Best of Smederevo fortress, Serbia.
Serbia has a richest history in Europe and the oldest calendar of them all. First European civilization, Lepenski Vir, has emerged on a Danube bank in Serbia some 9500 years ago; consequently Serbian calendar counts 7528 years and is by far the oldest known calendar in the world. Danube has been a source of life and a river highway for many millennia and no wonder why there is so many historical sites along its shores. One of them is a Smederevo fortress that we will present you today. Enjoy!
Music:
SPECIAL THANKS goes to:
- Pet Guards (
- Swim Way (
- WLSC (
- Balon Atletik (
The Medieval Fortress of Smederevo, Serbia
The Medieval Fortress of Smederevo, Serbia
David’s Been Here is traveling through Serbia in search of the top destinations and must-see sites of the country. In this travel clip, David brings us to the Medieval Fortress of Smederevo, located in the city of Smederevo about 30 miles south of Belgrade. Completed in 1439, this palace and walled-in city is one of Europe’s largest flat-ground fortresses, spanning an area of nearly 10.5 acres. When the capital of Belgrade fell to the Hungarian Empire, Smederevo’s Fortress was built with the intention of being the next capital of Serbia. Requiring an extraordinary amount of manpower and time to build, this compound stands as quite the controversial structure in Serbia’s history. Ultimately falling to the Turks/Ottomans in the late 15th century, the fortress wasn’t returned to Serbia until the mid-late 19th century. If you love European history and exploring medieval structures, this fortress is a must-see!
Check out these other Serbia videos!
The Medieval Fortress of Smederevo, Serbia
Top Things to See & Do in Nis, Serbia
The Roman Military Base of Viminacium - Serbia
What to see and do in Novi Sad Serbia
The Wine Town of Sremski Karlovci, Serbia
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My name is David Hoffmann and for the last decade I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food and history! Since starting Davidsbeenhere in 2008, I have traveled to 71 countries and over 1,000 destinations, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube Channel, blog and social medias.
I focus a great deal on food and historic sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, whether it’s casual Street food or gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning the local history and culture.
The Medieval Fortress of Smederevo, Serbia
Davidsbeenhere
Smederevo fortress - Smederevo
Road bike cycling, Serbia, autumn 2019
SMEDEREVO FORTRESS / SMEDEREVSKA TVRĐAVA
A short film about Smederevo fortress, one of the most important medieval monuments in Serbia.
Important facts:
- the town of Smederevo was the capital of Serbia during the rule of despot Đurađ Branković
- after several attacks of turkish army, it surrendered in 1459., the year that Serbia went under the rule of Ottoman empire
- after the successful Serbian Revolution, that started in 1804. and it's two major uprisings, Serbia got large authonomy in 1817. as Principality under the rule of Great prince Miloš Obrenović (Milosh Obrenovich) with turkish army just in 6 forts and turkish 358-year usurpation of country ended
- in 1835. state of Serbia confirmed it's first modern Constitution, based mainly on French republican constitution and although country was first Principality and then Kingdom, the major political player was the Assembly; since the start of First Serbian Uprising and First modern Constitution happen to be at the same date, today the date of February 15th is Serbian National Statehood Day
- remaining 4 forts (Belgrade, Smederevo, Kladovo and Šabac) were surrendered to Serbian prince Mihailo Obrenović (Michael Obrenovich) in 1867. and turkish garrisons left Serbia - that year Ottoman empire officially recognized Serbia as independent state
- on the international level Serbian independancy was confirmed in Berlin congress in 1878.
