Ružica Church

You will find Ružica Church, also known as the Little Rose Church, nestled inside the historic Belgrade Fortress along a downhill, stepped path between the Zindan Gate and Jakšić Tower. Dedicated to the Nativity of Mary, this beloved Serbian Orthodox sanctuary sits right near the spring of Saint Petka. When you step inside, you are visiting a site steeped in deep history: originally constructed in the early 15th century, it was later used as a gunpowder magazine, remodelled into a military church in 1869, severely damaged during World War I, and reconstructed in the 1920s by Russian émigré architect Nikolay Krasnov.

Today, its exposed stone façade blends seamlessly into the surrounding fortress walls. Look closely around the entrance to see two unique statues—a medieval knight and a Balkan Wars infantry soldier—sculpted from leftover war materials. Inside, you can admire remarkable chandeliers and candelabra fashioned entirely from melted bullets, shell cases, and sabres.

Be sure to view the carved iconostasis, fine wall paintings finished by Andrej Bicenko in 1938, and the church's most valuable relic: two fingers of Saint Petka.

What to see at Ružica Church

• Chandeliers and candelabra cast from melted bullets, shell cases, and sabres
• Entrance statues representing a medieval knight and a Balkan Wars infantry soldier
• Relic containing two fingers of Saint Petka preserved inside
• Rustic exposed stone architecture designed by architect Nikolay Krasnov
• Interior wall paintings completed in 1938 by Andrej Bicenko

Visiting tips

Expect constant crowds along the path, especially if you plan your visit on Saint Petka's feast day.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Ružica Church is easy to reach on Belgrade’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Bajrakli Mosque and National Theatre in Belgrade. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Belgrade travel guide.