Fortresses

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Modern-day Serbia is dotted with the remains of dozens of fortresses erected on strategically important spots – by the rivers, along the trading routes and at the borders of past empires. Today, fortresses in Serbia tell the tale of the turbulent history of these parts and transport visitors to the age of medieval rulers, knights and great battles.

Built to protect cities, properties or monasteries, fortresses were a crucial element in the military strategies of medieval rulers.

Some of them served a strictly military purpose and you can still see some of the former military camps, arsenals and barracks. Others developed into proper small cities, complete with houses, schools and corner shops, as well as churches and mosques, whose remains have withstood the ravages of time.
One of the oldest fortresses in Serbia is Stari Ras, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the nearby monasteries of Sopoćani and Djurdjevi stupovi and the Church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul (Saint Peter’s Church).
Today, fortresses in Serbia tell the tale of the turbulent history of these parts and transport visitors to the age of medieval rulers, knights and great battles.
Some of them have taken on a new life, a new energy and a new purpose, as the venues for cultural and art events, while the walls of some medieval forts now protect parks, galleries or even museums.

Bač Fortress

“Water town”, a fortress surrounded by a river, which one could access using drawbridges.It was designed to defend the flat, swampy area that surrounds it.

Belgrade Fortress

At the very heart of the Serbian capital city, where the river Sava meets the Danube, towers a monumental fortress from which modern Belgrade originally emerged.

Diana

Emperor Trajan is known for his lasting and praiseworthy building feats.

Fetislam fortress

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Golubac Fortress

Golubac Fortress, a medieval fortress dating back to the 14th Century, is perched atop a steep, rocky cliff on the right bank of the Danube.

Maglič

Near the city of Kraljevo, on a narrow plateau on top of a rocky ridge by the river Ibar, stand the remains of the medieval city of Maglič.

Niš Fortress

Niš Fortress is a well-preserved Turkish fortress from the 18th Century situated at the very heart of the city of Niš, on the bank of the river Nišаva.

Petrovaradin Fortress

The Petrovaradin Fortress, the second largest in Europe, is situated in the city of Novi Sad, on the banks of the Danube.

Pirot Fortress

Kale fortress is located within the city centre of Pirot.

Ram Fortress

The first typical military artillery fortification on the right bank of the Danube, in the territory of the municipality of Veliko Gradište.

Smederevo Fortress

The city of Smederevo, on the right bank of the Danube, boasts a magnificent fortress built in the 15th century. Erected as a defence against Turkish invasion, this fortress is the last major achievement of Serbian medieval military architecture.

Stari Ras

On Gradina hill near the city of Novi Pazar stands Stari Ras, a 12th century fortress.

Zvečan

On the rocky, cone-shaped hill overlooking Kosovska Mitrovica stand the remains of the fortified city of Zvečan. It is unknown who built this fortification or indeed when it was built. The first mention of it is found in the 11th century, when it was ruled by Serbian grand princes.