Subotica

Subotica is a town in northern Serbia, close to the Hungarian border, serving as the administrative center of the North Bačka District. The downtown architecture displays many buildings from the early 20th century, including a town hall with blue and gold ceramic facades and a theater in a similar style.

The settlement was first mentioned in the late Middle Ages as a trading place and grew into a regional center under Habsburg rule. In the early 20th century, it experienced a building phase that gave the downtown its current appearance.

The Hungarian name Szabadka and other designations reflect the mixed population that has lived here for centuries, routinely conversing in several languages in daily life. On market days and during religious festivals, you hear Serbian, Hungarian and Croatian conversations side by side, while different communities maintain their own places of worship and gathering spaces.

The main streets in the center are easy to explore on foot, with the main buildings within walking distance of each other. The train station sits a bit outside, so plan for a short walk or ride when arriving or departing.

The synagogue from 1902 is considered one of the most remarkable examples of religious architecture from that period in Central Europe, attracting visitors who come to admire its elaborate interior design. Another unusual feature is nearby Lake Palic, which invites swimming and strolling in summer.