists, and modern pilgrims, to gather around it and to admire it. In the year 1986, when it celebrated eight centuries of its existence, Studenica was enrolled in the list of UNESCO world heritage, as a monument of a universal value.  Today, the architecture of Studenica is made of the main monastery church dedicated to the Mother of God, King’s Church (dedicated to SS Joachim and Anna) and St. Nicola’s Church – Nikoljača, and in the scope of the monastery complex there are also the remains of the foundation of St. John’s Church, Sava’s Dining-Room, Tower, Treasury and Dormitories. The Church of the Mother of God, the greatest building of Serbian Middle Age, was built between 1183 and 1196. Its founder and patron was the great ruler Stefan Nemanja. It is one of the most valuable monuments of so called Raška architectural style. The church has the nave, altar room and interior narthex, while exterior narthex was built some later by king Radoslav.  From outside, the Holy Virgin’s Church in Romanesque style, decorated with rich marble plastics of high stylish values. Beside the main portal, the most valuable detail on the fascade of Studenica is three-parted window of the middle apse.  Walking from the Virgin’s Church to the northwest, there is the Church of SS Joachim and Ann, also named, after its founder King Milutin, King,s Church. The inscription on the facade below the roof cornice says: In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, I, servant to God, Stefan Uros, great-grandson to Lord Simeon and grandson to the First-Crowned King Stefan, son to the great King Uros and (myself) King of all Serbian and coastal lands, have built this temple to (celebrate) the name of the sainted righteous antecedents of Christ Joachim and Ann, in the year 1314, indictum 12, and I have contributed a  Chrisovoulia  to the holy church. May God Himself and my sinful self anathemize  whoever changes that. Amen. The church has been built under the auspices of Archimandrite  Protosinkellos  Jovan. King’s Church is constructed in the form of a compressed cross and with a dome octogonal without. It is built of stone and tufa and the facades are plastered. Of particular value are the frescoes inside this little church which date from the second half of the 14th century; they were painted by King Milutin’s favorite artists. Close to Studenica, going upstream the Ibar River towards Raska, there is Gradac monastery, situated at the foot of Golija Mountain. Gradac was a memorial built by French princess and Serbian queen Helen of Anjou. She entered a monastic order and died there. In her honor, as the legend says, king Milutin had lilacs planted along the whole Ibar Valley. Maglic Fortress, the best preserved medieval fortress, is situated on a hill above the valley. Close to Gradac Monastery there is Zica Monastery and its Church of Holy Assumption which was built by Stefan I, the first Serbian king.

Without Serbia in the Board of FIBA Europe

Belgrade, May, 19. 2010 (Serbia today) – Serbia lost its first representative in the Board of FIBA, while the Icelander Olafur Rafnson has been elected for President on Sunday. In addition to the surprise also Predrag Danilovic, president of the basketball club Partizan, did not get a third mandate to the Board. The Secretary General of the Basketball Association of Serbia Zoran Gavrilovic was shocked by the news from FIBA. Predrag Danilovic has not passed the Board which is shocking. But not only that. The highest authority is not operating any place or the representatives of Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and Izreala, and even some basketball respective countries. It is simply shocking”, said Gavrilovic for Sportski zurnal. President of the association Dragan Kapicic, was also surprised of the results of the vote. "That leaves plenty of room for doubt, which certainly is not good for basketball," said Kapicic

Partizan the football champion

Belgrade, May, 20. 2010 (Serbia Today) Partizan Football Club celebrated winning the Serbian football championship title with a last round 6:0 (3:0) win over Mladi Radnik from Požarevac. Partizan won its 22nd national championship with a total of 78 points and a record of 24 wins, six draws and zero losses. The club will compete in the qualifying round of next season's Champions League, while Red Star, OFK Belgrade Spartak from Subotica will play qualifying matches for the Europa League. Mladi Radnik and Kruševac-based club Napredak were relegated from the Serbian Superliga.

