This western Serbian town along the Sava River is known for its local market, riverside cafes, and historic significance as Marshal Tito's birthplace.
Šabac, a city of 105,000 people in western Serbia, stretches along the Sava River. Walk through streets lined with 19th-century Neo-Renaissance mansions, stop at the Church of St Peter and St Paul to see its 1932 frescos, or explore a 15th-century Ottoman fortress. In September, comedians and performers fill the streets during the Čivijada festival. From the city, you can hike the trails of Cer Mountain or visit medieval monasteries to see their preserved Byzantine art.
Getting to Šabac
You can reach Šabac by bus from Belgrade in 90 minutes, with departures every hour from 6:00 to 22:00. The city's train station connects only to smaller regional destinations like Ruma. From Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, 60 kilometers away, catch one of three daily buses to Šabac.
Historic City Center
Gospodar-Jevremova, the main street, contains ten protected 19th-century buildings. Look for the District Courthouse's ornate stone carvings and columns, and stop by the First National Pharmacy with its original wooden interior. Jevrem Obrenović, the city's 19th-century mayor, brought these Neo-Renaissance designs to Šabac during his modernization of the city.
Šabac Fortress and Riverside
The rectangular Ottoman fortress from 1471 overlooks a sandy beach on the Sava River. You can walk along its remaining stone walls, which changed hands multiple times between Ottoman and Austrian forces until 1867. The adjacent beach includes wooden sunshades, a paved walking path, and waterfront restaurants. Local families come here on summer weekends to swim and relax.
Traditional Kafanas
Šabac has the highest concentration of kafanas (traditional taverns) in Serbia. Order a typical meal starting with meze (cold appetizers), followed by grilled meat dishes like ćevapi or pljeskavica. Musicians often play Serbian folk songs while diners share rakija, local fruit brandy. These taverns made history in the 19th century when Šabac became Serbia's first city where women could dine in kafanas.
Festivals and Events
During the Čivijada festival in September, comedians perform on street corners and carnival parades wind through the center. The following week, the Šabac Fair transforms the riverbank into an open market with folk music performances and traditional dancing. Many locals buy at least one item from the fair, believing it brings good luck for the coming year.
Mountain and Monastery Excursions
Cer Mountain rises 687 meters above sea level, 15 kilometers southeast of Šabac. Hike through oak and beech forests on marked trails, and pick wild strawberries and raspberries in summer. Visit two monasteries at the mountain's base: Kaona, with its 14th-century Byzantine frescos depicting biblical scenes, and Petkovica, where monks tend to an ancient grapevine said to have healing properties.
