Summary
Since the days of the Roman Empire, the city of Niš has served as an unofficial boundary between East and West. One prominent historical figure associated with this divide was the Roman Emperor Constantine, who was born in ancient Naissus and later established a “New Rome” in Constantinople. The Ottomans held dominion over Niš from the Middle Ages until the 19th century, leaving behind a formidable fortress that houses a 16th-century mosque.
Additionally, Niš is home to several poignant memorials commemorating violent periods in its history, such as a tower of skulls erected by the Ottomans to deter insurrections and a World War II concentration camp, preserved as a memorial. Conversely, the surrounding landscape offers breathtaking natural beauty, featuring river gorges, the Suva Planina mountain, and the city’s thermal springs.
Let us examine the top attractions in Niš:
1. Niš Fortress
Situated along the Nišava River, this imposing Ottoman fort was completed in 1723 and encases an ancient citadel that has been inhabited since the establishment of a Roman military camp over 2,000 years ago.
The construction of the fortress was an extensive endeavor, covering 22 hectares and containing over two kilometers of walls.
Visitors enter through the grand Stambol gate, where they can discover numerous intriguing historical features within the parkland.
Among these is a Turkish hamam dating from 1498, a mosque called Bali-Behy from 1521, a lapidarium housing Roman tombstones, a powder magazine, and a monument commemorating the liberation of Niš in 1902.
2. Skull Tower
A somber reminder of the bloodshed during the First Serbian Uprising, this tower constructed with rows of human skulls encased in quicklime stands as a historical symbol.
During the Battle of Čegar, Serbian trenches faced overwhelming attacks by the Ottomans, prompting Commander Stevan Sinđelić to detonate the powder magazine in a desperate bid to prevent capture by Vizier Hurshid Pasha.
Approximately 952 Serbian skulls recovered from the battlefield were utilized in constructing this tower in 1809 as a deterrent against future uprisings.
Consequently, following the Ottoman retreat in 1878, many of these skulls were removed and interred, leaving a 4.5-meter remnant housed in a chapel containing 54 skulls.
3. Mediana
Niš, formerly Naissus, was captured by the Romans in 75 BC, subsequently becoming a significant stop on the Via Militaris, a vital route traversing southeastern Europe from contemporary Belgrade to Constantinople.
Notably, Emperor Constantine was born in Naissus in 272 AD, and visitors can explore his birthplace at the Mediana archaeological site, located southeast of the city.
This villa represents the most intact Roman vestige in Niš, characterized by remnants of a grand peristyle featuring an open fountain surrounded by colonnades. Among the remains are marble columns, mosaics, fresco traces, and a heating system used for the villa’s baths.
4. Archaeological Hall
The Archaeological Hall, along with Skull Tower and Mediana, is part of the National Museum of Niš, showcasing numerous artifacts uncovered in this ancient city.
The collections date back long before the Roman era, revealing that Niš was a Bronze Age settlement established in the 6th century BC, featuring Celtic swords, ceramics, jewelry, bronze hairpins, and figurines of both genders.
From the Roman period, the hall displays sculptures recovered from Mediana, illustrating deities such as Dionysus and Satyr, Asclepius alongside his daughter Hygia, and Jupiter seated upon his throne.
Additionally, a life-sized statue of Emperor Constantine is featured, one of three imperial portrait sculptures presented here.
5. Tinkers’ Alley
Located on Kopitareva Street opposite the glass façade of the Kalča shopping mall, this street immerses visitors in the last surviving artisans’ quarter of the city.
Originating during Ottoman rule, this street was established in the first half of the 18th century, primarily housing tinsmiths. This traditional trade persisted here until the 1990s.
Since that era, this picturesque cobblestone alley has opened its doors to tourists, as cafes and restaurants now inherit the 18th and 19th-century structures.
6. Crveni Krst Concentration Camp
Following the conclusion of World War II, this concentration camp has been preserved as a significant memorial honoring the Jewish, Serbian, and Romani individuals who were imprisoned there.
The Crveni Krst (Red Cross) camp remains untouched since the war, evoking an unsettling sense of abandonment.
An introductory presentation is available at the entrance, with information panels scattered throughout the site for further education.
After the initial mass executions commenced in 1942, a breakout occurred wherein 15 prisoners managed to escape, subsequently met with a brutal crackdown by Nazi forces.
7. Bubanj Memorial Site
During World War II, mass executions were conducted on Mount Bubanj, located just west of the city.
It is estimated that approximately 10,000 prisoners detained at the Crveni Krst camp were executed here.
In the aftermath of the war, this hill was transformed into a memorial park, where a sculpture was shortly erected to commemorate the victims.
This work, created by Yugoslav artist Ivan Sabolić, features three clenched fists symbolizing the resilience of the children, women, and men who perished on this site.