A diverse music program at the fest “Mixer”

 
Belgrade, May, 20. 2010 (Serbia Today) - At the regional festival of creativity and innovation from 25. to 29. May in Belgrade, the organizers offered a rich selection of music and DJs programs. The entire music program of the festival, whose coach was selector Gordan Paunovic, will be divided into three parts. In the central part of the music program on the Live Stage, live will perform: “Mistakemistake”, whith ‘sound sculptures’, then, “Horkestar'', ,,Svi na pod!’’, ,,Repetitor’’, ,,Ola Horhe’’, ,,Petrol’’, ,,Zerkman Big Bang’’, ,,Lira Vega’’, ,,SevdahBABY’’, ,,Laura 2000’’, ,,Zemlja Gruva’’ and others. At the Sunset Session DJ performances will have brothers Burazeri, Zeljko Kerleta, Dimitrije Stojanović, Schwab, and a concert will be held by ,,Izgubljeni Vikend & Jesenji Orkestar’’. In the program Party Zone will perform DJ Ichisan & Nakova, Marko Nastic & Kay Kay, T. Raumschmiere, Krishna T, DJ Brka and Maurice Fulton. In addition to the music part of the program, as part of this year's festival will present dozens of participants divided into several parts. Authors will present themselves throughout, literature, paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, photographs, video works and performances in design, architecture, fashion and technology. Regional Mixer Festival of creativity and innovation, will be held from 25 to 29 May in Zitomlin silos, in Dorcol in Belgrade

Drvengrad - Directed by Emir Kusturica

Belgrade, May, 20. 2010 (Serbia Today) Drvengrad is a ethno-village in Mokra Gora,  situated between Zlatibor and Tara mountains . It became popular for its natural and rustic beauty,  but also by the film director Emir Kusturica and his Hollywood friends  Jim Jarmusch and Johnny Depp. Two years ago, Kusturica organized  the first festival of young film directors in Drvengrad. It gave one beginner the opportunity to learn from the workshops of movie veterans as Jarmusch and Depp. Drvengrad  is Kusturica’s  art-architectural  work on Mecavnik hill.  Mecavnik rises above the village of Mokra Gora and is on the same altitude as the old railway station Jatare of the old narrow-gauge railway “Sargan Eight.” Drvengrad is an ethno village built in urban style. There is the entrance gate on one of its ends and on the other a small wooden church built in Russian style and dedicated to St. Sava. In the center there is a square with the ground made of wood and surrounded by authentic log cabins transported from regions in Serbia and Bosnia. Drvengrad has a picture gallery, a library, the cinema “Underground”, a pastry and sweets shop where home-made cakes and natural juices are served, a national restaurant and a souvenir shop. The expert jury of Brussels Foundation for Architecture “Philip Rotie”  proclaimed Drvengrad the best European architectonic achievement in the last three years.

Royksopp: “Fortress show will be special”

Belgrade, May, 19. 2010 (Serbia Today) - One of the most influential world groups, Norwegian electronic music band Royksopp are to appear for the first time in Serbia on 10 July at the Exit Festival in Novi Sad. The duo, comprising Svein Berge and Torbjorn Brundtland, will play on the third festival night on the Fortress. Before coming to Novi Sad they said that they are happy about coming to Serbia. “We are thrilled about coming to the festival – somewhere we’ve never played before. We have always wanted to try new things, explore and meet new people,” said Svein for Blic. He said that the band is full of enthusiasm and that they have heard Exit is an excellent festival. “We are eager to come to new places and that’s why we’ll be playing at the Exit festival. Life is too short to be missing out on any chances. We are full”, said Svein. For the upcoming gig the Royksopp announces show full of energy. “Every moment has to be special. We want to have great fun and create a great party. We want energy, chemistry with the crowd”, says Svein and added that they will be playing songs from the latest album “Senior.” “There will be some remixes of songs from Senior we’ve got prepared for Exit. It’s going to be a great party”, promises Svein.

Novi Sad - The town of culture

Belgrade, May, 19.  2010 (Serbia Today)  - Novi Sad  is the capital of Serbian northern region Vojvodina, most famous for it’s music festival EXIT.  Located only 75 kilometers from Belgrade, Novi Sad is a peaceful  place.  Even though it's relatively small, Novi Sad is tremendously charming, perhaps much because of this blend of traditional and modern ways that have coexisted in this city for a long time. It is also one of the reasons why many visitors come to get to know it better  and  have  some  fun.  Special beauty of Novi Sad is the Danube coast and the beach “Strand”. Novi Sad is also the city of theaters, museums, galleries, interesting cafés, unusual restaurants, little parks, business centers and the Fair which annually holds around 30 international exhibitions.
The most famous locations in Novi Sad are  Dunavska,  Zmaj  Jovina  and Laze Teleckog  Street, the Petrovaradin Fortress, Strand - the most beautiful beach on the Danube, and the famous quay, favorite walking and running path of local residents. Cultural and historic sights you shouldn’t miss are the City Hall, the Bishop's Palace, monument to poet Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj, the Orthodox Cathedral dedicated to St. George, Catholic churchyard, the Petrovaradin fortress, monument to Svetozar Miletic (former Mayor of Novi Sad, writer and politician), the Banovina white house, the Square of newlyweds and the Endowment of Orthodox Bishop  Platon.
The are also numerous cultural and entertainment events you must see. EXIT - International Music Festival, NOMUS - Music Festival, Sterijino pozorje — Theater Festival,  Novosadski  Jazz festival - Novi Sad Jazz Festival,  Zmajeve  decje  igre - Children's Theater Festival,  Medjunarodni  festival  ulicnih  sviraca - International Street Musicians' Festival, Cinema City - International film and new media festival. Very close to Novi Sad you can visit some nearby nature and historical monuments as Fruska Gora - National park with 16 Orthodox monasteries and 14 lakes ore Sremski Karlovci  - a town in the close proximity to Novi Sad and former capital of Serbia, a religious center with churches, castles and wine cellars.

