Serbia might not have the coastal beauty of Croatia or the islands of Montenegro, but it more than makes up for it with its historic buildings and culture. From the rugged beauty of Golubac Fortress, cradling the waters of the Danube, to the haunting tales of Zemunska’s past, there’s a handful of fascinating historic castles in Serbia worth visiting, and in this article, we’ll present you most of them and teach you everything there is to know about them. Let’s start…
Introduction to Serbia’s Historical Landscape
These early fortifications were the jeans-and-a-t-shirt of the architectural world – functional, reliable, not particularly flashy. They were built primarily for defense, not to make a style statement. In their earliest forms, these structures reflected the Byzantine influences and the style changed over the years after the formation of the Serbian kingdom.
Why all these fortresses, you ask? Well, with its central location in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, Serbia was a desirable piece of real estate everyone wanted a piece of, from Ottomans to Austro-Hungarians. So, the building of castles and fortresses was less of a choice and more of a necessity to ward off these persistent suitors.
Most castles in Serbia (but not all) are not in a very good shape today and the answer lies in the not-so-gentle hands of history. Many castles in Serbia faced a cocktail of challenges – sieges, battles, neglect, and even the temper tantrums of Mother Nature. Some, like the Belgrade Fortress, got constant makeovers and touch-ups, thanks to their strategic importance. Others weren’t so lucky…
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Castles In Serbia- Architectural Styles, Influences & Brief History
Byzantine Style: The earliest remaining castles in Serbia that we’ll go through below, date back to the Byzantine era. These castles feature think thick walls, compact layouts, and a “no-nonsense” aura. To put it simple, these fortresses were the medieval equivalent of the little black dress—timeless, elegant, and functional.
Ottoman Influences: As the Ottomans invaded the Balkan Peninsula, they introduced elements of their architectural styles in all countries under their control, Serbia included. The basic features of the Ottoman style includes rounded towers, elaborate gates, and intricate stonework.
Austro-Hungarian Allure: Last but not least, we shouldn’t forget about the Austro-Hungarian influences that can mainly be spotted in the castles in Northern Serbia, a part of the country that spent more time under Austro-Hungarian control. These Serbian castles have a more Western appearance, blending the Eastern intricacies with European grandiosity.
Now that we covered some basics, let’s see which are some of the most beautiful castles in Serbia that you should add to your Serbia bucket list.
Belgrade Fortress
Located at the confluence of the two most important rivers in Serbia, Sava and Danube, the Belgrade Fortress has been protecting the capital for centuries. Throughout the years, this fortress was conquered and reconquered by the Byzantines, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians, each leaving their own stamp. Today, the Belgrade Fortress is a bit worn by the winds of time, but still standing proud and being one of the city’s most notable landmarks. While parts show signs of ageing, it’s mostly in great nick. You can visit it, explore all parts of it, see the museums, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Sounds interesting? Then you may want to check out their Belgrade Fortress underground tour or this detailed 3-hour tour of the capital’s fortress.
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Kapetanovo Castle
“Kapetanovo” translates to “Captain’s” in Serbian. The castle was named after its founder, Captain Miša Anastasijević, who clearly wasn’t the type to settle for a modest cottage. The castle, over the years, played host to the highs and lows of history, it hosted grand balls and soirees and saw its rough moments too (although not nearly as many as some other castles on this list). Today, Kapetanovo Castle is one of the best preserved castles in Serbia and age has done nothing but add more character to its walls.
Maglič Castle
Built in the 13th century, Maglič was tactically positioned to safeguard the entrance to the Ibar gorge, one of the most strategic points in the kingdom. “Maglič” can be loosely translated to “the foggy one” in Serbian, a reference to the frequent mists that envelop the castle.
Like any castle worth its salt, Maglič has had its fair share of sieges and captures. It served most of its years as a fortress but briefly it also housed a monastery and played a crucial part in the Ottoman-Hungarian wars. Fast forward to today, and Maglič is passing the test of time, though partially in ruins, showcasing its enduring spirit.
Spitzer Castle
Built in the 19th century, this castle for long was a symbol of prestige, wealth, and cultural prowess. The castle bears the name of its original owners, the Spitzer family, an influential family during the Austro-Hungarian era. However, time wasn’t so nice to the castle and from a symbol of affluence, it became a haunting reminder of the ravages of war post-World War II. The mansion saw days of glory and nights of despair and it ultimately became Beočin’s very own ‘ghost house’.
Vršac Castle
Strategically situated on the Vršac Hill, this fortress had one prime objective: play watchdog for the plains below. “Vršac” takes its name from the very hill it proudly stands upon (branding 101, medieval style) Today, the castle might be showing a wrinkle or two (blame the centuries), but it’s still standing tall, and is one of the most beautiful castles in Serbia.
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Marcibanji Koračonji Castle
Named after the Marcibanji and Koračonji families (I know, it’s a mouthful) it’s a castle with heritage, character, and a storied past. The castle was built as a testament to wealth and prestige of the two families and well, because they could. If I could describe the current state of this historic castle, I’d say it’s like a classic novel: a bit worn around the edges, but the story inside? Timeless.
Kastel Ecka
It’s located in Echka 60 kilometers north of Belgrade. It’s built in English style and has been around since 1820. Fun fact: on the day of the grand opening, Franz List played inside the castle. Today, the castle has been restored in a hotel/hunting lodge with 38 rooms and 7 apartments.
Kožnik Tvrdjava
Tucked away in the Serbian highlands, Kožnik Tvrdjava was built for strategic supremacy and was designed to protect Kopaonik Mountain and cut enemies access to the Rasina River. Over the years, Kožnik Tvrdjava witnessed sieges, conquests, and survived most of them (after all it was located at 900 meters above sea level). It saw empires rise and fall, but today Kožnik Tvrdjava itself is a glorified ruin but still nevertheless, worth a visit.