- in 1918. Kingdom of Serbia incorporated it's statehood in the new country - Yugoslavia (Yugoslavs - South Slavs)
..1918. Kingdom of Yugoslavia
..1943. Socialistic Federative Republic of Yugoslavia,
..1992. Federal Republic of Yugoslavia,
..2003. Serbia and Montenegro
- as successor of previous state(s), country in the year of 2006. continued as Republic of Serbia
...
music: Vangelis - Conquest of Paradise (Opening, Conquest of Paradise, Monastery of La Rabida)
photos and videos: Bayubadu
#90 - Smederevo, Serbia - Smederevo Tour 2/4 - Smederevo and Kovin (08/2013)
The movie starts with a closer look of the (once) magnificent Smederevo fortress, before taking you to the beautiful city centre which took me completely by surprise. So much so that I spent 2 hours just enjoying and admiring. Then I will show you the shortest way to the Šalinac lake which looked absolutely great. The water and environment was quite tempting, but I had to hurry.
Along the moto-way where cyclists are not allowed (but you don't realize this until you're on the road, as no map will show it's a moto-way) and across the Danube, you will suddenly find your self in a completely different world of Vojvodina plains. Everything is flat, but the scenery is like taken from the most beautiful painting.
That way leads to the town of Kovin which was another great surprise, with its beautiful park, cool pedestrian zone and a very nice central square. But what really left me speechless was the way to Kovin's Šljunkara lake which is absolutely stunning. Oh, and the lake itself... This time I was unable (and unwilling) to resist the temptation, but that is another story.
So, grab some popcorn, enjoy the movie and start plan.. ploting a visit!
Special greeting goes to: Serbian Roads Company that has no clue which roads the cyclists are not allowed on. But the expert team has been formed and we can hope to have a precise map.. in the year 2525?
Filmed in August 2013.
Photo album -
GPS:
Copyright © Srđan Canić. All rights reserved.
Battle of the Nations 2019 - World Championship Serbia Smederevo Fortress
Battle of the Nations 2019 - World Championship Serbia Smederevo
Dear fans and fighters,
We are happy to announce the 10th edition of the world championship in Historical Medieval Battle: Battle of the Nations, 2nd-5th of May 2019 in the stunning Fortress of Smederevo, Serbia!
Our 10th edition, 10 years of epic medieval combat, 10 years of outstanding bravery, 10 years of knightly sportsmanship: for the best of historical medieval battle in the world!
#Battle #Nations #World #Championship #Serbia #Smederevo #fighters #announce #edition #Historical #Medieval #May #stunning #Fortress
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#90S - Smederevo, Serbia - Smederevo Tour 2/4 - Smederevo and Kovin (08/2013)
The movie starts with a closer look of the (once) magnificent Smederevo fortress, before taking you to the beautiful city centre which took me completely by surprise. So much so that I spent 2 hours just enjoying and admiring. Then I will show you the shortest way to the Šalinac lake which looked absolutely great. The water and environment was quite tempting, but I had to hurry.
Along the moto-way where cyclists are not allowed (but you don't realize this until you're on the road, as no map will show it's a moto-way) and across the Danube, you will suddenly find your self in a completely different world of Vojvodina plains. Everything is flat, but the scenery is like taken from the most beautiful painting.
That way leads to the town of Kovin which was another great surprise, with its beautiful park, cool pedestrian zone and a very nice central square. But what really left me speechless was the way to Kovin's Šljunkara lake which is absolutely stunning. Oh, and the lake itself... This time I was unable (and unwilling) to resist the temptation, but that is another story.
So, grab some popcorn, enjoy the movie and start plan.. ploting a visit!
Special greeting goes to: Serbian Roads Company that has no clue which roads the cyclists are not allowed on. But the expert team has been formed and we can hope to have a precise map.. in the year 2525?
Filmed in August 2013.
Photo album -
GPS:
Copyright © Srđan Canić. All rights reserved.