8. Latin Church in Gornji Matejevac
Nestled on Metoh Hill above Gornji Matejevac, this Byzantine church dates back to the 1000s.
It stands as one of the few monuments in the region predating the Nemanjić Dynasty, which governed Serbia and much of southeastern Europe during the medieval period.
The church showcases a compact cross-shaped floor plan and is characterized by the classic Byzantine technique of alternating white stone and red brick.
Although none of the medieval decorations have survived, the interior’s brick dome is stunning.
The term “Latin Church” refers to merchants from Dubrovnik, referred to as “Latins,” who worshipped in this church during the 17th century.
9. Officers House
Across from the fortress ramparts along the Nišava stands an elegant structure dating from 1890, possessing a fascinating history.
Initially a restaurant, it was subsequently acquired by the military as an officers’ mess. During World War I, it served briefly as the temporary seat of the Serbian parliament.
Numerous resolutions forged here have significantly influenced Serbia and the surrounding region.
Notably, the Niš Declaration of 1915, representing the conceptual foundation of Yugoslavia, was established here, asserting Serbia’s ambition to unify the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes into one nation, a vision still resonant today.
10. Holy Trinity Cathedral
The city’s cathedral emerged as a result of the Treaty of Paris in 1856, whereby the Ottomans committed to recognizing the rights of Christians within their empire.
Construction spanned subsequent decades, culminating in the consecration of the church following the liberation of Niš in 1878. The architectural style is an engaging amalgamation of Serbian-Byzantine, Neo-Renaissance, and Baroque influences.
At the altar, the esteemed 19th-century realist artist Đorđe Krstić was commissioned to create 48 icons for the iconostasis.
Regrettably, the original icons were lost in a fire in 2001, yet both the structure and its ornamental features have been thoroughly restored.
11. King Milan Square
Located just across from the fortress, this square originated in the 1720s during the construction of the fortress.
As the city expanded along the riverbank, shops and khans (merchant inns) began to populate this area.
A marketplace was later established on this square, where local landowners sold surplus goods obtained from their tenants as tax.
Following the liberation of Niš, the former Turkish-style townscape gave way to a renewed Central European aesthetic in this square.
Despite the presence of modern 20th-century tower blocks along its western side, the eastern edge retains a charming row of 19th-century houses, complete with café terraces.
12. Niška Banja
A few kilometers southeast of the city lies its spa, which bears evidence of Neolithic civilization dating back 3,300 years.
Historically, the Romans appreciated Niška Banja and established an ancient resort around its five springs.
Relics from this period include the Roman bath and its two mosaic-decorated pools.
Even centuries later, visitors continue to seek solace in the mineral-rich waters and mud.
The thermal springs release water at temperatures ranging from 36-38°C and are mildly radioactive due to natural radon; they are reputedly beneficial for cardiovascular conditions, cellulite, and orthopedic rehabilitation.
To the south, the breathtaking Suva Planina mountain boasts a peak exceeding 1,800 meters and remnants of the Via Militaris Roman road can still be observed along its slopes.
13. Jelašnica Gorge
Heading east, visitors arrive at a captivating nature reserve.
The two-kilometer Jelašnica Gorge can be traversed by vehicle via a winding road, providing stunning views of the dolomite cliffs that rise sharply with jagged rock formations.
Parking options are limited, but several spots allow guests to stop for a picnic while enjoying the picturesque scenery.
Among the sights are the gorge’s eerie rock formations and lush vegetation, as well as caves within the cliffs, the remnants of a Roman fort, and the enchanting Ripalijka waterfall.
The nearby Sicevo Gorge along the Nišava River offers hiking trails and hosts two early 20th-century hydroelectric plants.
14. The Nišville Jazz Festival
For four vibrant days in mid-August, the fortress hosts the largest jazz festival in the Balkans.
The Nišville festival began in 1995 and holds the distinction of being the first music festival in Serbia to be officially recognized by the Ministry of Culture as a national cultural event.
This festival features prominent jazz, blues, and soul artists while embracing an eclectic lineup that includes fusion bands blending jazz with traditional Balkan music.
Noteworthy artists such as Patti Austin, Al Foster, and Candy Dulfer performed in 2017, while past editions welcomed legends like Ginger Baker, Solomon Burke, and Osibisa to the stage.
15. Traditional Food
A dining experience at a kafana (traditional Balkan tavern) is essential while in Niš.
Kafanas offer more than just meals; they provide an atmospheric experience with live entertainment and a rich tapestry of customs.
Among these customs is the tradition of toasting with rakija, a potent fruit brandy recognized as Serbia’s national drink.
Dinners in a kafana consist of multiple courses, beginning with a meze and concluding with coffee.
This city is renowned for its unique culinary offerings, particularly Burek, a phyllo pastry filled with meat or cheese, as well as pljeskavica, a grilled patty made from seasoned beef, lamb, and pork served in a pita or bun with spicy cheese filling (urnebes).
