Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan are easily reached from Knez Mihailova, right at the end of the popular pedestrian street. And it’s a nice serenity change from the usual busy atmosphere. Here’s the historical centre of older Belgrade and ‘Kalemegdan’ can mean either the remains of Belgrade Fortress or the green city park.
The locals’ favourite recreational park is also home to monuments, museums, sports facilities and Belgrade Zoo. It seems like a nice place to chillax on the bench and enjoy a peaceful stroll. Or maybe for a game of table tennis like these Serbian youths.
Else it’s also good to take some time to admire the sculptures around the green city park while your body gets recharged with negative ions.
Exploring Belgrade fortress
The strategic location of Kalemegdan on a hill overlooking the confluence of Danube and Sava rivers, making it a vital stronghold for defensive purposes. Therefore, ruling empires of the Balkan region in the past have seen this important ground being fortified and destroyed multiple times before what is left standing today.
The ruins of Belgrade fortress is now an oasis of peace inside the expansive green park.
I entered the fortress via Stambol Gate and behind it was the display of military cannons, tanks, and anti-aircraft guns.
One of the famous landmarks here is the statue of Victor which was erected to commemorate Serbia’s war victories. The statue holds a sword and a falcon, looking at the rivers and beyond.
This important monument was originally placed on Terazije square and was shifted here due to the complaints about the statue’s nudity.
Upper Town of Belgrade Fortress
It’s crystal clear about why the Upper Town of Belgrade Fortress was heavily contested in the past when I stood at the plateau. The commanding view would have added advantage to any defensive sides as a result.
Hence, how I wish I could stay for the sunset…just look at these views!!
I probably only managed to cover a small part of the upper town in the vast Belgrade fortress.
My tired legs gave a warning when I thought of exploring the lower town LOL.
Therefore, I slowly made my way back to Restoran Romanija to have a hearty and delicious dinner before my train to Podgorica. The same waiter I met this morning recommended me a set dinner menu for me,
And I must say that the food here is very affordable as compared to Western Europe.
Unique place, good food, nice people, that’s Belgrade for me and I will certainly be back here in future.
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What are your thoughts about Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan? Leave a comment and share it with me.
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