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LenR
LenR
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Kalemegdan and Belgrade Fortress.

  • May 5, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by LenR from Townsville, Australia
Kalemegdan and Belgrade Fortress.

The Romans built on this site 2000 years ago but most of what you see today is from the 17th century. It is well worth a visit.

Belgrade Fortress is the historical nucleus of Belgrade, around which the civilian settlement grew up, starting from the time of Singidunum in the Celtic and Roman periods. Numerous remains of the Roman fortification have been uncovered in recent times. While the IV Flavian legion was stationed here, the first fort constructed of square hewn stones was erected in what is now called the Upper Fortress. Parts of the original Roman walls are still visible near the Zindan gate, incorporated in the lower part of the north-west wall of the Upper Fortress, together with remains of a square tower.

Changing hands among the Byzantines, Bulgars, Hungarians and Serbs in the period from the 5th to the 15th century, Belgrade underwent various changes, additions and repairs without losing its basic form or purpose. However, the large-scale building works undertaken from 1403-1427 by Despot Stevan Lazarevich gave the fortifications their developed medieval form with a citadel in the north-west corner of the Upper Fortress and an extensive Lower Fortress and western and eastern suburbs.

The common approach for tourists is from the downtown pedestrian street through lovely Kalemegdan Park. This park was created in the 19th century after the Ottomans handed over the fortress to the Serbs in 1867. Most of the greenery you see was planted between 1873 and 1875 after a plan was drawn up by Emilijan Josimovic, Belgrade’s first urban planner. The park and fortress sit on top of a hill strategically overlooking the Danube and Sava rivers. The park provides good views over the rivers and back towards the main city.

The ideal way to view the fortress is to wander around. It is quite extensive and there appears to be no organized ‘best way’ to see all the sights. There are several monuments within the park dedicated to distinguished public and cultural figures. In addition, there is the Monument to France which was erected in 1930 as a symbol of gratefulness to France for aid during World War 1. There is also a monument to the surrender of the keys where in 1867 the Sultan’s order was read stating that the Fortress was to be turned over to the Serbian army.

Don’t miss Cafée Castle in one of the towers if you are hungry or thirsty. There are also two museums, a zoo, an amusement park, and various sporting facilities within the park and fortress.

From journal Exploring Belgrade

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