Smederevo Fortress - part 4 / Smederevska tvrđava
The Smederevo Fortress is a medieval fortified city in Smederevo, Serbia, which was temporary capital of Serbia in the Middle Ages. It was built between 1427 and 1430 on the order of Despot Đurađ Branković, the ruler of the Serbian Despotate. It was further fortified by the Ottoman Empire, which had taken the city in 1459.The fortress withstood several sieges by Ottomans and Serbs, surviving relatively unscathed. During World War II it was heavily damaged, by explosions and bombing. As of 2009 it is in the midst of extensive restoration and conservation work, despite which the fortress remains one of the rare preserved courts of medieval Serbian rulers.Smederevo Fortress was declared a national Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1979. In 2010, the fortress was placed on the tentative list for possible nomination as a World Heritage Site (UNESCO). Smederevo Fortress, 45 kilometers southeast of Belgrade, covers 11.3 hectares in the center of the modern-day city of Smederevo.It is strategically located on the right bank of the Danube river.Amidst the turbulence of the Ottoman conquest of the Balkans in the early 15th century, the region's Christian rulers lost several battles, such as the Battle of Kosovo and the siege of Veliko Tarnovo. Despot Stefan Lazarević had to maintain the Serbian Despotate in a delicate balance between the Ottomans and Hungarians. Around 1403, he accepted the Hungarian vassalage from King Sigismund and established the new capital in Belgrade, which was ceded to him as an award. After Stefan's death in 1426, Đurađ Branković, Stefan's nephew and successor, had to return Belgrade to the Hungarians.To compensate for this loss, Đurađ decided to build a new capital, and the choice fell to Smederevo.Smederevo, which had no prior settlement, was chosen for several reasons. In 1428, during the Ottoman Empire's war with Venice, the Hungarians and Ottomans agreed to recognize Branković as an independent ruler of Serbia, thereby turning it into a buffer state.A contract also established Ottoman overlordship of Serbia, in conjunction with remaining a Hungarian vassal. Between the longer status with Hungary and religious differences with the Ottomans (Hungary and Serbia were Christian, as compared to the Muslim Turks), it was preferred that the capital be closer to Hungary than the Ottoman Empire. Smederevo's location on the Danube, between Belgrade and Golubac, provided easy access to other points along the river. It also allowed the control of Danube traffic, including blocking Hungarian entry into the Morava valley, which satisfied the Turks.
In the fall of 1428, construction of the capital began. In 1430, the first part of the fortress, including a palace and enough other buildings to form an inner city, was completed. Work on a fortified suburb and additional fortifications continued until 1439.
Smederevo Fortress / Smederevska Tvrđava
#smederevskatvrđava #fortress #smederevo
Walking tour on Smederevo Fortress with view over Danube. The Fortress is located between the City and the River Danube.
Smederevo Fortress - part 1 / Smederevska tvrđava
The Smederevo Fortress is a medieval fortified city in Smederevo, Serbia, which was temporary capital of Serbia in the Middle Ages. It was built between 1427 and 1430 on the order of Despot Đurađ Branković, the ruler of the Serbian Despotate. It was further fortified by the Ottoman Empire, which had taken the city in 1459.The fortress withstood several sieges by Ottomans and Serbs, surviving relatively unscathed. During World War II it was heavily damaged, by explosions and bombing. As of 2009 it is in the midst of extensive restoration and conservation work, despite which the fortress remains one of the rare preserved courts of medieval Serbian rulers.Smederevo Fortress was declared a national Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1979. In 2010, the fortress was placed on the tentative list for possible nomination as a World Heritage Site (UNESCO). Smederevo Fortress, 45 kilometers southeast of Belgrade, covers 11.3 hectares in the center of the modern-day city of Smederevo.It is strategically located on the right bank of the Danube river.Amidst the turbulence of the Ottoman conquest of the Balkans in the early 15th century, the region's Christian rulers lost several battles, such as the Battle of Kosovo and the siege of Veliko Tarnovo. Despot Stefan Lazarević had to maintain the Serbian Despotate in a delicate balance between the Ottomans and Hungarians. Around 1403, he accepted the Hungarian vassalage from King Sigismund and established the new capital in Belgrade, which was ceded to him as an award. After Stefan's death in 1426, Đurađ Branković, Stefan's nephew and successor, had to return Belgrade to the Hungarians.To compensate for this loss, Đurađ decided to build a new capital, and the choice fell to Smederevo.Smederevo, which had no prior settlement, was chosen for several reasons. In 1428, during the Ottoman Empire's war with Venice, the Hungarians and Ottomans agreed to recognize Branković as an independent ruler of Serbia, thereby turning it into a buffer state.A contract also established Ottoman overlordship of Serbia, in conjunction with remaining a Hungarian vassal. Between the longer status with Hungary and religious differences with the Ottomans (Hungary and Serbia were Christian, as compared to the Muslim Turks), it was preferred that the capital be closer to Hungary than the Ottoman Empire. Smederevo's location on the Danube, between Belgrade and Golubac, provided easy access to other points along the river. It also allowed the control of Danube traffic, including blocking Hungarian entry into the Morava valley, which satisfied the Turks.
