avala

Avala is a hill near Belgrade, Serbia, located about 16 kilometers south of the city center within the Belgrade metropolitan area. The summit rises to roughly 500 meters above sea level and the area is densely forested, offering views of Belgrade and the surrounding Danube valley on clear days. Avala forms part of the southern foothills of the city and is a popular location for leisure and outdoor activities.

Geographically, Avala consists mainly of mixed forests with trails that are used for hiking and recreation. The hill has long been a prominent landmark for the city and its surroundings, attracting visitors who seek natural scenery close to urban amenities. The area also serves as a site for forestry and land-management activities aimed at conservation and sustainable tourism.

The most prominent modern feature on Avala is the Avala Tower, a telecommunications and observation tower located at the summit. The original tower was completed in 1965 and became a symbol of Belgrade’s modernization. It was destroyed by bombing in 1999 during the NATO intervention. A new tower was completed and opened in 2010, preserving the tower’s role as a broadcast facility while adding an accessible viewing platform for visitors. The presence of the tower makes Avala one of the better-known viewpoints in the Belgrade region.

Access to Avala is via road from central Belgrade, with parking and public transport connections serving visitors. The site is maintained as part of Belgrade’s network of green spaces and remains a popular destination for locals and tourists seeking a natural retreat near the capital.