The Belgrade fortress, erected on a white ridge above the confluence of two large rivers and destroyed and rebuilt numerous times over 16 centuries, remains the symbol of Serbia's capital.
Suppose you've been to Serbia's capital. In that case, you'll recognise the city's symbol: the magnificent Belgrade citadel on the white slope above the confluence of the Sava and the Danube, soaring above and guarding the city.
If you have not seen Belgrade, you must tour the Upper and Lower Towns of the Belgrade Fortress and stroll around Kalemegdan Park. The spirit of history is still alive in this location and can be felt in the shadow of grand towers. The "Victor" monument - Victor over time - watches over the rivers and protects their banks.
The Belgrade fortress was constructed over a long period, from the second to the 18th centuries. The fortress has been destroyed and rebuilt countless times and has become a symbol of the city's ongoing growth.
Knowing the history of the Belgrade fortress implies understanding the history of our people and the manner of life in current Belgrade. Armies, people, and conquerors have all left their imprint, resulting in the historical strata left by Romans, Serbs, Turks, and Austro-Hungarians lying one on the other.
The initial fortification was built by the Romans in the second century, and it later housed the Roman legion IV Flaviae, which protected the area. It was destroyed by the Goths, Huns, Avars, and Slavs. The ancient Singidunum was created somewhere during a turbulent time. It was built on the same white ridge that gave rise to the name "BEO-grad" (WHITE-city).
Currently, the Belgrade citadel consists of Upper and Lower Town, as well as the broad field in front of the stronghold, which Turks termed "Kalemegdan," combining the terms "kale," which means city, fortress, and "megdan," which means field in Turkish. The most beautiful and large park in the nation's capital was once a battleground between adversaries.
Only by seeing this location can you grasp its beauty and significance. Every step taken in the Belgrade castle reveals more history than can be found in history books. The so-called "Roman well," constructed in the early 18th century, conceals several legends. Most of the city's gates have been kept, as has the Sahat tower (eng. clock tower), which still looks as it did when it was erected.
Damad Ali Pasha's Turbeh in Lower Town is a rarely preserved monument of Islamic architecture in Belgrade. Massive Gunpowder Magazine and Hamam - Historic Turkish Bath are also available. Visitors interested in military history should not miss a visit to the Military Museum in Lower Town and the Nebojša Tower, a mediaeval canon tower the Turks converted into a dungeon.
The view of the city from the Danube and Sava rivers is stunning. You will see the massive "Victor" rising over the city walls, symbolising Belgrade and victory over time. Ivan Metrovi's bronze sculpture of a naked man clutching a pigeon and a sword was installed to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Salonika Front breakthrough.
The fortress of Belgrade still stands, defying time and concealing various legends. It invites you to explore at least some of them and understand why the vistas from Kalemegdan are genuinely eternal.
