Talk: Art, architecture and history of the Western Balkans

Join Iain Shearer at the Art Gallery of New South Wales as he explores the extraordinary histories that forged the modern Western Balkans, from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina to Montenegro and Serbia.

This region features stunning landscapes of jagged mountains and lush valleys, bisected by one of Europe’s mightiest rivers, the Danube. The Western Balkans have long been home to rich forests and abundant wildlife.

Throughout history, empires have fought over these lands. From Alexander the Great to Imperial Rome, conquerors have left their mark, influencing the region's culture and history. The area became a battleground between Greek Orthodox Byzantines and Muslim Ottomans, resulting in the establishment of Orthodox monasteries, Balkan Cathars and meticulously designed Ottoman cities.

Additionally, the Habsburgs, a prominent European dynasty that ruled in the 16th century, left a legacy of conflict and grand architecture that continues to shape local identities today.