If you love history, Serbia is full of places that will take you back to Roman times. The country was once part of the Roman Empire. Many traces of that era still shape its landscape today. The best Roman landmarks in Serbia are spread across different towns, so having your own transport will make your trip much easier. By renting a car in Serbia, you can visit these sites at your own pace, stop for photos, and enjoy the beautiful countryside between each stop.
If you love unique natural wonders, go to Devil’s Town. Đavolja Varoš is a natural monument famous for its bizarre rock formations created by centuries of soil erosion. Scattered on the slopes of Radan Mountain, you’ll find 202 stone pillars rising from the earth, each capped with a reddish stone “hat.” Local legend says these pillars were once a wedding party turned to stone by the devil himself, giving the site an eerie folklore charm. This part of southern Serbia was once within the Roman Empire, and ancient trade routes passed nearby. As you walk among the rocky towers, you’ll also notice two reddish water springs nearby. The springs are highly acidic and mineral-rich. These prevented plants from growing, and exposed earth has eroded into otherworldly shapes.
The medieval fortress of Golubac is perched on a rocky outcrop at the widest point of the Danube River. This 14th-century fortress guards the entrance to the Đerdap Gorge (Iron Gate), a stunning river canyon that forms the border between Serbia and Romania. Long before the fortress was built, this same stretch of the Danube marked the boundary of the Roman Empire, with Roman military outposts watching over trade and movement along the river. This area is now considered one of the ancient Roman sites in Serbia.
When you arrive, the fortress’s nine stone towers rise above the water. Over the centuries, Serbs, Hungarians, Ottomans, and Austrians fought over Golubac. Today, it’s peacefully restored and open to visitors, with wooden walkways. Walking through the Golubac Fortress, you can climb up to various lookout points. From the ramparts, gaze out at the blue Danube and the cliffs of Đjerdap National Park across the water. Information boards share the fortress’s history, including details of medieval sieges and the area’s earlier Roman presence.
Resavska Cave is an underground world that will delight anyone interested in geology or adventure. Tucked in the hills near Despotovac, this limestone cave system is among Serbia's largest and oldest caves, around 80 million years old. It features about 4.5 km of passages. However, only the 800-meter section is adapted with paths and lighting for visitors.
As you enter, you’ll immediately feel the cool air, a constant 7°C, so bring a jacket even in summer. A guided tour takes you through illuminated chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other stunning mineral formations. The cave’s “giant stalagmite” stands about 20 meters tall. With imaginative lighting, the cave looks like a subterranean fairy tale.
The cave formed naturally, and the wider area is tied to the story of Roman heritage in Serbia. Outside the cave, you can drive to the beautiful Lisine Waterfall (Veliki Buk) nearby. Afterward, you can have lunch at a rustic restaurant by the falls. Another must-see in the area is Manasija Monastery, a 15th-century Orthodox monastery fortified with tall walls and towers just 15 minutes from the cave. After the dark cave, stepping into Manasija’s sunny courtyard feels magical.
Serbia is known for its medieval monasteries, and Studenica Monastery is the most famous. It is located in the hills by the Studenica River. Also, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its old buildings and art. It was built in 1190 by Stefan Nemanja, the Serbian ruler who started the Nemanjić dynasty. You will see high stone walls around two white marble churches as you drive closer.
The main church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, has 13th-century frescoes painted in the Byzantine stle. The colors are still bright, and the faces of saints and Bible scenes are detailed. Being here feels like stepping into the past, in a place where monks have prayed for over 800 years. The small museum shows old books and religious objects, giving you more insight into Studenica’s history. Dress modestly when visiting, as this is an active religious site. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and caretakers can lend you a scarf or wrap skirt if you need one.
Kopaonik is Serbia’s largest mountain range. It is often called the “Mountain of the Sun” because of its sunny weather, and it’s famous as Serbia’s top ski destination in winter. Long before it became a national park, these mountains were known for their rich mineral deposits, especially gold, silver, and iron. The Romans mined these resources extensively, leaving traces of old roads, settlements, and mining shafts.
