Belgrade Fortress, Belgrade (must see)

The Belgrade Fortress is the most visited tourist attraction in Belgrade with over 2 million unique visitors annually. It is the oldest section of the city. The fortress includes the old citadel and Kalemegdan Park. It is located at the top of the Sumadija geological bar, overlooking the Great War Island.

The first fort was built after 100 AD. The remains of this fort are still visible. The fortress was rebuilt by Emperor Justinian I in 535 AD. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years by various warring nations.

The fortress was given to Serbia in the 11th century by Bela I, king of Hungary. It was returned to Hungary in 1427. About 100 years later, it was taken over by the Turks and owned by the Ottoman Empire until 1867. During that time, the fortress was rebuilt and modernized.

In the 1860s, the four outer city gates and walls were demolished and the Serbians regained control of the fortress. It was further damaged during World War I and World War II. In 1965, the fortress became a protected area due to its great cultural significance. Belgrade Fortress was declared a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1979.

Some of the areas of interest in the Belgrade Fortress include the Ruzica Church, Despot Stefan Tower, the statue of "The Victor," the Roman Well, Damad Ali Pasha's turbe and the Gunpowder Magazine, among many others. The fortress is also home to the Museum of Natural History, the Military Museum and the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments.

Admission to the fortress is free.