Jelena wins against Ana in Madrid

 
Belgrade/Madrid, May 18. 2010 (Serbia Today) - The world’s number four player in the women’s tennis tour, Jelena Jankovic, beat Ana Ivanovic 4-6 6-4 6-1 in the second round of the tournament in Madrid on Tuesday night. Jelena now takes on home player Anabel Medina Garrigues. Jankovic and Ivanovic played out a match which lasted 110 minutes. Although her serve game is still plaguing her, Ivanovic was much quicker than at some recent matches. Jelena was lackluster in the opening set and Ana took the set 6-4 after some nervous shots from Jankovic went astray. The second set was much closer and both Serbian players took turns in the lead and domination on court. At 3-3 in the second set, Jelena changed her strategy and forced Ana into errors, as Jelena went on a string of four games to take the second set. Ana was visibly disrupted by the loss of the second set and was considerably below her best in the decider.  Jankovic now takes on Anabel Medina Garrigues, who beat France’s Marion Bartoli in the second round 6-2 6-0. The final at the Mutua Madrileña tournament is on 16 May and total prize money is $4.5 million.

Festival EXIT launched Internet TV with videos of concerts

Belgrade, May, 18. 2010 (Serbia Today) - Musical festival "Exit" has got its own Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) whose users will be able to watch free clips from concerts on several biggest stage in the framework of this event. According to a statement "Exit" IPTV channel is located on the site www.exitfest.org section VoD (video on demand). There have already been placed concerts Lilly Allen, bands "Korn", "Buzzcocks”, “Carl Cox”, "Jarboli" and performs a dozen others and the new concerts would be placed every months. "Every month on the 'EXIT' new channel will be placed concerts, and users will be able to exclusively view the most interesting performances, as it was the last year's performance of Moby on the main stage "the statement said.
 

Silver lake – Fishermen paradise

Belgrade, May, 18. 2010 (Serbia Today) - Srebrno jezero (meaning Silver lake) placed in the eastern Serbia, two hours drive from Belgrade. It is called Serbian sea because of its characteristics and beauty and for being one of the clearest and the cleanest lakes in the country. It would not take much to develop the sea into nice beaches suitable for many sports on water.  The lake is 14 km long and 300 m wide. National championship in water skiing takes place on this lake since 2001.  Rowers and windsurfers have been coming here regularly for years. Fortunately, boats with engine  are banned so the lake has been preserved from contamination. The lake is a paradise for fishermen and is rich in perch, carp, robin, bream. Wild bird hunting is possible. Camping on the lake is a tradition. The shades of the black locust wood and mild climate make the stay unforgettable. It is possible to go on excursions to the town of Golubac and se the unforgettable fortress , also  in the category “must see” are the  Nimnik and Tumane monasteries as well as to the  neighboring Romania by boat.  Famous events on Srebrno lake are a competition in preparing fish stew «Alka Nights», Days of Flowers or Pasuljijada (a competition in preparing bean stew).

Stankovic: I’m not preparing any PR tricks for Norway

Belgrade, May, 17. 2010 (Serbia Today) – Serbia’s representative at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, Milan Stankovic, travelled to Oslo, on Thursday. He will appear on 25 May in the semi-finals. “It’s really hard work. Expectations are running high and it increases the responsibility. That’s why I’m trying my best to see this through as best as I can,” said Stankovic for Blic. Before departure Stankovic said that he is not preparing any PR tricks for the competition. “I will try to be normal and my usual, natural self and try to represent Serbia in the finest light possible,” he said. Regarding his cooperation with composer Goran Bregovic, he said that it has been an honour for him to work with him even if he hadn’t won the Serbian trials. He is a great artist and a lot of singers would love to have this opportunity to work with Bregovic, said Stankovic and added there are a few people in the business in Serbia that he can rely on and Bregovic is one of them. Stankovic coldn’t single out any of the songs. “This year pop ballads are predominant, but there is also some Euro-dance sound. We are totally different and that’s a bonus”, concluded Stankovic. The Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Oslo’s Telenor Arena and lasts from 25 to 29 May.

