Legends of the Danube: Explore Three Mighty Fortresses
Serbia is a country blessed with a rich cultural and historical heritage and this can easily be seen in its fortresses and castles. An old country that has many medieval tales to share with those interested, Serbia is the right place to visit if you want to admire well-preserved amazing castles.
Join us on this tour along mighty Danube and discover some of them.
Smederevo Fortress
The fortress of Smederevo is situated on the right bank of the Danube, at the confluence of the Jezava and the Danube rivers.
It was built by the Despot Djuradj Brankovic, between 1428 and 1430. This structure is one of the biggest medieval fortifications in Europe and had as main purpose defending the city against Turkish attacks. However, they managed to conquer the fortress in 1459 and put an end to the Serbian medieval state.
On our tour you will discover interesting legends and historical facts about this fortress and its huge history.
Golubac Fortress – guardian of Danube
Golubac Fortress was built around the 14th century, passing through the hands of the Serbs, Hungarians, Austrians, Ottomans, before the Serbs secured it once and for all in 1867.
It houses ten towers that played a key role in protecting the entrance to the Iron Gates Gorge and the Danube River route.
The fortress was the scene of many battles, especially of those between the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary. However, fortress wasn’t ever conquered by any army force, it was changing its masters through policital decisions and agreements.
On our tour, you will reveal the secrets that made Golubac Fortress legendary.
After visiting Golubac Fortress, we’ll relax and enjoy a delicious homemade meals at a local restaurant, where you’ll get a real taste of Eastern Serbia
After lunch, one more fortress is waiting for us.
Ram Fortress
Located on a rocky cliff above the Danube, Ram Fortress stands watch at the gateway to the Iron Gates. According to legend, Sultan Bayazit II, exausted from battle, paused to rest on the hilltop. So refreshed by the spot, he ordered a fortress to be built there in 1483—and within just two years, Ram Fortress rose from the stone.
The fortress is one of first artillery fortifications in Europe and has a rectangular shape with five towers and 36 openings for cannons, needing at least 100 soldiers to use them. Its unusual design made people call it the “miracle of the fortress.”
If possible, at Ram Fortress, you’ll witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets along the Danube.
