Sremska Mitrovica is in the Srem region of northern Serbia. This city is rich in history, Roman ruins, and cultural charm. As you walk around, you will see old churches, museums, and parts of an ancient Roman city. Locals are friendly, and many places are easy to explore on foot. However, renting a car in Belgrade makes it easy to get to Sremska Mitrovica and see the sights nearby. Our Sremska Mitrovica travel guide will help you plan your first trip, find the best sights to see, and have a great time in this historic city.
Sremska Mitrovica is near the Sava River. The city is part of the Vojvodina region and lies on the route between Belgrade and the west. The easiest way to reach Sremska Mitrovica is by car. Most international visitors arrive at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, which is west of the city centre. From the airport, you can drive directly to Sremska Mitrovica in about 1 hour, covering around 82 kilometres. This is the fastest and most flexible option for your trip.
Start your journey by heading southeast on Terazije, then follow Kralja Milana and turn onto Svetozara Markovića. After several turns through the central streets, you’ll reach E75, a major highway. Stay on this road and continue past the toll section for about 38 kilometres. Then take the exit toward A8 and merge onto the road that leads to Route 21.
Stay on Route 21 until you get to Moše Pijade. Then, turn right and stay on Route 316. You can drive through a few small towns on this road. You will go by places like Rumski drum, Palanka, and Jarački put. When you get close to the city, look for signs that point you to Kralja Aleksandra Karađorđevića street. This changes into Tarasa Ševčenka, then Dr. Dušana Popovića, which takes you to the center of Sremska Mitrovica.
Sremska Mitrovica used to be called Sirmium, which was one of the four capitals of the Roman Empire in the 4th century. Along with Trier, Milan, and Nicomedia, it was very important during Emperor Diocletian's Tetrarchy. Today, there are well-preserved Roman sites in the city, and many of them are located in modern streets. The city has been around for more than 2,000 years, and one of the best things to do there is see the Roman ruins.
The best place to start is the Imperial Palace, which was only discovered in the 1950s during construction work. This palace was once used by Roman emperors such as Diocletian and Galerius. Inside the site, you will find mosaic floors, detailed wall fragments, and the original hypocaust system, which was used to heat the floors during cold winters. Many rooms have been identified, and the layout shows how rulers lived and ruled from Sirmium. Information boards around the complex explain the functions of each area, including the Tetrakionon, a space that displayed images of emperors to the public.
Just a short walk from the palace, you will reach Žitni Trg, once the commercial centre of ancient Sirmium. Today, it is an open square close to the Sava River, surrounded by historic buildings and elegant façades. In the centre, you can see exposed ruins of Roman market structures and stone pavements. The area is now a summer cultural stage, but its ancient roots are visible from the streets.
Close to the palace, archaeologists have uncovered even more ruins. These include the remains of Roman baths, complete with separate chambers and heating infrastructure. There is also evidence of a large hippodrome nearby, which was used for public events and chariot races. Some ruins are in open-air sections, while others are inside buildings or marked areas. You will also see parts of the original sewer system. There are many Roman buildings in Sirmium, and they are all easy to get to. You can take walking tours, and some places charge a fee from 100 to 150 dinars. These sites are perfect for history lovers and first-time visitors.
Aside from Roman ruins, Sremska Mitrovica also has important museums that show the long history and cultural layers of the region. Most museums are close to the centre, so you can walk to them after parking your car.
The main museum in the city is the Museum of Srem, which is the largest cultural institution in the region. It is located near Ćira Milekić Square and City Park. The permanent exhibition is called “Srem Through the Centuries”. It presents artefacts from many periods, including the Roman Empire. You will see mosaics, coins, pottery, and tools from ancient Sirmium.
There are also objects from the Avar period, the time of medieval Serbia, and the Ottoman rule. Inside the museum, you will also find the Lapidarium, a special section with Roman stonework, statues, and engraved relics. The museum often hosts art workshops, scientific lectures, and temporary exhibitions.
Another important museum is the National Museum of Sremska Mitrovica, which focuses on local archaeology and recent history. One of its main features is the Battle of Sirmium exhibit.The museum also has rotating exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. Educational programmes and family-friendly activities are sometimes available, especially during holidays or festivals.
For something smaller, you can visit the House of Vojin Popović, dedicated to the local writer and playwright. This historic building also serves as a cultural space for literary events, community performances, and art exhibitions. It is surrounded by a quiet garden and has a café where you can take a break.
After visiting the Roman sites in Sremska Mitrovica, it is a great place to relax, take photos, and enjoy the local way of life. Most of the area is in the pedestrian zone, which includes parks, churches, monuments, and historical buildings.
One of the most best places to start is Ćira Milekić Square, the old city centre. This pedestrian street is about 250 metres long and full of architectural beauty. It includes elegant landmarks like the Parish House, the Serbian House (now used as the city library), and the Church of St. Dimitrije, which dominates the square. In the centre, you will find a bronze bust of Ćira Milekić, the first mayor of Sremska Mitrovica after the abolition of the Military Frontier. He served from 1881 to 1908 and led many improvements in the city.