Minister for Sports: The law soon in parliament

Belgrade/ Kraljevo, May, 15. 2010 (Serbia Today) - Minister for Sports and Youth Snezana Samardzic Markovic said in Kraljevo that the Law on Sport will soon be on the agenda of the Assembly, and that the problems in the privatisation of clubs will be solved. During the opening of sports field in the elementary school "Braca Vilotijevic" she said that the state is on track to overcome problems about privatisation of clubs. She stressed that the new Law through a series of paragraphs will contribute that stadiums in Serbia would no longer be arenas of violence. The Minister pointed out that it is unacceptable that school and other sports objects in the country had not been restored more than 30 years, and announced that the ministry will take care of sports infrastructure.

Second Belgrade Foam fest - kingdom of DJs

 
Belgrade, May, 15. 2010 (Serbia Today)  The second, "Belgrade Foam Fest" will take place on 28 August in the "Belgrade Arena", with some of the names that appear on most foam parties in this part of Europe, DJs Axvel, Sebastian Ingroso and Stereo Palma.  Tickets to the event cost 20 EUR and are already are on sale. All detailed information about the festival can be found on the site www.belgradefoamfest.com.

If you need some rest, come to Salas

Belgrade, May, 15. 2010(Serbia Today) “Salas”, Vojvodina’s traditional  landscapes in are  places where  urban dwellers can enjoy some peace of mind.  In northern Serbia you can easily find much-needed rest while enjoying traditional food and drink. Salas is a farm estate, away from urban areas, with a house to live in, accompanying buildings and land. They were built to allow onee to be close to the land. Salas is a  true jewel of the Pannonian plain and a lighthouse of the vast "Pannonian sea", is a genuine monument of Vojvodina's culture. The word salas is of Turkish and Hungarian origin, and means "a protected place" or "asylum.” Nomadic Hungarian people used to have their own "salas", a place of temporary settlement. The most popular Vojvodina  salas are “Majkin salas”, “Salas 84” and “Salas 137”. 
 

GOOOAL official ice of the "Eagles"

 
Belgarde, May, 14. 2010 (Serbia Today) - Company Frikom and Football Association of Serbia signed on Monday, 10 May, a sponsorship contract for the new ice cream to become the official ice cream of serbian team. Sponsorship Agreement was signed by the CEO Frikom Gojko Djosic and Serbian Football Association president Tomislav Karadzic. On each stick of ice cream GOOOAL is a code that allows consumers to enter the Frikom’s world football, play games and win valuable gifts. The daily prize for the best players on the Frikom site is the official jersey of Serbian national football team.

Ralph fiennes finished shooting in Belgrade

Belgrade, May, 14. 2010 (Serbia Today) - British actor Ralph Fiennes finished shooting in Belgrade. This was his directorial debut of the movie, “Coriolanus”. This Shakespearean drama stars Gerard Butle. Vanessa Redgrave, Slavko Stimac,  Dragan Micanovic and  Svetislav Goncic.  After the wrap, they celebrated the occasion in a local club, Oh Cinema.  Hollywood stars Ralph Fiennes and Gerard Butler departed Belgrade on Tuesday May 11. Coriolanus had its first take back in mid March in Pancevo, after which on-set shooting moved to Belgrade. In April, British actress Vanessa Redgrave joined the crew, while Gerard Butler followed a wek later. During their stay in Belgrade,
Fiennes was fully dedicated to the direction process of the film, and only occasionally relaxed in Belgrade’s bohemian quarter  Skadarlija. As Serbia media reported, unlike Fiennes, Butler has partied throughout his stay in Belgrade. One night he was caught by paparazzi kissing Serbian model Martina Rajic.

