Novi Sad history

Foundation and First Mentions

The city of Novi Sad was founded in 1694. Its history began with a settlement established by Serbian merchants and artisans on the left bank of the Danube. At that time, they were prohibited from settling in the nearby Petrovaradin Fortress, which was under the control of the Habsburg Monarchy, so they established their settlement opposite it. Initially, it bore the name Ratzen Stadt (Racka Varoš), which translates as "Serbian Town". The modern name, Novi Sad, meaning "New Plantation", was bestowed upon the city on February 1, 1748, by Empress Maria Theresa. Along with the new name, it received the status of a free royal city, which provided a powerful impetus for its development.

Key Factors of Formation

The rapid growth of the city was driven by several important factors. Firstly, its strategic location on the Danube River, a key trade artery of Europe, turned Novi Sad into an important commercial and port hub on the border of two empires — the Habsburg and the Ottoman. Secondly, the status of a free royal city granted the residents significant economic privileges and self-governance, which attracted merchants, craftsmen, and intellectuals from the entire region to Novi Sad.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

By the 18th and 19th centuries, Novi Sad had established itself as the main centre of Serbian culture, education, and political thought within the Austrian Empire. For its outstanding role in cultural revival, it received the unofficial but honorary title of the "Serbian Athens" (Srpska Atina). In 1864, Matica Srpska — the oldest Serbian literary and scientific society — moved here from Budapest. The city also became a hub for printing and journalism. The economy flourished through trade and crafts, and the population was multi-ethnic: Serbs, Hungarians, Germans, Slovaks, and other peoples coexisted peacefully here, creating a unique and tolerant atmosphere.

Chronology of Key Events

• 1694: Serbian merchants found the settlement of Racka Varoš on the left bank of the Danube, marking the beginning of the future metropolis's history.
• 1748: Empress Maria Theresa grants the settlement the status of a free royal city and the name Novi Sad, opening an era of prosperity.
• 1849: The beginning of a large-scale architectural reconstruction of the centre, forming the modern harmonious appearance of the city.
• 1861: The Serbian National Theatre is founded, becoming the oldest professional theatre among the South Slavs.
• 1864: The educational society "Matica Srpska" moves to the city, firmly securing its status as the "Serbian Athens".
• 1883: The opening of the railway connection with Budapest gives a powerful impulse to economic and industrial development.
• 1918: The Great National Assembly proclaims the accession of the region to the Kingdom of Serbia.
• 1929: The city becomes the administrative centre of the Danube Banovina — a large region, which strengthens its political importance.
• 1944: The start of a period of active post-war urbanisation and industrial growth, significantly expanding the city boundaries.
• 1960: The University of Novi Sad is officially founded, uniting scattered faculties into a single scientific campus.
• 1981: The SPENS sports and business centre is opened, becoming a landmark example of modern architecture.
• 1999: Launch of a large-scale programme for modernising urban infrastructure and renewing bridges across the Danube.
• 2000: The EXIT music festival is held for the first time in the Petrovaradin Fortress park, quickly gaining global recognition.
• 2019: The city successfully implements the "European Youth Capital" programme, hosting numerous international forums.
• 2022: Novi Sad becomes the first city from a non-EU country to officially receive the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture.

Key Stages of Novi Sad's Development

The history of Novi Sad is a series of landmark events, each contributing to the formation of its unique character. From obtaining autonomy to the status of a European cultural centre, these milestones defined the city's economic, cultural, and urban planning path.

• Obtaining the Status of a Free Royal City (1748). This decree by Empress Maria Theresa became the foundation for future prosperity. Novi Sad received self-governance and tax privileges, which attracted merchants, artisans, and intelligentsia from all over Europe to the city. This gave a powerful boost to economic growth and the formation of a multi-ethnic community.
• "Serbian Athens" (19th Century). In the 19th century, the city turned into the undisputed centre of Serbian culture and enlightenment. The relocation of the oldest cultural and scientific society "Matica Srpska" here in 1864 and the founding of the Serbian National Theatre in 1861 definitively secured this honorary status for Novi Sad.
• Industrialisation and Infrastructure Boom (Late 19th – Early 20th Century). The construction of the railway connecting Novi Sad with Budapest and other major cities opened a new era in the economy. This facilitated the development of industry and trade, turning the city into an important transport hub of the region.
• Capital of Vojvodina (from 1918). After joining the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia), Novi Sad became the administrative centre of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. This status strengthened its political and economic significance, stimulating further growth and urban development.
• Post-War Growth and Modernisation (1950–1980s). During the existence of socialist Yugoslavia, Novi Sad actively developed as a major industrial, scientific, and educational centre. During this time, new residential quarters, factories, and a university campus were built, which radically changed the appearance of the city.
• Recovery after 1999. The events of 1999 caused serious damage to the city; in particular, all three bridges across the Danube were destroyed. The subsequent reconstruction, especially the erection of new bridges, became a symbol of resilience and the rebirth of Novi Sad, launching a new stage of urban infrastructure modernisation.
• European Capital of Culture (2022). Receiving this prestigious title became the culmination of the city's cultural development. The project attracted international attention, contributed to the renovation of cultural spaces, the emergence of new creative clusters, and established Novi Sad on the cultural map of Europe as a modern and dynamic centre.

