Eastern Serbia Jewels

Our journey begins at Smederevo Fortress, the last Serbian capital and stronghold before the Ottoman occupation. Built in the 15th century along the Danube, Smederevo was both a political and military center of medieval Serbia, strategically positioned to control river traffic and defend the realm from advancing forces. Its massive triangular layout, towering walls, and imposing gates reflect the urgency and ambition of its construction, as it was erected in a time of constant threat. Walking through the fortress today offers a powerful glimpse into the final chapter of independent medieval Serbian statehood and the dramatic transition that followed Ottoman expansion into the Balkans.

From there, we move on to Ram Fortress, considered the first artillery fortress in Europe, marking a turning point in military architecture. Designed specifically to withstand and deploy cannon fire, Ram represents the dawn of a new era in warfare, where gunpowder reshaped how fortresses were built and defended. Our journey concludes at the breathtaking Golubac Fortress, dramatically rising from the banks of the Danube at the entrance to the Iron Gates gorge. Known as the only fortress in the region that has never been conquered by any army, Golubac’s strategic position, multiple towers, and natural defenses made it virtually impregnable, standing as a lasting symbol of resilience, ingenuity, and the enduring power of strategic geography.