5th International honey and wine fair in Negotin

 
Belgrade, May, 13. 2010 (Serbia Today) - Tourist Organization of Negotin organize 5th International fair of honey and wine, 12th May. Fair “Negotin 2010” is held within the events the May Festival and Day of the Municipality. Event begins at 5:00 pm in the central square of the town in eastern Serbia. This year the fair will bring together a large number of participants from Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, the producers of honey, wine, souvenirs, medicinal plants, related equipment manufacturers, restaurants and all those involved in the sale, distribution and consumption of honey and wine. In addition to the official program there will be a tasting and lectures on wine and beekeeping. Part of the program also includes the evaluation and declaration of the best wines at the fair. The whole festival will be accompanied by a rich cultural - entertaining program

Querry secures victory at Serbia open

Belgrade, May, 13. 2010 (Serbia today) - A US player Sam Querrey triumphed at the second ATP tournament Serbia Open beating John Isner 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 in Belgrade on Sunday to win the Serbia Open final. A favorite of local audiences Novak Djokovic had dropped out in the quarter-finals. The 22nd-seeded Querrey won his fourth title. With victory in Belgrade, he won 250 points and EUR 67,430, while Isner gained 150 points and EUR 35,400. In an all-unseeded doubles final Sunday at the Serbia Open 2010 , Santiago Gonzalez and Travis Rettenmaier won their first ATP World Tour doubles title with a 7-6(8-6), 6-1 victory over Polish duo Tomasz Bednarek and Mateusz Kowalczyk.  Top-ranked Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic said that he to default the match in the quarter-finals to Philip Krajinovic. Due to allergies, he won't play at a tournament in Madrid. The total prize fund of the Serbia Open was EUR 425,000, and tournament was attended by tens of thousands of people.

Devil ‘s Town - Serbian wonder

Belgrade, May, 13. 2010 (Serbia Today)  Đavolja Varoš (meaning "Devil's Town") becomes very popular after last year’s nomination for the New Seven wonders of nature campaign. Djavolja varos is a peculiar rock formation located in south Serbia on the Radan Mountain near Kursumlija. It features 202 exotic formations described as ear pyramids or "towers", as the locals refer to them. They are 2-15 m tall and 4-6 m wide at the base. These formations were created by strong erosion of the soil that was scene of intense volcanic activity millions of years ago. Most of the towers have "caps" or "heads" of  andesite, which protect them from further erosion. Since 1959, Đavolja Varoš has been protected by the state and in 1995, the Serbian Government declared it a major natural monument, subject to Category One protection. A natural spring is located beneath the formations and has a high mineral concentration. There are two springs: Đavolja voda (Devil’s Water), with extremely acidic water (1,5) and high mineral concentration (15 g/l of water), and Crveno vrelo (Red Well).

Partizan without enough power for the third place

 
Belgrade/Paris, May. 12. 2010 (Serbia today) -Partizan basketball team have secured fourth place at the Euroleague Final Four in Paris, having been defeated by CSKA Moscow 90-88 in the third-place match. The game was decided after overtime, just as in the semi-final against Olympiacos. After an unconvincing first half and facing a 33-22 deficit, Partizan came out strong in the second half, with Jan Vesely going on a run of points and Lawrence Roberts's three-pointer and dunk. On 18 minutes, Partizan had closed the gap to only four points and completely caught up with CSKA Moscow after Aleksandar Rasic;s three-pointer. Before long, Partizan were in the lead, which they managed to maintain. However, a debatable refereeing decision, when Alex Maric was penalised with an offensive foul and Vesely complained to a referee and earned himself a technical foul. CSKA were once again in the lead for a brief moment, as youngster Djekic made sure Partizan were in the slenderest of leads going into the final period. Dusan Kecman provided a mini run at the start of the fourth period to counter points from CSKA's Holden and Siskauskas. CSKA increased the lead to three points. In Partizan's subsequent attack, the Russians did not allow any three-points from Partizan and quickly fouled Maric, who responded by netting both points from the free-throw line. In the dying moments of the overtime, laden with fouls from both ends, CSKA held to their slender lead. Partizan had a chance to clinch the game with the final attack 2.6 seconds from the buzzer, however Bo McCalebb missed a three-pointer for the win and CSKA Moscow claimed the third spot at the Euroleague Final Four with a 90-88 win.

Lord of the dance in Belgrade

Belgrade, May, 12. 2010  (Serbia today) - The famous Irish dance group Lord of the Dance will perform on May 17. and May 18.  in Belgrade's  Center “Sava” , during  their  great world tour. The Irish band is well known for a dance that most resembles the “step dance”.  On the music scene, they presented a combination of traditional Irish dance with attractive costumes and stage effects. The Lord of the Dance  is the only one of  that type,  and their “front man” is also  the founder and leader of the movement Michael Flatley. Before coming to Belgrade and their performance in Sava Center, the management of this popular group did not have any special requirements, except for a special diet. Specifically, they insist on setting the menu weeks before the show. Lord of the dance also insisted on certain kinds of meat, vegetarian alternatives in the menu and healthy meals . During their visit to Belgrade, members of the popular group insist on having large quantities of water, juices, teas and coffee. In their official statement Lord of the dance also announced that they do not intend to try the local specialties, but have heard of the traditional Serbian cuisine, especially the kebab and they are willing to try that after the performance. Tickets for the Lord of the dance performance are on sail at the Center “Sava”  ticket office and cost from 20 to 3

