Moderna galerija🏛 museum
An art gallery showcasing modern and contemporary artistic works.
🌐 czklazarevac.rs🕒 Mo-Fr 10:00-19:00; Sa 10:00-15:00
Plizio Visual Lab
Lazarevac Memorial Church
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
church
The Memorial Church of St. Demetrius in Lazarevac is a premier historical and religious landmark in Serbia, serving as an ossuary for those who perished during the Battle of Kolubara in 1914. Constructed between 1938 and 1941 based on the architectural designs of Ivan Afanasjevic, the church embodies a profound message of peace. Its most significant feature is the crypt, which holds the remains of approximately 20,000 Serbian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers, interred together in a unique gesture of post-war reconciliation. The building is designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, characterized by its imposing domes and intricate stone facades that echo medieval Serbian craftsmanship. Every December, the site hosts major state ceremonies to honor the anniversary of the historic military engagement. The church is officially classified as a Cultural Monument of Exceptional Importance, reflecting its status as a cornerstone of national heritage.
- Location: Serbia
- Top sights: Moderna galerija · Vidik · Otvoreni bazen
- Nearby: Rajac (27 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 2 | 6 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 18 | 12 | 7 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 51 | 50 | 57 | 57 | 87 | 90 | 69 | 58 | 60 | 57 | 51 | 53 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Lazarevac Memorial Church is a place of worship and can be visited inside. The crypt holding the remains of the fallen is accessible.
Typical hours
Churches in Serbia are typically open during the day for visitors, often with breaks for services. The crypt may have its own hours.
Photography
Inside the church, photography without flash is usually allowed, out of respect for the religious site. The crypt may have a photography ban.
Time needed
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for the church visit. The crypt and memorial plaques deepen the experience.
Combine with
The church is in Lazarevac, which has other sights. A visit to the nearby monument for the Battle of Kolubara is recommended.
Getting there
Lazarevac is well connected by train or bus from Belgrade. The church is in the city center and reachable on foot from the station.
Insider tip
Take time to quietly contemplate the frescoes and the memorial in the crypt. A small donation for the church's upkeep is welcome.
Geography
Facts
- Built between the years 1938 and 1941
- Contains remains of 20,000 soldiers
- Commemorates the 1914 Battle of Kolubara
- Designed by architect Ivan Afanasjevic
- The crypt covers an area of 380 square meters
- Classified as a monument of exceptional importance
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Lazarevac Memorial Church (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Lazarevac Memorial Church so significant?
The church houses an ossuary with the remains of Serbian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers from the Battle of Kolubara (1914).
When can you visit the church in Lazarevac?
The church is usually open daily from 08:00 to 18:00, though sightseeing is restricted during religious services.
Is there an entrance fee for the ossuary?
Entrance is generally free, but small donations for the maintenance of the church and monument are welcome.
Is photography allowed inside the memorial church?
Flash-free photography is often allowed, but out of respect for the ossuary, you should ask the staff first.
How to reach Lazarevac from Belgrade?
Lazarevac is about 60 km south of Belgrade, easily accessible by bus or car via the Ibar highway.
Lazarevac Memorial Church: where is it located?
Lazarevac Memorial Church is located in Serbia.
Lazarevac Memorial Church: what is there to see?
Highlights include Moderna galerija, Vidik, Otvoreni bazen.
Lazarevac Memorial Church: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Serbia →
Nearby cities
Cacak Trade Center
Cacak is considered an important transport and trade hub in Central Serbia.
Pozarevac Economic Center
Pozarevac serves as an important regional commercial and administrative center.
Uvac
A spectacular nature reserve famous for the dramatic meanders of the Uvac River and rare Griffon Vultures.
Vrbas
Vrbas is a charming town in Vojvodina, known for its rich agricultural surroundings and multicultural heritage.
Loznica
Loznica is located on the Drina river in western Serbia near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Leposavić Municipality
Located in North Kosovo, Leposavić is known for its scenic mountain landscapes and important Serbian Orthodox monasteries.
Sjenica
Located on the stunning Pešter Plateau, Sjenica is known for its rugged natural beauty and extreme winters.
Banja Koviljača
One of Serbia's oldest spa resorts on the Drina river, famous for its royal park, sulfurous waters, and medicinal mud.
Priboj
Located on the banks of the Lim River, Priboj is a town rich in industrial history and surrounded by stunning nature.
Prijepolje
Prijepolje is a town in southwestern Serbia at the confluence of the Lim and Mileševka rivers.
Rajac
A scenic mountain plateau in Western Serbia, famous for its traditional scything festival and pristine nature.
History & landmarks
Golubac Fortress
A majestic medieval fortress at the entrance of the Iron Gates, one of the best-preserved castles in Serbia.
Topola
The historical center of Serbian freedom and the seat of the Karađorđević royal family on Oplenac Hill.
Kosančićev venac
Kosančićev venac is the oldest preserved urban quarter of Belgrade outside the fortress.
Nature
More places
Zrenjanin City Hall
The imposing Neorenaissance building was built in the late 19th century.
Bukulja Mountain
Bukulja Mountain is located near Aranđelovac.
Kosmaj Mountain
Kosmaj is a low mountain range near Belgrade.
Old Bridge in Valjevo
This historic bridge across the Kolubara river is one of the oldest preserved structures of the city.
Valjevo Industrial Hub
Valjevo is an important center for the manufacturing industry in Western Serbia.
National Museum Valjevo
The museum documents the historical development of the Valjevo region from prehistoric times to the modern era.
Rudnik Mountain
Rudnik is an isolated mountain massif in Central Serbia.
Karadjordje Church, Topola
The historic church was built in the early 19th century by Karadjordje Petrović.