In the fall of 1428, construction of the capital began. In 1430, the first part of the fortress, including a palace and enough other buildings to form an inner city, was completed. Work on a fortified suburb and additional fortifications continued until 1439.
Smederevska tvrdjava - mali grad 2016 Smederevo medieval fortress - small town Smederevo fort 2016
Smederevo fortress is situated on a large plateau at the confluence of the Danube and Jezava rivers. According to area of 11ha with no external walls and towers and 14.5ha it is the largest lowland fortress that type in Europe. The fort is triangular base and contains Big and Small town.
The Big town was buit around 1439, and the Small town around 1428.
Battle of the Nations 2019 ◆ BotN X Teaser
We are happy to announce the 10th edition of the world championship in Historical Medieval Battle: Battle of the Nations, 2nd-5th of May 2019 in the stunning Fortress of Smederevo, Serbia!
botn.info
Smederevo Fortress - part 5 / Smederevska tvrđava
The Smederevo Fortress is a medieval fortified city in Smederevo, Serbia, which was temporary capital of Serbia in the Middle Ages. It was built between 1427 and 1430 on the order of Despot Đurađ Branković, the ruler of the Serbian Despotate. It was further fortified by the Ottoman Empire, which had taken the city in 1459.The fortress withstood several sieges by Ottomans and Serbs, surviving relatively unscathed. During World War II it was heavily damaged, by explosions and bombing. As of 2009 it is in the midst of extensive restoration and conservation work, despite which the fortress remains one of the rare preserved courts of medieval Serbian rulers.Smederevo Fortress was declared a national Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1979. In 2010, the fortress was placed on the tentative list for possible nomination as a World Heritage Site (UNESCO). Smederevo Fortress, 45 kilometers southeast of Belgrade, covers 11.3 hectares in the center of the modern-day city of Smederevo.It is strategically located on the right bank of the Danube river.Amidst the turbulence of the Ottoman conquest of the Balkans in the early 15th century, the region's Christian rulers lost several battles, such as the Battle of Kosovo and the siege of Veliko Tarnovo. Despot Stefan Lazarević had to maintain the Serbian Despotate in a delicate balance between the Ottomans and Hungarians. Around 1403, he accepted the Hungarian vassalage from King Sigismund and established the new capital in Belgrade, which was ceded to him as an award. After Stefan's death in 1426, Đurađ Branković, Stefan's nephew and successor, had to return Belgrade to the Hungarians.To compensate for this loss, Đurađ decided to build a new capital, and the choice fell to Smederevo.Smederevo, which had no prior settlement, was chosen for several reasons. In 1428, during the Ottoman Empire's war with Venice, the Hungarians and Ottomans agreed to recognize Branković as an independent ruler of Serbia, thereby turning it into a buffer state.A contract also established Ottoman overlordship of Serbia, in conjunction with remaining a Hungarian vassal. Between the longer status with Hungary and religious differences with the Ottomans (Hungary and Serbia were Christian, as compared to the Muslim Turks), it was preferred that the capital be closer to Hungary than the Ottoman Empire. Smederevo's location on the Danube, between Belgrade and Golubac, provided easy access to other points along the river. It also allowed the control of Danube traffic, including blocking Hungarian entry into the Morava valley, which satisfied the Turks.
