Kragujevac, with 179,417 inhabitants on the territory of the City, according to the 2011 census, is the fourth largest city in Serbia, and the seat of the Šumadija District, and is located about 120 kilometers south of Belgrade. It was built on the banks of the Lepenica River, in a valley between the extreme branches of the Rudnik, Crni vrh and Gledićke planine mountains. Kragujevac was first mentioned in a Turkish census book from 1476 as "Kragujfoča". It was named after the kraguj bird (a type of hawk) which was used for hunting in the Middle Ages, and today occupies a place of honor on the city's coat of arms.
In many ways, this city can be called "the first in Serbia" - it was the first capital of the modern Serbian state (1818-1841), the first gymnasium in Serbia was founded there, as well as the Lyceum, the forerunner of the University of Belgrade, the first court, the first theater, the first newspaper, the first pharmacy, a picture gallery, a museum, a library... The city has several significant institutions of regional, and some of national importance in the field of culture and artistic activities.
Kragujevac is a significant economic, cultural, educational and health center of Šumadija, Pomoravlje and neighboring regions, and today it is one of the strongest administrative and industrial centers in Serbia. Thanks to railway and road transport, Kragujevac is connected to Belgrade, Niš, Kraljevo, Čačak and other cities. It is best known for the "Zastava" automobile factory and the arms factory of the same name.
It is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. One of the most significant historical sites in Kragujevac is the Memorial Park, dedicated to the suffering of civilians during World War II. This monument commemorates the massacre that took place on October 21, 1941, when more than 7,000 people were executed in Kragujevac. The memorial park consists of a memorial chapel, a monument, a museum, and a memorial complex that is perfectly designed to reflect the significance of this tragic event.
In the very center of the city, visitors can explore historical landmarks such as the Prince's Arsenal. Along with walks through the old city center, you can visit numerous cafes, souvenir shops, and restaurants offering traditional Serbian cuisine. If you want to learn more about the history of this city, be sure to visit the Kragujevac Museum.
Nightlife
Club Tresor, Club Caffe Caffe, "Geto", "Dionis"
Restaurants
"Mustang", "Gastro Komitet 27", Restaurant Dvorište, "Biblioteka Kod Milutina", "Oranica Woodland", "Vega"
Taverns
Townhouse Akustik Kragujevac, Garden House cafe, Kafana Balkan, Tapas bar
Events
ARSENAL fest, Joakimfest, International Jazz Festival OFF. International Music Festival OKTOH, International Puppet Festival "Golden Spark"
Accommodation
Popular hotels and motels
Hotel Šumarice, Hotel Ženeva, Hotel Ravni Gaj, Hotel President De Luxe, Hotel Zelengora, Hotel Industrial
Shopping
BIG FASHION Kragujevac, "Decathlon", Radnički Shopping Center
Important telephone numbers
Ambulance 194
Police 192, +381 34 378-200
Fire brigade 193
Bus station +381 34 354-659 , +381 34 354-660
Health center +381 34 32 30 52