2018Cities of Serbia - First Day Cover

Today, Kragujevac is the seat of the Šumadija District, and in the 19th century, during the reign of Prince Miloš Obrenović, it was the capital of the Principality of Serbia. The Old Church in Kragujevac is a cornerstone of modern Serbia, built in 1818 as a metropolitan church in whose yard the very first Serbian Constitution was adopted on the Feast of Candlemas in 1835. Just next to the church, the building of the Old Parliament was erected in 1859, where the provisions of the Berlin Congress were promulgated in 1878. Serbian interests at the Congress that made Serbia internationally recognised independent country were represented by Jovan Ristić, a Kragujevac-born diplomat and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

At the end of 19th and in early 20th century a new business district was constructed in Kragujevac, under the architectural influence of Budapest and Vienna. The new buildings have characteristic street fronts with filigreed ornamental wreaths. The Moscow block was built at the beginning of 20th century, introducing the Secession style to the city centre. The County Administration Palace, built in the very centre of the city, is one of the most beautiful public buildings in Serbia dating from early 20th century. Serbian industrial development begins with the construction of Gun Foundry in Kragujevac in 1851. In the interwar period, the Old Workers’ Colony district was built for the needs of the Military-Technical Institute, hosting at its centre a square with imposing Sokolana edifice built in 1929. The very first incandescent bulb in Serbia had shone in the building of the Old Bullet Case Factory, seven years before the electricity came to the palace. Today, the building of the Gun Foundry is the home of the Old Foundry Museum.

After the First World War, it was here that the building car manufacture and repair started, which grew into the largest automotive manufacturer in the SEE region after the Second World War: Red Flag Works.

Kragujevac is also the home of the oldest Serbian grammar school, with the Princely Serbian Theatre in its vicinity. Both institutions were established by Prince Miloš Obrenović: the grammar school in 1833 and the theatre in 1835.

Big Park, the favourite promenade of the people from Kragujevac was developed in the 19th century, using French parks as pattern, and is connected to the Šumarice Memorial by a pedestrian pathway.

Motifs: stamp – Kragujevac, old city centre; vignette – Jovan Ristić Square; FDC – Big Park.

Expert collaboration: Snežana Milisavljević, Director of the City Tourist Organisation “Kragujevac”.

Artistic realisation: Miroslav Nikolić.

The City of Subotica is located on the north of the Republic of Serbia, along the main European corridors and between two rivers, the Danube and the Tisa. Rich cultural heritage assets, lavishly decorated buildings in Art Nouveau style, by which is Subotica well known, multicultural spirit and European charm – these are the features that make this city distinctive. Subotica is known for its relaxed atmosphere, good food and quality wines. Festivals, events, concerts, vibrant cultural life all year long are a reason more to visit this city. On top of that, Subotica offers a lot of interesting places for rest and leisure, for activities around the lakes, on horse-farms, farmsteads, in forests and hunting areas.

Palić, the lake and the settlement by the same name are 8 kilometres east of Subotica. Palić offers something new, unrepeatable and enriching at any season. Outstanding facilities from the beginning of the 20th century: the Water Tower, the Grand Terrace, the Women’s Lido and the Music Pavilion, the splendid park, the well-known lake, peace and silence, make Palić an ideal space for rest and relaxation. Currently Palić provides high category hotels, regenerated luxury and comfortable villas in the so called ”Palić style”, several lodgings and private boarding houses. Excellent restaurants and cafés, sport and recreational fields, three arranged beaches, a thermal pool, a Zoo, cycle lanes, walking paths, a set of versatile events, dynamic cultural life and entertainment possibilities and contents comprise the comprehensive offer of the Palić Tourist Centre.

Motifs: stamp – Panorama of Subotica with the motive of the Town Hall and Synagogue; vignette – Ferenc Raichle Park with the Modern Art Gallery building, built by Ferenc Raichle; FDC – Palić lake.

Artistic realization of the stamps: Miroslav Nikolić

Expert collaboration: Nešo Radulović, Acting Director, Subotica Tourist Organization.