Branko's Bridge and Sava Riverfront Pier
Why is it significant?
Conclude your journey through old riverside Belgrade at the base of Branko's Bridge — Brankov Most, the primary river crossing linking the historic center with the sprawling modernist avenues of New Belgrade.
Key Facts
| Place | Branko's Bridge and Sava Riverfront Pier |
|---|---|
| Address | Brankova Obala, Belgrade, Serbia |
| Geo Coordinates | 44.81380, 20.44900 |
| Part of Walk | Kosančićev Venac, Princess Ljubica's Konak and Savamala: Riverside Heritage |
| Generated | Generated |
Conclude your journey through old riverside Belgrade at the base of Branko's Bridge — Brankov Most, the primary river crossing linking the historic center with the sprawling modernist avenues of New Belgrade. Completed in 1956 as a continuous steel box-girder bridge spanning four hundred and fifty meters, this vital artery rests directly upon the monumental granite foundations of its legendary interwar predecessor: the King Alexander the First Bridge.
The King Alexander Bridge, inaugurated in December 1934, was celebrated as one of the most magnificent suspension bridges in Europe, designed by the German firm MAN with colossal Art Deco granite pylons carved from Carpathian stone. Tragic military necessity forced Yugoslav army engineers to dynamite the suspension cables in April 1941 to halt the rapid advance of German panzer divisions into the heart of the capital.
Although officially named the Brotherhood and Unity Bridge in the socialist era, Belgraders stubbornly called it Branko's Bridge after Branko's Street, which leads onto the span. Over time, urban lore also linked the name to the tragic end of beloved Yugoslav writer Branko Ćopić, who leapt from the bridge in March 1984, immortalizing the crossing in the collective heart of the city.
Standing on the riverbank pier beneath the towering bridge pylons, a spectacular panoramic vista unfolds: upstream, the sparkling modern developments of the waterfront rise, while downstream, the golden spire of Saborna Crkva and the ancient ramparts of Kalemegdan crown the ridge. The twilight reflection of city lights upon the water offers an unforgettable finale to your exploration of old Belgrade. The enduring granite pylons of the bridge provide a solid foundation for the bustling traffic connecting historic Belgrade with the modern metropolis across the river.
Our walking tour of Kosančićev Venac and Savamala ends here. Relax at a nearby riverfront cafe or take a leisurely stroll along the Sava promenade.