In the fall of 1428, construction of the capital began. In 1430, the first part of the fortress, including a palace and enough other buildings to form an inner city, was completed. Work on a fortified suburb and additional fortifications continued until 1439.
Smederevo Fortress - part 6 Dramatic Walking !!! - Smederevska tvrđava
The Smederevo Fortress is a medieval fortified city in Smederevo, Serbia, which was temporary capital of Serbia in the Middle Ages. It was built between 1427 and 1430 on the order of Despot Đurađ Branković, the ruler of the Serbian Despotate. It was further fortified by the Ottoman Empire, which had taken the city in 1459.The fortress withstood several sieges by Ottomans and Serbs, surviving relatively unscathed. During World War II it was heavily damaged, by explosions and bombing. As of 2009 it is in the midst of extensive restoration and conservation work, despite which the fortress remains one of the rare preserved courts of medieval Serbian rulers.Smederevo Fortress was declared a national Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1979. In 2010, the fortress was placed on the tentative list for possible nomination as a World Heritage Site (UNESCO). Smederevo Fortress, 45 kilometers southeast of Belgrade, covers 11.3 hectares in the center of the modern-day city of Smederevo.It is strategically located on the right bank of the Danube river.Amidst the turbulence of the Ottoman conquest of the Balkans in the early 15th century, the region's Christian rulers lost several battles, such as the Battle of Kosovo and the siege of Veliko Tarnovo. Despot Stefan Lazarević had to maintain the Serbian Despotate in a delicate balance between the Ottomans and Hungarians. Around 1403, he accepted the Hungarian vassalage from King Sigismund and established the new capital in Belgrade, which was ceded to him as an award. After Stefan's death in 1426, Đurađ Branković, Stefan's nephew and successor, had to return Belgrade to the Hungarians.To compensate for this loss, Đurađ decided to build a new capital, and the choice fell to Smederevo.Smederevo, which had no prior settlement, was chosen for several reasons. In 1428, during the Ottoman Empire's war with Venice, the Hungarians and Ottomans agreed to recognize Branković as an independent ruler of Serbia, thereby turning it into a buffer state.A contract also established Ottoman overlordship of Serbia, in conjunction with remaining a Hungarian vassal. Between the longer status with Hungary and religious differences with the Ottomans (Hungary and Serbia were Christian, as compared to the Muslim Turks), it was preferred that the capital be closer to Hungary than the Ottoman Empire. Smederevo's location on the Danube, between Belgrade and Golubac, provided easy access to other points along the river. It also allowed the control of Danube traffic, including blocking Hungarian entry into the Morava valley, which satisfied the Turks.
In the fall of 1428, construction of the capital began. In 1430, the first part of the fortress, including a palace and enough other buildings to form an inner city, was completed. Work on a fortified suburb and additional fortifications continued until 1439.
#89 - Smederevo, Serbia - Smederevo Tour 1/4 - Grocka to Smederevo (08/2013)
So, time to start another incredible, record-breaking and 4-part ride! This time to the beautiful city of Smederevo, with a long and rich history. I will also take you around the famous fortress, the city centre, the nearby Šalinac lake, then across the Danube, to town of Kovin and its lake (Šljunkara), before proceeding to villages of Skorenovac, Banatski Brestovac, Omoljica, Starčevo and all the way to the city of Pančevo! And with just one single climb, right at the beginning. :)
But in part one, I will take you from the familiar Grocka (#85), via Brestovac, to Smederevo, with just a glimpse of the fortress. But you will also get to enjoy horrific road ;), nice scenery, the Obrenović Dynasty's summer court (closed for public), nice Danube river bank (Jugovo), some tractors, some extreme walkers and much more!
