St. Petka and Ružica

Located within Kalemegdan slightly below Ružica Church, St. Petka Church was built next to a “miraculous” spring. The current structure dates back to 1937. Mosaics cover the surface of the interior, added between 1980-1983. The church is dedicated to St. Petka, the only female Serbian Orthodox saint. Inside the small church, one can buy bottled water from the spring.

Ružica Church, Belgrade

The original church was destroyed by the Turks when they conquered Belgrade in 1521. The current church is actually a converted gunpowder storage structure, turned into a military church in 1867-1869. Heavily damaged during WWI, it was renewed in 1925. Guarding the entrance of the church are two sculptures of soldiers, one depicting a medieval soldier and the other a WWI fighter. During much of the year, vines nearly engulf the entire exterior, including the cross. The low-lying ceiling and walls where the candles are burned are covered with the soot, giving it an aged look.

St. Petka Church, Belgrade