Topola , a small town in Serbia

Natasha
Dec 19, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Cossetted away in the heart of Šumadija, the town Topola is one of Serbia’s most historically significant and certainly a picture perfect town. Famous for its deep ties to the Serbian royal family, its alluring landscapes, and its superb wines, Topola is surely a must-visit destination for lovers of nature and history, and those wine aficionados out there. Whether you are interested in exploring Serbian curtual and historical heritage, in tasting traditional wines, or enjoying most alluring hiking tours, there seems to be something for everyone in Topola.

Topola is a miniature town in the central Šumadija region which was founded on the right side of the smallish Kamenica river, where a poplar tree sprouts and branches out. Underneath the treetop of the said poplar tree, the then tradesmen and the ordinary people used to find a place to rest. Interestingly enough, the town of Topola (a poplar tree) got its name after this tree.

Moreover, the first written documents about the town date from the time of Austro – Hungarian census in 1817. The municipality of Topola is one of the seven municipalities of Šumadiya district. it covers the area of 365 km² with its population of 22 329 inhabitants. The municipality consists of a small-scale town where 4.973 inhabitants live and of 30 villages in total. The municipality has a modern local government that has invested substantial sums of money in infrastructure development in recent years. Indeed, today Topola has 270 km of ranked roads, 800 km of non- ranked roads and about 70 km of urban water supply networks with the main pipeline which is 15 km in length. Allow me to make a shortish list of a few must-dos and must- sees when visiting this delightful little town typical of the Serbian countryside.

Let me suggest what you might like to visit in Topola

1. Oplenac and the Church of St. George

One of the most important landmarks in Serbia, the Oplenac complex is surely a must-see. The Church of St. George, a spectacular Serbian Orthodox Church, solemnly stands there in silent testimony as the mausoleum of the Karadjordjević Dynasty.

Its interior is decorated with magnificent mosaics covering over 3,500 square meters, making it one of the most impressive churches in the Balkans. Next to the church, you’ll find the Karadjordje*s House, a museum dedicated to Karađorđe Petrović, the leader of the First Serbian Uprising and the founder of the dynasty.

2. King Peter’s House

This well preserved residence of King Peter I Karadjordjević offers a deeper insight into the life and legacy of Serbian royalty.

The house has an abundance of historical documents, artworks and personal belongings on display which tend to paint a rather vivid picture of Serbia’s royal past.

3. Karađorđe’s Town

Karađorđe’s Town is a historical complex which used to serve as the fortification for Karađorđe Petrović during the First Serbian Uprising. Established in the early 19th century, it was a significant stronghold in Serbia’s struggle against the Ottoman Turkish rule.

In this day and age though, visitors can explore the remains of the old buildings, fortified walls, and lest we forget, the well preserved church built by Karađorđe himself. This location provides a captivating view into Serbia’s checkered history and the legacy of one of its greatest leaders.

4. Karadjordje’s Monument

A towering monument dedicated to Karađorđe Petrović stands in the center of Topola, honoring his leadership in Serbia’s fight for independence from the Ottoman yolk.

Things to Do in Topola

1. Wine Tasting at Royal Winery

Topola and the surrounding Oplenac region are famous for their vineyards. The Royal Winery, founded by King Peter I, still produces superb Serbian wines. Visitors can take a tour around the winery, learn about traditional Serbian winemaking, and sample a selection of premium wines.

2. Explore the Oplenac Vineyards

Locally, Šumadija is oft referred to as the ‘Tuscany of Serbia’ thanks to its rolling mountains and hilltops enveloped in vineyards. Wine lovers can visit local wineries such as the Aleksandrović Winery, famous for the wine production of international repute.

3. Take a most charming ride around Šumadija

Topola is surrounded by stunningly beautiful nature. A most charming ride through the region unravels enthralling landscapes of rolling hillslopes, charming little orchards, and wonderous woods. The area is particularly picture perfect in autumn when the vineyards turn gold/assume a plethora of golden shades in the autumnal sun OVDE SAM STIGLA

4. Visit Local Festivals

Topola is home to Oplenačka Berba (Oplenac Grape Harvest Festival), one of the most famous wine festivals in Serbia. Held every October, this event features wine tastings, together with traditional Serbian food and complete with cultural performances.

5. Hiking and long walks in the nature

Nature lovers are bound to thoroughly enjoy hiking through the most pleasingly picturesque hills in close proximity to Topola. There are scores of trails offering stunning viewpoints of the Šumadija region, making it an outstanding destination for the al fresco aficionados .

6. Fancy grabbing a bite of authentic Serbian cuisine?

Rest assured, Topola famously offers lusciously delicious traditional Serbian food, with mouthwatering specialties such as homemade prosciutto, local cheeses and surely a temptingly tasty roasted lamb and sundry other delicacies. A myriad of restaurants in immediate vicinity serve meals perfectly paired with locally produced wines for an absolutely authentic gastronomic experience.

Reasons to visit Topola

Topola is a hidden gem in Serbia offering a most superb blend of Serbian checkered history, glorious culture, and impressive nature. Whether a tourist feels like exploring its royal heritage, indulging in world-class wines, or merely enjoying the stunningly stimulating surroundings, Topola does offer a memorable experience for all visitors.

Do you feel like discovering why this charming town is one of Serbia’s top destinations? Start planning your trip to Serbia today!

In case you need any assistance in planning your itinerary, feel free to get in touch.

Alternatively, if you feel like learning Serbian for a short course in SURVIVAL SERBIAN or perhaps a longer course and/ or individual classes or perhaps you need an introduction course for ICT intercultural communication training for Serbia , do not hesitate to get in touch with me by email