Summary
Situated along the Danube River from Belgrade, Smederevo is a city once intended to be Serbia’s capital in the 15th century, just prior to Ottoman conquest. The formidable fortress constructed by Despot Đurađ Branković has withstood centuries of turmoil, including a devastating explosion during the Second World War.
The final decades of the medieval Kingdom of Serbia form the foundation of Smederevo’s cultural identity, celebrated annually with a vibrant harvest festival each September. At the heart of Smederevo is Republic Square, adorned with magnificent monuments and a lively promenade featuring bars well-stocked with wine from the city’s historic vineyards.
Here, we delve into the top attractions in Smederevo:
1. Smederevo Fortress
Smederevo’s imposing citadel served as the capital of Serbia for a brief period in the 15th century, representing the last years before the Ottoman domination when Serbia faced encroachment from both the Kingdom of Hungary and the Turks.
Modeled after Constantinople, Despot Đurađ Branković’s fortress extends over 1.5 kilometers with robust walls reinforced by 25 towers. In the northern corner, remnants of Branković’s palace can be observed, highlighted by double-arched windows that were once adorned with Venetian glass from Murano.
Today, the fortress grounds serve as a lush park, allowing visitors to explore the battlements and traverse the extensive walls.
2. Church of St George
Dominating Republic Square, this exquisite church was erected in the 1850s. Approaching the church from the north or south side reveals its five distinctive 12-sided domes, paying tribute to medieval Byzantine architecture, particularly reminiscent of the cherished Manasija monastery in Despotovac.
The church’s facade exhibits Baroque characteristics, with subtle Islamic influences visible in the blind horseshoe arches beneath the cornice. The original iconostasis and interior murals were destroyed during World War I, and what is visible today results from a restoration initiative that commenced in the 1930s.
3. Museum of Smederevo
The municipal museum is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, featuring three floors filled with significant artefacts. Excavations at the fortress have yielded architectural remnants, jewelry, an array of coins, and a knight’s helmet dating back to the 1400s.
Additionally, numerous Roman artifacts, including a lead sarcophagus from the 300s and coins from the reign of Septimius Severus in the 2nd century, are on display. Personal items related to the Prince of Serbia, Miloš Obrenović, such as a handkerchief and a flag from his funeral, can also be found.
4. Crkva Uspenja Presvete Bogorodice
Within the Old Smederevo Cemetery lies a remarkable late-medieval structure, known for its Moravan style, a variant of Byzantine architecture that flourished in central Serbia during the 14th century. Although little documentation exists regarding this particular church, it has been dated to the early 15th century.
The church displays a trefoil configuration resembling a compressed cross, with colonettes surrounding its apse that support blind arches. The murals, executed in the fresco-secco technique, depict scenes from Christ’s life, including images mirroring Psalms 148 and 149 in the narthex.
5. Karađorđev Dud
At the center of a plaza not far from Republic Square stands an ancient and twisted mulberry tree, which holds great historical significance for Smederevo. In 1805, during the First Serbian Uprising, the Ottoman commander ceremoniously handed over the keys to the fortress to Karađorđe, the inaugural ruler of modern Serbia.
Surrounded by benches and a commemorative plaque, this location marks an honorable withdrawal by the Ottomans, who left behind an arsenal of weaponry and boats heading towards Vidin in Bulgaria.
6. Zgrada Opštinskog Doma
The distinctive City Hall on Republic Square was designed by the esteemed Russian architect, Nikolay Krasnov. His career in Yugoslavia post-World War I involved the construction of numerous government buildings in Belgrade. This particular Smederevo structure, completed in 1926, elegantly curves around a corner of the square.
The building’s imposing facade features grand twin pilasters and a balustrade adorned with four illuminated statues representing justice, labor, science, and culture.
7. Zgrada Okružnog Suda
Completing the dignified ambiance of Republic Square is the courthouse of Smederevo, which was constructed between 1886 and 1888. Recognized as a “Monument of Great Importance” in Serbia, this landmark was designed by Belgrade architect Aleksandar Bulgarksi in the Eclecticist style.
The courthouse boasts an impressive length of over 50 meters, featuring a ground floor adorned with rusticated stone blocks interspersed with semi-circular arched windows and doorways.
