📖 About Novi Sad

Novi Sad is Serbia's second-largest city and the capital of the autonomous province of Vojvodina. With approximately 290,000 residents, this Danube River city was designated European Capital of Culture 2022, recognizing its rich cultural heritage and artistic vitality. Known historically as the "Serbian Athens" for its role in 19th-century Serbian cultural and political awakening, Novi Sad combines Habsburg elegance with creative contemporary energy.

The iconic Petrovaradin Fortress, one of Europe's largest, overlooks the city from across the Danube. The fortress hosts the famous EXIT music festival, which has become one of Europe's premier summer festivals. The charming historic center features Austrian-style architecture, pedestrian zones, and vibrant café culture. Surrounding Vojvodina offers flat agricultural plains, diverse ethnic communities, and excellent wines. Novi Sad represents Serbia at its most Central European—multicultural, cultured, and increasingly cosmopolitan.

Novi Sad offers visitors Petrovaradin Fortress, EXIT Festival, multicultural heritage, and charming Danubian atmosphere.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Novi Sad is Serbia's second economic center after Belgrade. Oil refining (NIS Gazprom Neft) is major industry. IT and technology sectors are growing rapidly—the city has become a regional tech hub. Agriculture and food processing remain important in Vojvodina. The university and education sector are significant employers. Trade, services, and retail serve the population. Tourism has grown with EXIT Festival and cultural attractions. The economy is more diversified and prosperous than Serbian average.

Novi Sad's culture reflects Vojvodina's multicultural heritage. Serbs predominate, but significant Hungarian, Slovak, Romanian, and other communities maintain traditions. Serbian Orthodox churches stand alongside Catholic and Protestant. Multiple languages are spoken and street signs are multilingual. The city was cradle of Serbian cultural revival in the 19th century—Matica Srpska (literary society) was founded here. Music festivals, theaters, and galleries thrive. Food includes Serbian and Hungarian influences. The culture is tolerant and cosmopolitan—Central European diversity expressed through Serbian lens.

📜 History

Petrovaradin was fortified since Roman times. The modern city was founded in 1694 by Habsburg settlers. It grew as commercial and cultural center within the Habsburg Empire. The 19th century brought the Serbian national awakening—Novi Sad became intellectual capital with newspapers, publishers, and institutions. The 1848-49 revolution saw the city bombarded by Hungarian forces.

Yugoslavia after WWI incorporated Vojvodina; WWII brought occupation and resistance. Socialist industrialization transformed the economy. The 1990s wars spared Novi Sad until 1999 NATO bombing destroyed the Danube bridges. The 2000s brought recovery and growth. EXIT Festival (started 2000) symbolized Serbian youth's desire for normality. The 2022 European Capital of Culture title crowned cultural revitalization. Today Novi Sad continues thriving as Serbia's cultural second city and regional creative hub.