The highest point, Pančić’s Peak (2017 meters), has wide views and is the second-highest spot in Serbia. When you reach Kopaonik, you’ll see a flat mountain area with a busy tourist center. Hotels, small houses, ski lifts, and restaurants are close to the top. In winter (December to March), it’s perfect for skiing. There are many ski slopes for all skill levels, ski schools, and warm cafes where you can enjoy hot chocolate or mulled wine. The slopes are well-kept, and you can ski at night under bright lights. Kopaonik is ideal for hiking, biking, and walking in nature in summer or autumn. Some easy trails like Mark’s Stones lead to viewpoints or small waterfalls.
Zlatibor is a popular mountain resort loved for its natural beauty and cultural attractions. The name “Zlatibor” means “Golden Pine.” As you drive into this highland region, you’ll see rolling hills covered in pine forests. The main tourist hub is the town of Zlatibor, which has many hotels, restaurants, and a lake in the center where people paddle boats in summer and ice-skate in winter. Long ago, the Romans built new fortresses, roads, and cemeteries throughout the area. These included tombstones dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D., found particularly near Kremna.
In Zlatibor, you will see the Gold Gondola, one of the longest panoramic gondola lifts in the world. It takes you on a 9 km ride from the center of Zlatibor to Tornik Peak (1496 meters), the mountain’s highest point. The 25-minute journey gives you beautiful views over meadows, pine forests, and Ribničko Lake. At the top, you can have a coffee while enjoying views that stretch far into the distance. Beyond the resort activities, Zlatibor’s surroundings offer a look into Serbian culture. A 30-minute drive takes you to the Old Village Museum in Sirogojno, an open-air museum with traditional 19th-century wooden houses. Walk among the cabins, craft workshops, and small church to see how rural life used to be.
Fruška Gora is often called the “jewel of Vojvodina” and is one of Serbia’s most beautiful national parks. The mountain rises gently above the plains, with forests, meadows, and vineyards. The Romans built forts and towns here, such as Acumincum and Bassianae, to guard the area and control trade routes. Archaeologists have found Roman coins and pieces of old buildings in the region.
The area’s wine story also goes back to the Romans. Emperor Probus encouraged grape growing here, starting a winemaking tradition for centuries. Fruška Gora is also famous for its monasteries. Scattered across the hills are over a dozen Orthodox monasteries, many built between the 15th and 18th centuries. Each has its own story, with colorful frescoes, quiet courtyards, and old libraries.
Tara National Park is one of Serbia’s most beautiful natural areas, known for its thick forests, deep river canyons, and rich wildlife. The Drina River shapes much of the park’s western edge. It is perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, and photography. Long before it became a park, the area was home to the Illyrian Autariatae tribe in the Neolithic and Iron Age. Later, it became part of the Roman provinces of Illyricum and then Moesia.
Archaeologists have found many Roman and Byzantine-era relics in and around Tara, especially old burial sites at Rastište, Zaovine, and Perućac. The nearby town of Bajina Bašta holds remains from the same periods, including the ancient settlement of Solotnik, as well as medieval tombstones and traces of early Christian life. These finds show that the region has been an important crossroads for thousands of years.
Today, the park is known for Pancic Spruce, a coniferous tree found only in this region. Trails lead to famous viewpoints like Banjska Stena, where you can see the Drina River winding through the mountains with Bosnia in the distance. Wildlife lovers may spot brown bears, deer, or eagles. Villages around Tara offer guesthouses, homemade food, and warm hospitality. Visiting Tara National Park lets you enjoy fresh air and beautiful views in a place shaped by nature, old tribes, Romans, and Byzantines.
Exploring the Roman heritage in Serbia is like stepping through a living history book. You can walk among ruins, visit caves, enjoy monasteries, and take in mountain views while learning how the Romans shaped this land. To enjoy this journey without limits, rent a car with Final Rentals. You’ll get fair rates, pick-up points in Belgrade or Nis airports, and the freedom to explore every site.
