Weekend in Banat, day two

Article continued from here.

Next morning we had breakfast in Tiganjica.

The amount of details in the restaurant is incredible. From the hand embroidered tablecloths, to the carved wooden bar, and a great deal of antique artifacts.

The plan for the day was to visit The Royal Bog (Carska bara) one of Serbia’s most beautiful nature reserves, but the weather was very bad so we decided to return to Kaštel Ečka.

The castle was built by the Lazar family. At the official opening ceremony, on August 28th 1820, a nine year old Franz Liszt, played the violin. For many years, it was a regional hunting center and was visited by royalties of the time (Franz Ferdinand, Aleksandar Karađorđević…). Unfortunately, World War II and war destruction did not spare Kaštel, as well, and owners left it for good and went to the USA.

After a stroll through their old park we head off to Zrenjanin.

Zrenjanin is a centuries old, largest city in Banat. It’s old Serbian name was Bečkerek, derived from Hungarian word kerek meaning grove. The city still maintains it’s old looks and is beautiful everywhere you look.

I can say, this is the most colorful city I’ve been to.

We stopped for a cup of coffee at hotel Vojvodina. Now, I asked the receptionist to direct us to the old part of the city and if he’d recommend something special or out of the ordinary. He said: “The old part of the city is that way, and if you want something interesting, I can show you where they’re building a new sports hall.” Sports hall?! Just check out the next post to see what he forgot to mention!

On the left – “Russian” church of Saint Archangel Mihailo. Built in 1922 by the Russians who immigrated from Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution, on the site of Bečkerek fortress’ dungeon. On the right – Zreanjanin City Hall.

Mateja on the Dry Bridge. This is the only bridge in the world that does not span any kind of physical obstacle It is strange though, that city called “the city of bridges”, who has a bridge like this, demolished their Eiffel Bridge.

Of course, I won’t leave you without another dinner from Trofej

Mixed Banat appetizer – a platter of various cheese, ham and three kinds of sausages (red, white and kulen).

Melt in your mouth Roe-doe Goulash. This portion is for one person, and that inside the bowl is not a tablespoon but a ladle. I’d say this feeds a family. The difference between this and most of the other goulash dishes you’ll be served at the restaurant is that this one is made traditionally – in a cauldron on an open fire.

Ćulbastija – grilled pork but, an all time barbecue favorite. Despite the name, this is a yummy part of a neck ;)

The best is yet to come…