Smederevo | Top 10 in Cities of Serbia

Republic Square

The central city square in Smederevo, at the time of its creation in the mid-19th century, was one of the most beautiful squares in the Principality of Serbia. Of unusual triangular shape, with Kralja Petra Prvog Street connecting it to the Danube waterfront, it represents a representative part of the city and a pedestrian zone that must be strolled through when visiting Smederevo. Around the spacious plaza of Republic Square in Smederevo, there are some of the most beautiful buildings in the city, including the building of the Basic Court, Gallery of Contemporary Art, and the impressive Church of St. George. There is also a recently renovated fountain that has become the main meeting place for the people of Smederevo after several decades, and one of the symbols of the former medieval Serbian capital.

Church of St. George

Among the mentioned buildings on Republic Square, with its architecture, dimensions, and significance, the Cathedral Church of St. Great Martyr George stands out. It was built in 1854. One of the largest churches in Serbia, it has suffered numerous damages during wars, but it is still one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the country. The impressive five-domed building is made of white marble with a bell tower over 50 meters high, while the magnificent altar and vibrant interior of the church make it even more attractive. Various architectural styles that adorned Serbian churches and monasteries over the centuries are united in this building, which represents one of the most beautiful Orthodox sanctuaries in Serbia.

Museum in Smederevo

About a hundred meters from the main city square, towards the Danube and the Smederevo Fortress, there is the Museum of the City of Smederevo, the guardian of the cultural and historical heritage of the Smederevo region. Several tens of thousands of exhibits are classified into six collections (archaeological, paleontological, historical, ethnological, numismatic, and artistic), and the most significant ones are related to the Branković family and the era of the Serbian Despotate, of which Smederevo was the capital. An inseparable part of the city museum is the Gallery of Contemporary Art, as well as the magnificent Smederevo Fortress – the largest tourist attraction in the city of Smederevo.

Smederevo Fortress

In the immediate vicinity of the city center, on the banks of the Danube, lies one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Serbia and Europe. Although Smederevo Fortress has been visited by most people at least once in their lives, it is always nice to walk along its ramparts, observe the Danube, and with the guidance of a tour guide, reconstruct life during the Middle Ages. Built in 1428 by the order of Despot Đurđe Branković, Smederevo Fortress was the main political, cultural, and military stronghold of the Serbian Despotate until its final fall. Despite being targeted by various conquerors and suffering numerous damages over the centuries, it has remained a fortress with the highest number of authentic elements from its time of creation. Since 1946, it has been under state protection as a cultural monument and today represents the largest and most visited tourist attraction in the city of Smederevo. It can be explored independently for a symbolic fee.

Confluence of the Jezava River and the Danube

Observing the Danube from Smederevo Fortress, visitors cannot miss a small bay that extends parallel to the eastern rampart of the fortress and deeply penetrates the mainland. This is the former confluence of the Jezava River, which used to be an arm and tributary of the Velika Morava, until it was separated from it by a levee in 1897. The meandering river formed a new riverbed and found its way to the Danube, flowing just below Smederevo Fortress. The turbulent river caused great problems for the local population with its seasonal flooding (allegedly causing "jeza" - fear in people, hence its name), so its course was regulated and redirected into pipes in 1967. After that, the lower course of its valley was filled with Danube waters, forming a kind of bay that is now used as a city marina.

Smederevo Autumn

The most significant city event for over a century takes place every September within the walls of Smederevo Fortress and is celebrated on the central city streets. Smederevo Autumn is dedicated to local fruit growers and vineyards of the famous Smederevo wine region. The event dates back to the late 19th century, making it one of the oldest agricultural festivals in Serbia. Over the years, this wine and grape festival has become much more than that. Today, it is a holiday for the entire city and its surroundings, abundant with various economic, cultural, artistic, and entertainment activities, attracting hundreds of thousands of people to Smederevo during its several days of celebration. In addition to fruit and food product exhibitions, concerts, and the promotion of the city's tourist offer, the most interesting event is the procession of medieval knights who create a unique experience for every visitor in the ambiance of Smederevo Fortress.

Karađorđev mulberry

An important historical site for the city of Smederevo, and also a valuable and rare natural monument, is the Karađorđev mulberry, located in the immediate vicinity of Smederevo Gymnasium. It is believed that this tree is over three centuries old, and under it, in 1805, the Turkish governor of the city surrendered the keys of Smederevo to Vožd Karađorđe in the face of the uprising. Karađorđe then declared Smederevo the capital of liberated Serbia, unfortunately, only for a short time, but long enough for this moment to be recorded in memories and the mulberry tree preserved as the only living witness of this event.

Villa Zlatni breg

The former summer residence of the Obrenović dynasty is located on Plavinac Hill and today serves as a museum space adapted for tourists who want to learn more about the life of the famous royal family. Built during the reign of Prince Miloš Obrenović, this building shone in all its glory during the rule of King Milan and later became the favorite retreat of King Alexander and Queen Draga. Located on a hill with a magnificent view of the Danube, Villa Zlatni breg is one of the major tourist attractions of Smederevo. With its location, exterior, and especially the interior, it exudes elegance and provides another insight into Serbia's rich historical heritage.

Šalinački lug

In the immediate vicinity of the point where the Great Morava River flows into the Danube, on an area of about 20 hectares, there is a forested area with the status of a natural monument. The area where these two great rivers meet consists mostly of oak forests, some of which are up to 300 years old, making it one of the oldest forest ecosystems in the entire Balkans. Šalinački lug gains particular importance when considering that it is the only remaining community of oak trees of this age in Serbia. This natural treasure is located only about 10 kilometers from the center of Smederevo, and its attractiveness is enhanced by the nearby Šalinačko Lake – a favorite excursion spot for the people of Smederevo, with its clear water and well-maintained beach for swimming and enjoying during the summer months.

Smederevo Island

One of the largest river islands in Serbia is located less than a kilometer in a straight line from the center of Smederevo. Although administratively belonging to the municipality of Kovin, Smederevo Island is connected to Smederevo by its position, as evidenced by its established name that has lasted for centuries. Before the construction of the Iron Gate dam, it was much larger than it is today. There were organized beaches on the island, which ended up underwater with the rise of the Danube. For years, there have been grand plans for the tourism development of this area, but it remains in its "original" state, dotted with channels and forests that primarily provide enjoyment for hunters, fishermen, and a few adventurers in boats.