Bač Fortress
The oldest Austro-Hungarian fortress on the territory of Serbia is located near Bač, in Vojvodina. The fortress is located on the left bank of the Danube and is assumed to have been built at the end of the 14th century, during the reign of the Hungarian king Karl Robert. In the interior of the fortress, it is possible to see the way of noble life from the 14th century, as well as exhibits of archaeological artifacts that were found in the vicinity of the fortress. Near the fort there is also an info center where tourists can buy souvenirs and refresh themselves.
Petrovaradin Fortress
The fortress, built from 1692 to 1780, was designed by Austrian military engineers according to the system of French fortifications by the famous builder Vauban. Passing through the Upper Town, past the Arsenal and the Officers’ Pavilion, all the way to the Lower Town, where the officers’ apartments, hospitals and barracks are located, you will discover what it was like to live in a “city within a city”, reserved for the guards of the fortifications. And if you want to hide from the sun and wind, go below the surface and walk through the 16-kilometer-long underground dungeons that lead you like a labyrinth into the exciting underground world of the Petrovaradin Fortress. Every year in July, the Petrovaradin fortress becomes the capital of entertainment because the famous Exit music festival is held there.
Belgrade Fortress
One of the main tourist attractions of the Serbian capital, the Belgrade Fortress is a favorite place for a walk and a rest for both the citizens of Belgrade and the guests of the capital. The first fortress at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube was built by the Celts, but the fortress owes its present appearance to the peoples who came after them. Between the 2nd and 18th centuries, the Romans, Byzantines, Hungarians and Turks adapted the fortress to their needs, which is why this building is still characterized by an eclectic style in which everyone can find something from an era that is close to them.
Smederevo Fortress
Observing the completely peaceful landscape of Smederevo, it is hard to believe that spears were broken between two medieval empires in this place a few hundred years ago. Built in the 15th century on the initiative of the Serbian despot Đurađ Branković, the Smederevo Fortress is the last large building of Serbian military architecture. Located in the then capital of Serbia, the fortress soon became the scene of many Serbian-Turkish conflicts. The magnificent edifice of the Smederevo Fortress still conveys numerous legends about defeats and victories to those who are willing to listen to its call.
Ram Fortress
Sailing on the Danube in the vicinity of the village of Ram, tourists are attracted as if by magic to the star-shaped structure of the fortress, which has been majestically rising on the right side of the bank since the 15th century. A witness to the struggle for supremacy between Christianity and Islam, Ram Fortress was conquered and lost by the Byzantines, Hungarians and Turks, only to be ruled by medieval Serbian despots.
Golubac Fortress
On the right bank of the Danube at the entrance to the Đerdap Gorge, there is another architectural jewel of this region. Built in the 14th century on an inaccessible cliff above the Djerdap Gorge, Golubac Fortress was the scene of numerous conflicts between what was then Serbia and Turkey. The view from the observation deck of the Golubac fortress is as fascinating today as it was at the time when the medieval rulers, looking across the river, planned their next moves.
Fetislam Fortress
The last in a series of seven fortresses on the Danube in the town of Kladovo is the Fetislam fortress, which was built by the Turkish rulers in the 16th century. At the entrance you will be greeted by a marble slab dedicated to the Turkish Sultan Mahmud II. The fortress with an interesting name that translates to “victory of Islam” is decorated with perfectly designed circular towers from which the artillery was ready to welcome the enemy soldiers. Specially set aside time to enjoy the view of the mighty Danube that flows peacefully, playing a significant role in writing the history of Europe.
