Hotels near Temple of Saint Sava

The Temple of Saint Sava (Hram Svetog Save) is the largest church in Serbia and one of the largest Serbian Orthodox churches in the world. The neo-Byzantine cross-shaped structure measures 91 metres long, 81 metres wide and 82 metres tall to the top of its central dome, which alone weighs 4,000 tonnes. It stands on the Vracar plateau where the Ottomans burned the relics of Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, in 1595 - construction on the church began in 1935 to commemorate that site.

The exterior white marble and grey granite finish was completed in 2004 but interior work continues into 2026. The mosaic-covered central dome, unveiled in 2017, uses more than 15,000 square metres of gold-leaf mosaic laid by Russian and Serbian artists. The crypt beneath the main sanctuary is the most rewarding part of a visit, with polished marble floors, modern iconography and the tomb of Patriarch Irinej. Open daily 07:00-20:00 with free entry. Do not confuse the Hram (temple) with the smaller adjacent Sveti Sava parish church.

Pro Tip: Enter through the crypt on the north side first, then climb to the main sanctuary through the interior stairs for the best sightline up into the mosaic dome. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and remove hats. Come Sunday morning around 10:00 for the choir.