Golubac
The Golubac Fortress is a witness to time since the 14th century.
The Golubac Fortress is a witness to time since the 14th century. Even though the architecture resembles the medieval building style of Serbia, there is no definite proof of who was the original builder. For the most part, the fortress was a sort of “a border control” of the past and a couple of time was a knot of conflicts between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire.
The fortress has ten towers, most of which started square, and several of which received many-sided reinforcements with the advent of firearms. Towers were not connected for easier defence. Also inside the fortress were found Serbian Medieval frescos.
Golubac Fortress has had a tumultuous history. Before its construction, it was the site of a Roman settlement. During the Middle Ages, it became the object of many battles, especially between the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary. It changed hands repeatedly, passing between Turks, Bulgarians, Hungarians, Serbs, and Austrians, until 1867 when it was turned over to the Serbian Knez, Mihailo Obrenović III. Now, it is a popular tourist attraction in the region.
Many fortresses have that unpleasant feeling of the old, a trace of fear in the air, symbolizing their past military purposes. The Golubac Fortress gives an impression of an ultimately romantic place from very first sight. The river, the peace and the amazing sunset, make for an unforgettable afternoon stroll for couples.
Djerdap
The Danube passes through 10 different countries during its long path to the Black Sea, more than any other river on the planet. It may only be Europe's second-longest river, but it's certainly the most inspiring one - there are artworks, poems, and compositions created around it. On its path through Serbia, Danube leaves remarkable traces of history, culture and wild nature. In the northeast of Serbia, it becomes the natural border between Serbia and Romania and a protected place of wonderful nature - National Park Djerdap.
The Danube used to divide the Ottoman Empire from Habsburg Monarchy, North from the South, the plains from the mountains. It marks Serbia on so many levels, and many of them culminate in the east, in the Djerdap National Park, where the Danube reaches its widest, deepest and narrowest points.
The part where the river firmly cuts through the Carpathian Mountains is popularly called “The Iron Gates.” The entrance to the national park hides another trademark of the Danube in Serbia. It is the mighty Golubac Fortress.
For the Roman history fans, you could conduct a whole Roman heritage-themed tour, visiting some of the most notable ancient Roman sites in this area: the Trajan’s bridge and Tabula Traiana.
One of the oldest civilizations in the Balkan countries left its marks near the Djerdap gorge. The place is known as an important archaeological site of Lepenski Vir, and the findings date back to 9.500 BC. The place is remarkable for the numerous fish-like sculptures and peculiar architecture of a unique prehistoric civilization.
The Danube indeed marks Serbia on so many levels: geographically, culturally and naturally. But Serbia also leaves its mark on the magnificent flow of Europe’s second-longest river. Djerdap National Park is the place where the Danube reaches the widest, the narrowest and the deepest points in its flow. Therefore it’s a must-visit for those who want to experience the most and the best of the Danube.
