This Serbian city on the Danube was once the medieval kingdom's capital. Its massive fortress, medieval ruins, and Church of Saint George draw history buffs.
Smederevo, a city on the Danube River 45 km from Belgrade, was Serbia's medieval capital in the 15th century. The city is home to Europe's largest lowland fortress, a lively riverside promenade, and numerous vineyards. When you visit, you can climb the fortress towers, stroll along the Danube, and sample local wines like Smederevka.
Exploring Smederevo Fortress
The Smederevo Fortress dominates the city's landscape. Built in the 1420s, this triangular complex covers 11.3 hectares. Walk the 1.5 km of crenelated walls and climb the 25 towers for views of the Danube. Inside the inner citadel, known as Mali Grad or "Little City," you'll see the remains of the royal court. Look for the inscription on the Krstača tower, where Despot Đurađ Branković expressed gratitude for the fortress's completion.
Walking Along the Danube Waterfront
West of the fortress lies the Dunavski Kej, Smederevo's riverside promenade. This tree-lined park has benches where you can rest and observe boats on the Danube. During summer evenings, you'll see locals enjoying the cooler air by the water, fishermen casting their lines, and families having picnics in the park.
Tasting Smederevo's Wines
Smederevo has produced wine since Roman times, thanks to its sandy soils and proximity to the Danube. Try the local white wine, Smederevka, named after the city. Many cafes along Ulica Kralja Petra I, the main pedestrian street, serve regional wines. For a more in-depth experience, ask the tourist office to arrange a visit to a local winery.
Visiting the Church of St. George
In the city center, you'll find the Church of St. George, built in the 1850s. The church's architecture blends Byzantine and Western styles, featuring five domes and a tall bell tower. Inside, examine the 1930s frescoes by Russian artist Andreja Bicenko. Some of the figures in these paintings depict historical persons, including Serbian royalty and Russian Tsar Nicholas II.
Learning at the Museum of Smederevo
To delve into the city's history, visit the Museum of Smederevo. The museum's collections span from prehistoric times to the modern era. Examine artifacts from the Roman period, medieval Serbian items, and exhibits about the city's role in World War II. The museum building itself is an example of 19th-century urban architecture in Serbia.
Experiencing Smederevska Jesen Festival
If you visit in September, you can participate in the Smederevska Jesen (Smederevo Autumn) festival. This eight-day event celebrates the grape harvest and local wine production. Attend events at the fortress, join wine tastings, listen to concerts, and watch the parade through the city. During the festival, you can sample various regional wines and foods.
Getting to Smederevo
You can reach Smederevo from Belgrade by bus or car. Buses leave from Belgrade's main bus station every hour, and the journey takes about an hour. If you're driving, take the E75 highway towards Niš and exit at Požarevac, then follow signs to Smederevo. The drive takes about 45 minutes. Once in Smederevo, you can walk to most attractions from the city center.
