Belgrade » Beograd | 69 If there’s anything that could make other major European cities envious of the Serbian capital, that would be Belgrade’s numerous river islands, offering beaches, nature, adventure and cafés where you can catch some rays, but also dance ‘til dawn Tekst/Words: Dragana Nikoletić Fotografije/Photography: Đorđe Kojadinović, MiloradMilanković. Masanori Josida, Petra Marković The course of the Sava embraces the river islands of Ada Ciganlija and Ada Međica almost at the very centre of Belgrade, as well as the islands of ProgarskaAda, BaričkaAda and Ada Skeljanska on the outskirts of the city, while the Danube washes the shores of Great War Island, Gročanska Ada and Višnjicka Ada. Their shared ward is Little War Island, located at the confluence of the two rivers, while the Serbian capital also has its own peninsula: AdaHuja, whichwas connected to themainland during the last century by way of an earthen embankment. And the most popular of all, Ada Ciganlija, was an island until 1959, and had housed military camps during earlier centuries. Its Celtic name refers to the changing water level by combining the words “singa”, meaning low waters, and “lia”, meaning high waters. Due to it being densely forested – mostly of oak, elm and poplar – it is dubbed a green oasis, while the adjacent Lake Sava is why it’s also popularly known as the Belgrade Sea. However, this “sea” has its own geyser – though admittedly its manmade – and its own park of stone sculptures, as well as numerous cafés and restaurants, raft venues along the side of the Sava facing New Belgrade, the natural Ada Safari pond and countless other contents. AdaCiganlija Lake Sava still serves as a drinkingwater reservoir that’s constantlypurifiedby the plants growing on the lakebed, though previous inhabitants of roe deer, fox and even rabbit have long since fled the forest, having been disturbed by the hustle and bustle of themetropolis. Although everything has an aura of good funon Ada Ciganlija, there’s also a lot to learn there, thanks to the newly renovated Science Park that’s filled with wondrous gadgets. The most enticing is the lever system, which Archimedes once claimed could move the world with adequate leverage. However, Ada’s levering challenge is somewhat easier, given that theYugo car that it lifts weighs around 1,000 kilograms and can be lifted by a few small children. Adults are interested in where it is currently night around the globe while the sun shines in Belgrade, so they check out the strange globe that informs them using shadows. However, interesting science is just anoverture to the good time to be had on the eight square kilometres of Ada Ciganlija, the length and breadth of which can be toured by riding the tourist train, driving an electric vehicle or hiring a bicycle. Visitors can also circumnavigate the lake on foot, if they have the time and inclination to stroll 7,700 metres. In the miSe ek sa lvat i on f rom the s i zz l i ng summer Belgrade’s river islands
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