Three fortress on Danube: Smederevo, Ram and Golubac

The Danube River, a crucial artery of European commerce and communication for thousands of years, has often marked the boundary between empires and cultures—from the Roman division between the civilized world and barbaric lands, to the borders separating Serbs and Hungarians, and between Christianity and Islam. This mighty river has not only connected diverse peoples through trade but also divided them with its imposing fortresses. Our “Fortresses on the Danube Tour” offers an in-depth exploration of this historic waterway, including visits to the last Serbian medieval capital, Smederevo, the Turkish fortress of Ram, and the enigmatic Golubac Fortress, whose exact origins—Serbian or Hungarian—remain a topic of debate.

We begin our one-day excursion at 8:00 AM from Belgrade, departing from the parking area outside the Museum of Yugoslavia, also known as the House of Flowers. Our journey takes us along the highway to Smederevo, where we traverse the rolling hills, often cloaked in vineyards, to the banks of the Danube at the confluence with the Jezava River. Here stands the formidable Smederevo Fortress, built by Despot Đurađ Branković in 1403. Until its fall to the Ottomans in 1459, the fortress served as the military, administrative, cultural, and ecclesiastical heart of the Serbian Despotate.

At Smederevo Fortress, we explore both the large and small towns within its walls, offering stunning views across the Banat plains. The foundational ruins of a church dedicated to Saint Luke, the city’s patron, are a highlight, and here we delve into the turbulent history of Smederevo, learning about the events that shaped Serbian history during this period. Our next destination is the picturesque Ram Fortress, allegedly established at the prayer site of Sultan Bayezid II as he eyed the Hungarian bank, longing to conquer all of Western Europe.

Ram Fortress stands majestically atop a rock overlooking the Danube, strategically positioned to control river passage. Thoroughly reconstructed, the fortress now proudly welcomes visitors who come to conquer its heights in spirit and enjoy the spectacular views from its ramparts. The fortress’s name, derived from the Islamic prayer mat, hints at its storied past and the cultural amalgamation characteristic of the region.

Continuing our journey, we reach Golubac Fortress, whose written records trace back to the mid-14th century. Modern research confirms the site of a smaller Roman fortification here, but the extensive fort that now draws visitors from around the world is primarily medieval. Touring the fortress’s green-zone towers, the water tower, and the court area, we’ll experience life in the 15th century through well-curated exhibits.

Golubac Fortress, named after the doves that once populated its towers, stands where the Danube is at its widest, marking a critical point along the Đerdap Gorge. The fortress’s walls have witnessed a tapestry of rulers—Byzantines, Hungarians, Turks, and Serbs—all of whom sought to control this strategic narrows and the lucrative tolls extracted from passing traders. We will uncover many legends, including that of a princess held captive in one of the towers, during our visit.

Our tour concludes with some free time or an optional organized lunch in Golubac, allowing participants to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures. As we head back to Belgrade in the evening, the “Fortresses on the Danube Tour” offers not just a journey through breathtaking landscapes but a profound voyage through the layers of history that have shaped this region. Join us to discover the legends and realities of these storied bastions along Europe’s most historic river.