And remember, just one climb! ;)
Special greeting goes to: cyclists travelling around the world, to whom every day is a new adventure and every city is a new home.
Filmed in August 2013.
Photo album:
GPS:
Copyright © Srđan Canić. All rights reserved.
8 Forts @ Danube in Serbia - Smederevo Fortress.
Smederevo fortress was built on the model of Constantinople in the fifteenth century. It represented one of the largest military fortifications in Europe, and was the residence of the Serbian despot. He picked it up in the second quarter of the fifteenth century as a military, economic and administrative center of the Serbian despot and as his own fortified castle. Because of the difficulty of building it was built with great effort, from which they are many legends of the period.
Smederevo fortress represents the last major achievement of Serbian military architecture. Walls of Smederevo fortress showed its strength during the siege of the Ottomans who have been trying for 20 years to conquer them. In 1459, the fortress was handed over without a fight, which marked the end of despotism in Serbia. The Turkish army left Smederevo in 1867 when, together with six other Serbian cities, Ottomans surrendered it to Prince Milosh Obrenovich. The design of the Fortress is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that since the end of construction and the subsequent addition of four artillery towers by the Ottomans after the surrender of the city, in it has not made any modification until the end of its military use in the second half of the nineteenth century. Otherwise, Smederevo City was built right at this place, on the border with the Kingdom of Hungary, due to the potential danger from the Ottomans. Despot Djuradj could switch to the safe ground of northern neighbour.
There was a period of major destruction, from 1914 until the end of the Second World War in 1944 when it had been bombed on many occasions and suffered great explosion on the 5th of June 1941. Great city is today, unfortunately, exposed to the merciless ravages of time and the frequent collapsing, while the small town was successfully restored and preserved allowing it, at least to some extent, to return to its previous appearance. In the small town are often held a variety of cultural and sports events, especially during the traditional event, Smederevo Autumn, when small city becomes a big stage under the clear sky. The entire complex of the Smederevo fortress is under state protection since 1946. The fortress is open for all visitors so you can personally meet its architecture and history that preserves.
Music:
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A Thousand Hollow Words by Savfk
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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Eternity by Whitesand
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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Smederevo Fortress - part 3 / Smederevska tvrđava
The Smederevo Fortress is a medieval fortified city in Smederevo, Serbia, which was temporary capital of Serbia in the Middle Ages. It was built between 1427 and 1430 on the order of Despot Đurađ Branković, the ruler of the Serbian Despotate. It was further fortified by the Ottoman Empire, which had taken the city in 1459.The fortress withstood several sieges by Ottomans and Serbs, surviving relatively unscathed. During World War II it was heavily damaged, by explosions and bombing. As of 2009 it is in the midst of extensive restoration and conservation work, despite which the fortress remains one of the rare preserved courts of medieval Serbian rulers.Smederevo Fortress was declared a national Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1979. In 2010, the fortress was placed on the tentative list for possible nomination as a World Heritage Site (UNESCO). Smederevo Fortress, 45 kilometers southeast of Belgrade, covers 11.3 hectares in the center of the modern-day city of Smederevo.It is strategically located on the right bank of the Danube river.Amidst the turbulence of the Ottoman conquest of the Balkans in the early 15th century, the region's Christian rulers lost several battles, such as the Battle of Kosovo and the siege of Veliko Tarnovo. Despot Stefan Lazarević had to maintain the Serbian Despotate in a delicate balance between the Ottomans and Hungarians. Around 1403, he accepted the Hungarian vassalage from King Sigismund and established the new capital in Belgrade, which was ceded to him as an award. After Stefan's death in 1426, Đurađ Branković, Stefan's nephew and successor, had to return Belgrade to the Hungarians.To compensate for this loss, Đurađ decided to build a new capital, and the choice fell to Smederevo.Smederevo, which had no prior settlement, was chosen for several reasons. In 1428, during the Ottoman Empire's war with Venice, the Hungarians and Ottomans agreed to recognize Branković as an independent ruler of Serbia, thereby turning it into a buffer state.A contract also established Ottoman overlordship of Serbia, in conjunction with remaining a Hungarian vassal. Between the longer status with Hungary and religious differences with the Ottomans (Hungary and Serbia were Christian, as compared to the Muslim Turks), it was preferred that the capital be closer to Hungary than the Ottoman Empire. Smederevo's location on the Danube, between Belgrade and Golubac, provided easy access to other points along the river. It also allowed the control of Danube traffic, including blocking Hungarian entry into the Morava valley, which satisfied the Turks.