Tourist forum on Kopaonik

Belgrade, May, 12. 2010  (Serbia today) - Mountain Kopaonik , one of the largest tourist centers in Serbia, will host the first "Tourist forum"  from May 13 to May 16.  The aim of the conference is better promotion of Serbia's tourist industry. Ministry of Economy and Tourist Organization of Serbia organized the meeting. The objectives of the forum is to develop untapped tourist resources,  as well to create guidelines for Serbia's tourism development. The conference will gather local tourist organizations, hoteliers and tourist agencies.

EXIT Music festival from July 8.till July 11.

Belgrade, May, 10. 2010 (Serbia today) - The most popular music festival in the Balkans, and one of the most popular in Europe, “Exit” will be held in Novi Sad  from July 8 to  July 11. At the Petrovaradin fortress, visitors can expect  the  world  greatest music attractions such  as Faith No More and David Guetta. One-day tickets for this year's "Exit" will be on sale from May. 14. VIP tickets are currently on sale. These will allow visitors special privileges (costs 250 EUR), and a four-day ticket  (costs 65 EUR).  One-day tickets on the first day of the festival, Thursday  July 8. will cost 30 EUR. Performers that night are  Mika, LCD Soundsystem, Bad Brains, DJ Sedo, Chrome Live, Crookers, and Boys Noize.Price of the tickets for Friday, July 9.  will  be 35 EUR  and will feature Placebo, The Horrors, Does It Offend You, Yeah? For July 10,  tickets will cost  35 EUR, and the audience will be entertained by Klaxons, Röyksopp, Missy Elliott, David Guetta, Dirty South and The exploited. Tickets for Sunday  July 11. will cost 40 EUR and will feature Faith No More, Pendulum, The Chemical Brothers, Castles Crystal, DJ Mehdi, Cathedral, Atenat, Bambi Molesters and many others. 
 

Vrnjacka Banja-Place for healt recreation and fun

Belgrade, May, 10. 2010  (Serbia today) - Vrnjacka banja is the largest and most famous spa resort in Serbia and traditionally a very attractive tourist destination for holiday recreation and  health treatment. The spa is located in central Serbia, about 200 kilometers south of Belgrade. Placed under the  mountains  Kopaonik and Goc,  Vrnjacka  allows you to enjoy the snow in winter,  and avoid high summer heat. Vrnajcka banja  is considered a medical center. Studies have confirmed that seven  springs, possess many medicinal properties and may be especially suitable for diabetics. A large number of hotels (Zvezda, Breza, Fontana, Merkur) and numerous placed for private accommodation in the spa villas make Vrnjacka banja real tourist place. It has hosted numerous cultural events including the famous festival of  film scenarios, and the summer music festival. 

Topola - A field trip into hystory

Belgrade, May, 10. 2010 (Serbia today) To experience Serbia’s struggle against Turkish rule that lasted nearly 500 years and the tradition of the royal family Karadjordjevic, you do not need a time machine. All you have to do is travel 80 kilometers from the Serbian capital Belgrade to Topola, the town of uprising leader Karadjordje.It was during the leadership of Djordje aka Karadjordje Petrovic, between 1804 and 1813, that Serbia started offering serious resistance to the Turkish Empire and restoring its statehood. Karadjordje is known in Serbian history as the leader of the First Serbian Uprising (1804) and is the ancestor of the Karadjordjevic royal line.Today, one can visit Karadjordje’s stronghold, his house and church. A destination that should not be missed is the Legacy House of King Petar I Karadjordjevic on Oplenac hill, which includes a majestic Karadjordjevic family crypt, Petar’s House, the Wine Maker’s House. To view historical monuments, walk through  the pleasant environment of Oplenac hill, and after that great wine from the  Royal Wine Cellar. Royals vineyards used to span about 50 hectares. The entire legacy house used to live off the production of wine from the Royal cellar, built by King Petar’s heir Aleksandar in 1931. Today it is a museum exhibiting old equipment, wine presses and barrels dating back to the 1930s. One can also see the oldest Serbian winery, with bottles from the period between 1931 and 1957. After World War Two, the winery fell into neglect. Production gradually slowed down and finally came to a halt in the 1970s, but was restarted in 2004. Of the planned 50 hectares in the king’s vineyards, 11 have been planted. The wine Sauvignon Blanc is, for the time being, the first and only wine made from grapes from the restored royal vineyards in the total quantity of 20,000 bottles. Representatives of the Legacy House say they will restore the old glory of the Royal Cellar and will produce the best wine in increasing quantities, but according to traditional, natural procedure with no chemical processes.