8. Dunavski Kej
West of the fortress, Smederevo’s Danube waterfront is lined with a lush park featuring benches ideal for gazing across Europe’s second-longest river. Stretching over 1,000 kilometers from Germany, the Danube flows through Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine before reaching the Black Sea.
A couple of cafes by the riverside invite patrons to enjoy the atmosphere, and in the early hours, rowers from Smederevo’s club can be observed practicing on the river.
9. Ulica Kralja Petra I
Beginning adjacent to the Danube and extending toward Republic Square, Smederevo’s primary promenade is a pedestrian-friendly street lined with gas lamps and a variety of taverns, wine bars, cafes, and restaurants. In the summer, outdoor seating occupies both sides of the street, creating an ambiance conducive for dining or casual refreshments.
This bustling street is the city’s social hub, frequented by locals and visitors alike, creating an atmosphere rich with conversation and activity, both during the day and at night.
10. Vila “Zlatni Breg”
Visitors can coordinate with Smederevo’s tourist office to tour Miloš Obrenović’s country estate, located just four kilometers from the city center amidst vineyards personally planted by the prince. Obtained from a Turk in 1829, this estate later passed to King Milan and Queen Natalija in the 19th century.
During their time, the royal couple hosted some of Serbia’s most prominent figures, including writers Milan Rakic, Laza Kostic, and Milovan Glisic. The palace now serves as a historical museum, showcasing luxurious furnishings and offering breathtaking views of the Danube and Pannonia Plain.
11. Smederevo Wine
The hills along the Danube are adorned with vineyards benefiting from the area’s sandy soils, ample sunshine, and the river’s moderating influence. The Romans introduced vine cultivation, which persisted even during the Islamic occupation, despite stringent regulations.
As exemplified by Zlatni Breg, Miloš invigorated the local wine industry in the 19th century by cultivating vines on his summer estate. The predominant grape variety is Smederevka, known for its acidity, which produces delectable wines when combined with Riesling, Chardonnay, or Sémillon.
In Smederevo, two wineries and four cellars open their doors to visitors interested in exploring local production.
12. Smederevska Jesen
Commencing around mid-September, Smederevska Jesen (Smederevo Autumn) spans eight days and celebrates wine and harvest traditions with a medieval theme. The fortress transforms into a lively venue for markets and amusement rides during this festive period.
A parade meanders through the city, featuring wine-growers alongside medieval knights and soldiers representing various ranks from the Serbian Uprisings. The procession includes a chariot carrying Despot Đurađ Branković and his wife, Irene Kantakouzene, presiding over the festivities.
13. Deliblato Sands
Located approximately 20 minutes outside Smederevo on the Danube’s left bank, Deliblato Sands is recognized as Europe’s last desert. Enclosed within a nature reserve, this unique landscape features steep, elliptical hills covered with light savannah-like vegetation.
This remarkable area is a remnant of the ancient Pannonian Sea, which evaporated around 90 million years ago. Its colors and plant life exhibit characteristics more common in Africa than Europe, with around 900 species present, including dwarf-steppe almond and Banat peony, unique to this region.
14. Danube Cruises
The “Ada” is a boat located at Dunavski Kej, offering summer excursions along the storied river. Aboard, passengers can view the fortress walls and two river islands situated before Smederevo.
Continuing downriver leads to picturesque countryside where the river widens to approximately two kilometers. Day trips beginning in Belgrade can also be arranged, with the River Skipper company providing cruises that navigate from the capital and include a guided tour of a Neolithic settlement at Vinča.
15. Day Trips
Located just downriver from Smederevo, where the Danube borders Romania, lies the enchanting 12th-century Ram Fortress perched above the river. Remarkably well-preserved, the fortress is a testament to its last renovation undertaken by Sultan Bayazid II, occurring at the close of the 16th century.
In the opposite direction, Belgrade is reachable in under 45 minutes. Known for its own fortress at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, the capital is alive with historical monuments and cultural attractions. Belgrade boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with its floating bars, restaurants, and nightclubs along the riverbanks, in addition to an impressive array of museums, including the National Theatre and exhibits honoring notable figures such as the Serbian inventor Nikola Tesla.