The architectural appearance of Novi Sad is a visual chronicle of its history, reflecting the influences of different eras and cultures. As an important city on the border of the Habsburg and Ottoman empires, it absorbed the features of Central European urban planning. Severe destruction during the revolution of 1848–1849 led to the fact that a large part of the historical centre was rebuilt in the second half of the 19th century, which determined its eclectic yet harmonious look today.

Baroque and Classicism

Although few buildings older than the mid-19th century have survived in the city, the influence of the Baroque and Classicism eras is felt in the layout of the old quarters and the architecture of some churches. A vivid example is Saint George's Cathedral, the city's main Orthodox temple, which preserved Baroque features after reconstruction. In the architecture of administrative and residential buildings constructed after the revolution, Classicism often prevailed, symbolising order and stability.

Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Gothic on Liberty Square

The central Liberty Square is a true exhibition of architectural achievements from the late 19th century. Two iconic buildings dominate here, created in different but equally majestic styles:

• The City Hall (1895) — a monumental building in the Neo-Renaissance style, built according to the design of architect György Molnár. Its appearance resembles the town halls of other cities in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, symbolising administrative power and prestige.
• The Name of Mary Catholic Church (1894) — an impressive temple in the Neo-Gothic style, also designed by Molnár. Its high 72-metre bell tower is one of the main landmarks of the city, and the façade made of yellow clinker brick and the roof covered with colourful Zsolnay tiles make it one of the most recognisable symbols of Novi Sad.

Secession (Art Nouveau)

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Secession style (the local variant of Art Nouveau) flourished in Novi Sad, as it did throughout Central Europe. It is characterised by flowing lines, floral ornaments, and the use of new materials. Beautiful examples of this style can be found on the pedestrian streets of Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska, as well as in the area of Jevrejska Street, where the majestic Novi Sad Synagogue (1909) is located — a masterpiece by the Hungarian architect Lipót Baumhorn.

Socialist Modernism and Modernity

After World War II, during the period of socialist Yugoslavia, the city grew and was built up actively. New residential districts appeared, such as Liman and Novo Naselje, characterised by the functional architecture of socialist modernism and brutalism. These districts consist of multi-storey residential buildings and wide avenues, reflecting the urban planning ideas of that era. The modern stage of the city's development is characterised by the appearance of new business centres, shopping complexes, and residential buildings, which add new features to the multifaceted architectural portrait of Novi Sad.

Distinguished Figures Connected to Novi Sad

Novi Sad, rightfully bearing the title of the "Serbian Athens", has given the world many talented and influential people. Their contributions to politics, science, literature, and art have left a deep mark on the history of not only the city but the entire country.

• Svetozar Miletić (1826–1901): A prominent political figure, publicist, lawyer, and mayor of Novi Sad. He was one of the most influential Serbian politicians in Austria-Hungary in the 19th century and a leader of the movement for Serbian rights and autonomy. The central square of the city is named in his honour, where his monumental statue stands.
• Jovan Jovanović Zmaj (1833–1904): One of the greatest Serbian poets of the Romantic era, as well as a physician and translator. He lived and worked in Novi Sad, actively participating in its cultural life. His work, especially children's poetry, became an integral part of Serbian literature. One of the main pedestrian streets of the city and a prestigious gymnasium are named after the poet.
• Mileva Marić-Einstein (1875–1948): A talented physicist and mathematician, and the first wife of Albert Einstein. She grew up in Novi Sad, where she received her secondary education, and became one of the first women to obtain a higher education in physics in Europe. Her role and contribution to Einstein's early works are still a subject of discussion among historians of science. The Marić family house has been preserved in the city.
• Laza Kostić (1841–1910): A distinguished Serbian poet, writer, playwright, translator, and politician. He is considered one of the pioneers of modernism in Serbian poetry. Kostić spent a significant part of his life in Novi Sad, actively participating in its cultural and public activities. One of the city's gymnasiums is named after him.
• Isidora Sekulić (1877–1958): A famous writer, essayist, translator, and the first woman to become a member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Although she was born in the village of Mošorin, her life and work are closely connected with Novi Sad and the Vojvodina region. She left a huge legacy in Serbian literature of the 20th century. One of the city's gymnasiums is named in her honour.
• Đorđe Balašević (1953–2021): A cult Yugoslav and Serbian singer-songwriter and composer, born and lived his entire life in Novi Sad. His lyrical and often socially critical songs made him a symbol of the city and the voice of an entire generation. Balašević celebrated Novi Sad in many of his works, and after his passing, the city declared a day of mourning in his honour.