Arsen Dedic in Belgrade

Belgrade, May 08. 2010 (Serbia today) - Legendary Croatian songwriter and singer Arsen Dedic, will perform a concert on 9 May in Belgrade's Sava Center. Dedic first played in Serbia, after a break of 16 years in 2005. The, he sold out two concerts in Belgrade and one in Novi Sad. His last released album is Rebus from 2008. Dedic is the author of classics such as: “Kuća pored mora", Čovjek kao ja", “Moderato Cantabile" and “Balada o prolaznosti". Croatia Records discography last year published luxury anthology commemorating the half-century career of Dedic, “Dobrotvorov home" with 93 songs. The CD contained “Ljubavni komadi", “Narodne" and “Budnice."

Serbian “Eagles” in new outfits for South Africa

Belgrade, May, 07. 2010 (Serbia today) – The Serbian national football team unveiled the new uniform, which they will use in the World Cup in South Africa. Coach Radomir Antic said that the players will do everything at the upcoming World Cup to represent the country in the best way.The new red uniform was presented in the Belgrade City Assembly. Organizers called it historic; in this uniform the national football team will play as a sovereign nation in the World Cup for the first time .Antic opined that the uniform is nice, and that its quality lies in emblem of Serbia.I promised that it will be soaked with sweat and we will do everything to represent the country in the best way," said coach. He said that it is good that players have had success in foreign clubs, and praised Ivan Obradovic from Zaragoza who returned to the field after injury. “We are aware that we have little time for preparation, but the World Cup is every four years and each player will have to make the effort”, concluded Antic. Besides the uniform presentation, the team displayed other equipment which team and coaching staff will be wearing on the trip, in the hotel and in training in southern Africa.

Ralph Fiennes shooting in Belgrade

Belgrade. May, 07. 2010 (Serbia today) - British actor Ralph Fiennes is directing his debut movie in Belgrade. The filming of  Shakespeare’s classic Coriolanus attracted major attention from the local public. Even Serbian Minister of Internal Affairs, Ivica Dacic, recently visited the cast and crew on set. Dacic said that he wanted to ensure that Fiennes and the crew enjoyed adequate conditions for shooting. On-set assistance during the shooting of Coriolanus is being provided by Serbian As media reported Speaking with Ralph Fiennes, Serbian Minister of Defence, Ivica Dacic, was primarily interested whether the director and leading actor was pleased with the overall treatment the cast and crew have received in Belgrade. Dacic also used the opportunity to meet Gerard Butler, one of the stars of the film. During the visit Dacic witnessed the shooting of scenes of street fighting. During Fiennes’ last year’s visit to Belgrade, Minister Dacic emphasised that the Serbian Police would provide logistics for the film project, not only for the financial reasons, but also as this would be a perfect opportunity for Serbia’s promotion,” “The special police personnel have been coaching me how to move the best possible way, how to assume a position, move alongside corridors and handle weapon. Everything revolves around spontaneous efficiency and plenty of practice. As for me, I’m trying to comprehend the mental process going on in their heads while they are in the middle of a battle and in life-threatening danger,”  Fiennes earlier said about his special training for this movie. .

Fruska Gora– Nature culture and history in one

Belgrade. May, 07. 2010 (Serbia today) Fruska Gora is a National Park in Vojvodina, 16 kilometers from Novi Sad. It attracts nature, culture and history lovers. The main attractions are the numerous numerous protected, rare and endangered species, and 16 orthodox monasteries. The monasteries are famous for their architecture, treasuries, libraries and frescoes and there are various archeological sites from prehistoric and historic times. In particular, tourists should visit the monasteries Hopovo and Krusedol. Fruska Gora is an isolated and narrow island mountain in Pannonia plain. It is flanked by river courses extending to the south and north, with some side ranges with steep slopes, spreading from the main narrow range. Fruska Gora was proclaimed a National Park in 1960 in order to provide it permanent protection and to improve its natural resources and beauty. The area of active protection covers 25.525 ha. Park Fruska Gora is a member of EUROPARC - Federation of Nature and National Parks of Europe. Fruska gora, with a variety of good restaurants, is also place to sample tasty Serbia national food. The most popular restaurants are “Brankov cardak”, “Nasa kuca” i “ Koruska”. Fruska gora is also an excellent place for biking, hiking, hunting and fishing.

