In cooperation with the National Park Fruška Gora, Diplomacy & Commerce magazine organized a one-day tour showcasing the natural, cultural, historical, and wine heritage of Fruška Gora and the Srem region
Following previous ambassadorial tours held in Apatin, Kikinda, Jagodina, Zlatibor, Vrnjačka Banja, and Šid, Diplomacy & Commerce, in partnership with the National Park Fruška Gora, hosted another exclusive visit for members of the diplomatic corps. The tour offered participants a unique opportunity to discover the rich natural beauty, cultural treasures, and historical legacy of this remarkable part of Serbia.
The program began at the National Park Fruška Gora Information Centre, where guests were welcomed by representatives of the National Park led by Director Dragan Vidović, together with representatives of Diplomacy & Commerce magazine and Color Press Group. Following a traditional Serbian welcome featuring bread, salt, and homemade rakija, participants toured part of the park’s natural history collection and learned more about its work and conservation efforts.
The visit continued with a walk along a forest fitness trail leading to the Freedom Monument at Iriški Venac, an impressive memorial created by sculptor Sreten Stojanović in 1951. During the visit, ambassadors learned about the key historical events that took place in Vojvodina during the Second World War, the anti-fascist movement in Srem, and the hardships endured by the local population throughout the war years.
The delegation then visited the monasteries of Novo Hopovo and Staro Hopovo, two of Fruška Gora’s most important spiritual, cultural, and historical landmarks. At Novo Hopovo Monastery, guests were introduced to its rich history dating back to the 15th century, as well as the sacred relics preserved there, including the relics of Saint Theodore Tyro. At Staro Hopovo, members of the monastic community offered insights into daily monastic life and the centuries-old traditions that continue to be nurtured within the monastery.
During their stay in Irig, the delegation visited the birthplace and memorial house of renowned Serbian writer, playwright, and academic Borislav Mihajlović Mihiz, which was opened to the public in 2019. Ambassadors had the opportunity to learn more about the life and work of one of Serbia’s most influential intellectuals of the 20th century, as well as to view the unique collection of reverse-glass icons now housed in the property. This part of the program was attended by Tihomir Stojaković, President of the Municipality of Irig, who presented the history and tourism potential of this picturesque municipality in the Srem region.
The tour concluded with a visit to La Gora Winery, where ambassadors enjoyed a wine tasting accompanied by local gastronomic specialties and a viewing of artworks exhibited throughout the winery. Guests were welcomed by Katarina Babić, co-owner of the winery, who presented the development of the family business and highlighted Fruška Gora’s longstanding winemaking tradition.
Once again, the tour demonstrated the value of such initiatives in promoting Serbia’s natural attractions, cultural heritage, historical legacy, and wine tourism among members of the diplomatic corps and the wider international community.