In the fall of 1428, construction of the capital began. In 1430, the first part of the fortress, including a palace and enough other buildings to form an inner city, was completed. Work on a fortified suburb and additional fortifications continued until 1439.
Smederevo Fortress - part 8 - Dramatic Walking !!! - Smederevska tvrđava
The Smederevo Fortress is a medieval fortified city in Smederevo, Serbia, which was temporary capital of Serbia in the Middle Ages. It was built between 1427 and 1430 on the order of Despot Đurađ Branković, the ruler of the Serbian Despotate. It was further fortified by the Ottoman Empire, which had taken the city in 1459.The fortress withstood several sieges by Ottomans and Serbs, surviving relatively unscathed. During World War II it was heavily damaged, by explosions and bombing. As of 2009 it is in the midst of extensive restoration and conservation work, despite which the fortress remains one of the rare preserved courts of medieval Serbian rulers.Smederevo Fortress was declared a national Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1979. In 2010, the fortress was placed on the tentative list for possible nomination as a World Heritage Site (UNESCO). Smederevo Fortress, 45 kilometers southeast of Belgrade, covers 11.3 hectares in the center of the modern-day city of Smederevo.It is strategically located on the right bank of the Danube river.Amidst the turbulence of the Ottoman conquest of the Balkans in the early 15th century, the region's Christian rulers lost several battles, such as the Battle of Kosovo and the siege of Veliko Tarnovo. Despot Stefan Lazarević had to maintain the Serbian Despotate in a delicate balance between the Ottomans and Hungarians. Around 1403, he accepted the Hungarian vassalage from King Sigismund and established the new capital in Belgrade, which was ceded to him as an award. After Stefan's death in 1426, Đurađ Branković, Stefan's nephew and successor, had to return Belgrade to the Hungarians.To compensate for this loss, Đurađ decided to build a new capital, and the choice fell to Smederevo.Smederevo, which had no prior settlement, was chosen for several reasons. In 1428, during the Ottoman Empire's war with Venice, the Hungarians and Ottomans agreed to recognize Branković as an independent ruler of Serbia, thereby turning it into a buffer state.A contract also established Ottoman overlordship of Serbia, in conjunction with remaining a Hungarian vassal. Between the longer status with Hungary and religious differences with the Ottomans (Hungary and Serbia were Christian, as compared to the Muslim Turks), it was preferred that the capital be closer to Hungary than the Ottoman Empire. Smederevo's location on the Danube, between Belgrade and Golubac, provided easy access to other points along the river. It also allowed the control of Danube traffic, including blocking Hungarian entry into the Morava valley, which satisfied the Turks.
In the fall of 1428, construction of the capital began. In 1430, the first part of the fortress, including a palace and enough other buildings to form an inner city, was completed. Work on a fortified suburb and additional fortifications continued until 1439.
Fortress Music Festival 2017 Smederevo Serbia BPM LIVE SAGI ABITBUL
Fortress Music Festival 2017
Smederevska tvrdjava
BotN X ◆ 2 May. Episode 1: SMEDEREVO FORTRESS
Smederevo Fortress, the last capital of the Serbian medieval state, the witness of turbulent historical times at the time of its creation and the largest lowland fortress in Europe welcomes Battle of the Nations.