Art Nouveau style town
Subotica is a Serbian city with some 100,000 inhabitants located very close to the Hungarian border. The city experienced major growth during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, helped by the development from 1896 onwards of an important railway link, which encouraged many traders, artisans and financiers to settle in the city. Alongside this growth, various buildings were constructed following different neo-European and academic styles.
Situated in the far north of the country
The City of Subotica is located on the north of the Republic of Serbia, along the main European corridors and between two rivers: the Danube and the Tisa.
Rich cultural heritage assets, lavishly decorated buildings, multicultural spirit and European charm – these are the features that make this city distinctive. Subotica is known for its relaxed atmosphere, good food and quality wines.
Festivals, events, concerts, vibrant cultural life all year long are a reason more to visit our city. On top of that, Subotica offers a lot of interesting places for rest and leisure, for activities around the lakes, on horse-farms, farmsteads, in forests and hunting areas.
Art Nouveau Architecture
At the turn of the nineteenth and the twentieth century, the boiling events in Europe in the fields of art, science and life arrived via Budapest to Subotica as well- at that time, two cities within the same country. It was a period of peace and economic prosperity, when Subotica was at the peak of its architectural development. Changes that originated in Europe slowly found their way in Subotica’s architecture as well, but were further developed in two directions, in two distinct currents.
While one current gravitated toward European cities such as Munich, Vienna, Paris and London, the other, more dominant one, turned to the national, Hungarian version of Art Nouveau- Secession. Although the European current was more abundant, the Hungarian version, with only few buildings, yet exceptional for their location, size and purpose, dominates Subotica and makes it worthy of the name City of Secession. These buildings are, of course, the City Hall, the Synagogue, the Raichle Palace, banks…
City Hall dominates the city centre
Unlike many European towns, in Subotica the City Hall dominates the city centre instead of a church or a cathedral. The City Hall is a master peace of Hungarian version of Art Nouveau built in 1912. It is flanked by a park with a fountain and a vast square where many concerts and bazaars are organized throughout the year. It is surrounded by the building of People’s Theatre that is undergoing a major reconstruction. Originally it was a classic style building characterized by six Corinthian columns. On the Eastern side of the square there is a neo-baroque building of The Public Library. The two Atlases carrying one of the nicest balconies in the city make this building charming.
The Emperor Jovan Nenad Monument in the middle of the square represents a controversial historical figure. He styled himself emperor and pronounced Subotica his capital in 1527, but all lasted for a very short period of time. Not far from the monument there are two fountains. The Green Fountain (1985) and the Blue Fountain (2001) are the pearls of the city centre. Both were made of Zsolnay tiles, likewise all decorative ceramics and roof tiles of the city’s Art Nouveau buildings.
Lake Palić is near
Just 8 km from Subotica, Lake Palić (Palićko jezero) is 8 km long, 950 meters wide and 2 meters deep. The lake’s healing waters have attracted visitors since the 19th century, when its first spa was built.
Secrecy of its landscape has always been locked deep in the heart of visitors. Lake, luxurious parks, eccentric buildings from the early 20th century, an unusual peace and quiet make Palić ideal place to rest. Luxury hotels, villas and the top gastronomic offer are the features that will make you recognize and remember Palić. Promenades, beaches, bike trails, cultural, entertainment and sport facilities, as well as a variety of events are complementing the offer of this tourist destination.
Stallion spirit
The Kelebija horse farm, the largest in Serbia, is home to 70 Lipizzan horses. Here you can enjoy horseback riding and a beautiful carriage ride in a stagecoach that dates back to 1700. A carriage ride for wedding guests is a popular tradition in Subotica.
Located 30 km from Subotica, Zobnatica is a must-see destination for the horse enthusiast. Zobnatica has a two hundred year long horse-breeding tradition. The horse farm features a racetrack and training facility, a riding school, and Fiaker coach and hunting carriages. The complex also has an Equestrian Museum. The Zobnatica Equestrian Games (Zobnatičke konjičke igre) are held here every year in the second week of September.