Serbia Open Tennis event starts

Belgrade, May 05, 2010 (Serbia Today) - The second Serbia Open tennis tournament officially started on Monday in Belgrade.The ATP World Tour 250 event was opened at the central court of the Milan Gale Muškatirović sports and recreation center. A total of 50 players from 21 countries will take part in the tournament. The Serbian national anthem and a fireworks display marked the beginning of the event, where Serbian best tennis player and world number two Novak Đoković will defend the title.

Yoko Ono, John Lennon and Josip Broz Tito - One conceptual action

Belgrade, April 30, 2010 (Serbia Today) - Immediately after the wedding, in1968, Yoko Ono and John Lennon planted the oak tree dedicated to the idea of the world peace in the yard of the cathedral in Coventry in the UK. Soon, Yoko Ono decided to extend the action and include the world leaders who had the power to make decisions of war and peace. Fifty statesmen received letters and acorns in which Yoko and John explained their anti-war idea and asking acorns to be planted as a symbol of the world peace. Josip Broz Tito also received this invitation. An exhibition of “Yoko, Lennon and Tito - One conceptual action” will be held at the Museum of the history on Saturday May 1 at 12 noon. The documents on action “Acorns” will be presented at the exhibition and other peace-art actions of Yoko Ono and John Lennon from the 1969’s. Among them are drawings of Yoko Ono made on the 40th anniversary of the acorn project, as well as photographs shot by Josip Broz which were exposed at his two solo exhibitions in Maribor and Sarajevo in the early sixties. The authors of the exhibition are: Momo Cvijović (Museum of Yugoslav History, Belgrade), and Sava Stepanov (Golden Eye Gallery, Novi Sad). The exhibition will last until August 1. It will be open every day except Monday, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

The Museum Night

Belgrade, April, 05. 2010 (Serbia Today) - „The Museum Night“ constituted in 2005, is one of the best known cultural events in Serbia, the most visited and only manifestation that engages in a popular way its cultural heritage. More than 170 museums and gallery spaces on the territory of the whole of Serbia will be opened on May 12, 2010, from 6pm-2am.
Seventy locations will be opened in Belgrade, around 30 in Novi Sad, 15 in Valjevo, 10 in Sabac and Nis. The Museum Night will be held also in Kikinda, Zrenjanin, Sombor, Subotica, Vrbas, Zajecar, Aleksinac, Jagodina, Cacak, Kragujevac, Uzice, Sirogojno, Kraljevo, Pancevo, Pozarevac, Vrsac and Vranje.
As in the previous years, this year as well „The Museum Night“ will be accompanied by a unique cultural spectacle, including performances throughout the city, fashion shows, numerous music concerts of local and international bands. The GSP(City Transportation Company) will transport visitors free of charge from location to location, with a ticket for the Museum Night. The Museum night is sponsored by many Cultural Centers and Embassies, and general sponsor of this manifestation is the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia and Secretariat for Culture of the City of Belgrade. For a complete conceptual and executive organization is responsible UPG "Museum Night". This year again, the main sponsor of the event is Telekom Serbia.
This is a unique cultural spectacle presented in more than 120 cities around the world. At the invitation of the Ministry of Culture of France, the Serbian "Museum Night" in 2006 officially became a member of the European Association of Museums Night, whose sponsors are the European Commission and UNESCO.
Art-event production group announced a rich audio and visual program that will use numerous museums and galleries, to attract the attention of hundreds of thousands of visitors, so that all present in the cities where this night will take place, will have the opportunity to see and learn about their cultural heritage.
  

Preparations for Serbia Open

Belgrade, April 25. 2010 (Serbia Today) - Preparations for the Serbia Open ATP Tennis Tournament are near the end and everything seems to be ready for this biggest tennis event on the Balkans according to tournament director Goran Djokovic. Djokovic had mentioned some improvements at the Tennis Center where the tournament will take place: "This year we have devoted much more attention to the organization of the tournament. We expanded the field, which is now the same size as at Roland Garros. We have 9500 seats for the public, which is 1,000 more than last year." Serbian tennis player Viktor Troicki praised the changes on the playground, where he already had several trainings: "It looks better and I hope that the tournament will be better. The list of players is very strong and I am sure that this will be a great tournament. With the support of our public we will achieve good results. " Serbia Open will be held from May 9-15 at the Tennis Center “Milan Gale Muskatirovic”. Some of the players that will take part in the tournament are Novak Djokovic, Viktor Troicki, Janko Tipsarevic, Nenad Zimonjic and Americans John Izner and Sam Querrey, Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, Croat Ivo Karlovic, Russian Igor Andreev and many others.