Novi Sad

History
To find out about history of Novi Sad we have to go back to past. We travel to seventieth century because there are no clear sources which say that there were settlements here before Novi Sad in that time. In 1762 building of the great fortress on the hill of Petrovaradin started. It's purpose was defense from the Turks. It got its present form in 1780, when building was complete. Because of its significance it was called "Gibraltar on Danube".
At the same time, on the other side of the river little military settlement was built for purpose of defending the fortress if it's attacked. River traffic was big in that time, so that affected the growth of the settlement. Famous roman road, (which connected Vienna with Istanbul and for centuries was the fastest connection between Asia and Europe) was very near Novi Sad. All these facts tell us that position of Novi Sad gave him great advantages for development in peace times, but also put it in the way of great wars. As a famous author J. Cvijic said "this area is like a house in the middle of the road".
Life in the settlement was going on in religious groups, so the first buildings were temples. And, Novi Sad, as today, in past offered its piece of the sky to everyone who wanted to live here. That way this city became very colorful in ethnic and national way. Everyone left their trace here through their folklore, customs, architecture, cuisine, music. And beside all that diversity Novi Sad kept its unique look, and became famous for its beauty and kindness.

Novi Sad today
Besides its role as a political and administrative center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad is also known as a city of culture, or as it's often called "Serbian Athens". Long time ago in 1826, in Pesta (part of Budapest), "Matica Srpska" (Serbian cultural center) was founded. Then, center started publishing its first magazine, "Letopis", and its still going out today. It's the oldest live literal magazine in the world.
There are numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and festivals that are making Novi Sad complete, and give its visitors unforgettable memory of Novi Sad. Novi Sad is of course, student center also. Its students, beside basic student issues are more and more involved in research projects, student exchange projects, help in organizing festivals. There are numerous terrains for sports and recreation in Novi Sad, halls, and camping areas outside the city limits.
Because of the planed construction of the city, everything is neatly organized, which helps when you try to find your way around the city, even if you are first time here. Of course, you can always do better, and that is what most of the citizens are tending to achieve. I'm sure they can, for their love for this city is endless.