A landscape with a history of its own
Obedska bara is a horseshoe-shaped wetland formed from a former course of the Sava. The shape of the landscape thus reflects how it came to be. Its protection history can also be traced through specific dates: the first administrative protection measures for Obedska bara date back to 1874; in 1977, the area was included on the list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The two years represent different steps—early protection measures and later international recognition. To understand the landscape of Srem District, its landforms and protection history go hand in hand.
Zasavica from above and from the water
The Zasavica protected area offers a different perspective on the landscape. The visitor center’s 18-meter-high observation tower provides views of a 300-hectare pasture and the widest and most beautiful stretch of the Zasavica river course. The visitor center area is open to visitors 365 days a year. The protected area can also be explored on the water: visitors can use boats and the Umbra tourist boat. The observation tower and boat trips offer different highlights—one focuses on views across the pasture, while the other explores the protected area from the water.
Roman heritage in Sirmium
In Sirmium, the trail leads from the landscape to Roman history. The city was the birthplace of five Roman emperors. In addition to the imperial palace, it had a theater, an amphitheater and a large horse-racing track. The five emperors point to the site’s historical significance; the three structures reveal other aspects of its urban history. Sirmium is therefore not understood through the imperial palace alone: its surviving buildings offer a broader picture of the Roman city. For travelers interested in antiquity, this history is a distinct focus alongside the natural features of Obedska bara and Zasavica.
Wine: regional character and a tradition of its own
In the Fruška Gora wine-growing region of Srem, mainly white, fresh and harmonious wines are produced. Bermet represents a distinctive wine tradition: this aromatic sweet wine was documented in the 18th century by Zaharije Orfelin in his work Iskusni podrumar, the first wine book in the Serbian language. To this day, Bermet is considered the pride of Sremski Karlovci. Together, these details offer two different perspectives on wine: a description of the wines mainly produced in the Fruška Gora region and the historical record of a particular wine. The culture of wine enjoyment and written history sit side by side here, without telling the same story.
Monastery history and a cookbook
KruÅ¡edol Monastery brings together religious heritage and a specific founding story. It was founded between 1509 and 1516 by Bishop Maksim, later Despot ÄorÄ‘e Branković; Mother Angelina and the Wallachian voivode Jovan Njagoja supported its founding. The monastery church is dedicated to the Annunciation. The monastery is also linked to a culinary history: the hieromonk Jerotije Dragabović wrote the first Serbian cookbook in Srem, which was printed in Zemun in 1855. The founding period, the people involved and the dedication of the church give the site a historical perspective different from the Roman history of Sirmium.
Cultural sites and regional routes
The Serbian Museum of Bread – Jeremija is located in the village of Pećinci in the Srem area. Along with Orfelin’s wine book and Dragabović’s cookbook, it adds another site connected with bread culture to the historical themes. Those interested in getting active can also explore the regional cycling connections: the Srem Cycling Route and the Sava Cycling Route run mostly through the regions of Srem, MaÄva and Southern BaÄka. Alongside nature, Roman heritage and wine, regional routes thus offer another distinct focus for planning a trip.
Discover more destinations: Ruma, Morović, Vrdnik, Ležimir, Å id, Stara Pazova, Surduk, Sremska Mitrovica, Stari Banovci, Kupinovo, InÄ‘ija, Pećinci, Nikinci, BeÅ¡ka, Jarak, Zasavica I, Å imanovci, PlatiÄevo.
For the main travel overview: Serbia.
