Fetislam fortress

2 MIN

Fetislam is made up of two fortifications, known as the Greater and the Lesser Fort, built separately in different epochs.

The Lesser Fort, built as a fortified manor house, was erected in 1524 by the Ottoman official Bali-bey as a starting point for the military campaign into Europe undertaken by Suleiman the Magnificent.

That’s when the fortress got its name Fetislam, from the Turkish Fetih-űl-Islam, meaning “the conquest of Islam”. It comprises two sections: the upper one and the one placed on the river bank. The Lesser Fort is located right up against the northern wall of the Greater Fort.

The Greater Fort grew out of the necessity to further fortify the military garrison of the Lesser Fort with outer ramparts, moats and new entrances: three main gates with drawbridges.

The Ottoman Turkish military vacated Fetislam in 1867, along with other fortifications in Serbia.

The main gate and ramparts remain an interesting example of fortification architecture. Another curiosity can be found in the additional protections of the walls. They are covered with a thick layer of earth and vegetation, presumably as protection against fire, but also for thermal insulation.

The Ottoman Turkish military vacated Fetislam in 1867, along with other fortifications in Serbia. The exact date when this fortress was handed over to the Serbian authorities was 26 April, which is now observed as a local commemoration day in Kladovo.

Today, the park inside the walls of Fetislam is used for recreation and relaxation, while the Summer stage in the Lesser Fort serves as a venue for events pertaining to art and culture.