At one end of the square, where it meets City Park, you will see the famous Stone Flower Fountain. This unique sculpture was created by Irina Nepokojčicka, a Russian immigrant who came to the city before World War II. According to local tradition, she saw the design in a dream. The fountain symbolises eternal tears and is often seen as a tribute to a lost homeland and memory. It has become one of the visual symbols of Sremska Mitrovica.
Next, walk along Zmaj Jovina Street, one of the liveliest areas in town. This pedestrian-only street is lined with cafés, shops, and bakeries. Local people come here to shop for everyday items and fresh pastries. You might also see street performers or small open-air events, especially during weekends or holidays. This street is also close to other landmarks, including the archaeological zones and the museum buildings, so it fits easily into your walking route.
The Serbian Orthodox tradition is very important to Sremska Mitrovica, which has old churches and quiet monasteries. These places are great for quiet reflection or cultural visits because they show the city's religious history. Here are some sites on your road trip in the Srem region.
One of the main religious buildings in the city is the Church of St. Demetrius, located in the town centre. This Orthodox church dates back to the 13th century and is one of the oldest in the area. The church is known for its fresco paintings, its beautiful stone carvings, and the calm atmosphere inside. When you step in, you will find traditional iconography and a peaceful place for prayer. Local visitors often light candles or sit quietly during the day.
If you drive 15 to 30 minutes from the city, you will reach several monasteries in Fruška Gora National Park. This area is often called the “Serbian Holy Mountain” because of the large number of monasteries it holds. Five of them are within 20 kilometres of Sremska Mitrovica: Bešenovo, Kuveždin, Petkovica, Šišatovac, and Vranjaš. Bešenovo Monastery is one of the oldest. It is believed to have been founded by Serbian King Stefan Dragutin Nemanjić in the 13th century. Meanwhile, Vranjaš Monastery is the most recent, built in 2014.
There are also peaceful places in Sremska Mitrovica where you can take a break from sightseeing in the city. If you have a car, it's easy to get to these outdoor places. Some are even close enough for a short drive.
About 17 km from Sremska Mitrovica, Zasavica Special Nature Reserve has wetlands, wooden walkways, and rare animal species. You can walk along raised wooden trails, take a guided boat tour, or visit the small shop that sells local products like honey and cheese. Zasavica is also great for birdwatching.
If you enjoy swimming or fishing, head to Bešenovačko Lake, which is only 20 km north of town. This lake was formed inside a white stone quarry. Because of the rock walls, the water here is very clear and turquoise. In summer, it becomes a local favourite for cooling off or spending time with friends outdoors. There are no big facilities, so it stays quiet and natural.
Another outdoor space is the Sava Promenade, a long riverside walking path on the left bank of the Sava River. This is where locals go for evening strolls, cycling, or picnics. At the end of the path is the city beach, which becomes busy during summer. Families and students come here to relax by the river, especially on weekends. You can also walk or drive across the Saint Irinej Bridge to reach the other side of town, where you’ll see different city views.
One of the most important events of the year is Sirmium Fest, which focuses on the city’s Roman heritage. It usually includes historical reenactments, where actors wear Roman armour and perform scenes from ancient life. You can also try Roman-inspired food, attend talks about the city’s history, and explore special exhibitions. This event brings the ruins of ancient Sirmium back to life and makes the past feel real for both locals and visitors.
Another major tradition is the Mitrovdan Fair, which happens every November. This fair honors St. Demetrius, the city's patron saint. During this celebration, there is a lot of folk music, traditional Serbian food, and stalls selling handmade crafts. Families come together for a community event where kids can eat local sweets and artists can sell their work. If you come in the summer, the Sava riverfront becomes the main social area in town. Locals gather here for open-air concerts, evening walks, and food stalls.
Sremska Mitrovica has a mild continental climate, which means it is comfortable to visit in most months. You can explore the city in all four seasons, but the best months are spring and autumn. During these times, the weather is mild, nature is colourful, and the town is not too crowded.
In April and May, the city feels fresh. Trees and flowers bloom, and the air is cool but not cold. It is a good time to walk around the Roman ruins or sit at cafés in the pedestrian zone. You will also avoid the hot summer months, which can get too warm for long walks. This period is ideal for visiting parks, monasteries, and outdoor museums. In September and October, the trees turn orange and yellow. These autumn months are peaceful. Locals go back to work and school, so you will find fewer tourists. It is also the time when traditional events take place. Sirmium Fest, which honours the city's Roman past, is often held in early autumn.
Sremska Mitrovica is a city where travellers can walk among Roman ruins, sit at riverside cafés, or explore churches and museums. You can enjoy a calm and memorable trip, whether you're visiting old markets, enjoying the quiet Sava Promenade, or learning about Serbia’s Roman past. Rent a car with Final Rentals to make your trip smoother. You can book online, choose from a wide range of vehicles, and pick up your car at Belgrade Airport.