Finding this post interesting? Then you’ll probably also like our list of haunted castles in England.
Manasija Monastery
Now, when you think of divine intervention, you probably don’t imagine bricks and mortar, but Manasija Monastery might just be the exception. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Serbia, this monastery dedicated to the Holy Trinity and founded by Despot Stefan Lazarević in the early 15th century, it’s one of the most interesting history on this list. It is one of the most significant monuments of medieval Serbian culture and it’s protected by massive walls and towers and towers that makes most castles on this list envy, because why not?
Bač Fortress
Prominently situated in the town of Bač, this fortress was erected as a strategic defense post and guard against potential invasions as a stronghold in Serbia’s northeast. The fortress is named after the town of Bač (where it’s located) and it was constructed in the 14th century. Throughout the years, Bač Fortress has witnessed numerous sieges from both Ottomans and Austro Hungarians, as well as several reconstructions, and renovations. From being a powerful seat of regional authorities to facing neglect today, it seems like its best days are behind it but it’s still a noteworthy attraction you should visit if you venture in this part of Serbia.
Petrovaradin Fortress
Nestled beside the mighty Danube in the underrated city of Novi Sad, this fortress was envisioned as a strategic defense against Ottoman invasions and is the second-largest and most famous fort in Serbia. Named after the two Hungarian words, “Péter” (Peter) and “vár” (fort), coupled with the Slavic word “din” (faith), Petrovaradin translates to “Peter’s fort of faith”.
History wasn’t always kind to this colossal citadel. While it began as an essential defense post, the fortress faced multiple sieges, changes in rulership, and it served as the de facto border between Austro Hungary and the Ottomans for years. Fast forward to today, and it’s home to one of Europe’s biggest music festivals, the EXIT Festival.
Sounds interesting? Then you may like this extensive tour of Petrovardin which includes transportation from most major Serbian cities.
Smederevo Fortress
When discussing the castles in Serbia, Smederevo Fortress just has to be mentioned. It was commissioned by Despot Đurađ Branković in the early 15th century to serve as a shield to the Serbian state from the encroaching Ottoman Empire. The fortress was named after the city of Smederevo itself. From the heights of being a capital and main stronghold of the Serbian state in its early days, to witnessing the tragic 1941 ammunition explosion during World War II, Smederevo Fortress has seen it all. Much like a battle-hardened veteran, the fortress wears the scars of time, but still stands imposingly on the right bank of the Danube.
Užice Old Town Fortress
When you think of castles in Serbia, the Užice Old Town Fortress is bound to come to mind. Nestled on a rocky hill above the Đetinja River, this fortress was strategically positioned to guard the western entrance to Serbia. Built in the 14th century, it was primarily constructed as a defensive bulwark against invaders.
Užice Old Town Fortress is named after the city of Užice (not very creative, I know). Over the years, Užice Fortress saw numerous rulers, from the Serbian medieval nobility to the Ottoman Turks. The wear and tear of time and battles haven’t been kind to this ancient sentinel and today, what remains of the fortress are ruins, but they are hauntingly beautiful.
Niš Fortress
Situated on the banks of the Nišava River, the Niš Fortress stands tall in the heart of Niš, one of Serbia’s oldest cities. The fortress, with its prime location, sits right at the crossroads of Europe and Asia which made it a strategic military point throughout the years.
Over the centuries, Niš Fortress has been both a silent observer and an active participant in the ebb and flow of empires. Originally, it was a Roman military post (before it got its current appearance) but it got present form during the Ottoman reign, in the 18th century, to be more specific. Today, the cannons are silent and there are no more battles and the castle’s walls have transitioned to embracing culture- hosting concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions.
Golubac Fortress
This list of the most impressive castles in Serbia couldn’t be complete without Golubac Fortress. Elegantly poised at the entrance of the Iron Gates gorge on the banks of the Danube, it’s easy to see why someone would like to build a strategic stronghold at this exact location because it allowed its rulers to oversee and control the Danube traffic completely.
It was constructed in the 14th century and has seen Byzantine emperors, Hungarian kings, and Ottoman sultans vying for its control. Today, the fortress has undergone recent restorations, and it looks as good as ever. Of course, it’s no longer a strategic defense point, but it has embraced its new role of welcoming tourists, historians, and romantic souls.
Fortress Kale Momchilo Town
Nestled in the heart of Pirot, Kale Fortress, also known as Momchilo’s Old Town is a fortress named after legendary Serbian hero, Momchilo, whose tales of bravery and heroism make a crucial part of Serbian history, folklore, and legends. The fortress was erected in the 14th century and from the beginning was strategically positioned in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula and with time, it turned into one of the most essential fortifications in the region.
Ramska Fortress
Nestled along the Danube, Ramska Fortress was one of the strongest historic fortifications in this part of the world. Its strategic location next to the Balkan’s greatest river, gave this fort the historical responsibility of controlling the key trade routes on the peninsula and serving as a barricade against any potential invaders. Fast forward to today, and the fortress is starting to show signs (or scars) of age (who wouldn’t after such a history?), but fortunately, there are conservation efforts are in place to ensure that this historical gem doesn’t fade into oblivion.
Zemunska Fortress
Last but not least, we wrap up this list of the best castles in Serbia with Zemunska Fortress (or shall I say, its remnants). “Zemun” itself is derived from the Serbian word for ‘fort,’ and that should tell you something.
From Roman emperors plotting their next moves to Serbian and Austro-Hungarian troops marching and countermarching, Zemunska Fortress has been a silent spectator to countless of different epochs of history. Its prime location on the border between the Central European and Ottoman empires made it an ever-important strategic point.
How did you like this list of castles in Serbia? Did you ever visit any of them? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.