Olivera Vukašinović gives 3 reasons to visit Smederevo!

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Olivera Vukašinović was born in Smederevo (Serbia) and has lived in Amsterdam with her family for 5 years. She is a teacher of Serbian literature and languages (world literature) and supervised integral body psychotherapy therapist. On her blog 'Pohod na vetrenjače' (a visit to the mills), she writes about life in the Netherlands, integration, books and personal development.

Especially for Balkanlocals, she tells why her hometown of Smederevo is worth a visit!

1. Smederevo-fort

This is the largest lowland fortress in Europe! It was built in the period from 1428-1439. Because of its location at the confluence of the Jezava and Danube rivers, it covers an area of about 11 hectares. It has the shape of an irregular triangle and consists of two parts: the Large City and the Small City. It was built by Despot Đurađ Branković. First, the Small City was built, where the ruler’s residence, the building for the family, escort and guard, as well as the library and a currency house were located. The construction took only two years! The most representative part of the Small Town was the Great Hall for receptions – Sala magna audientia, decorated with three Gothic and one Romanesque bifora – stone-hewn windows, a unique example of the construction of medieval towns in Serbia.

Around 1439, 19 more towers were added and a trench was dug on the land side connecting the Danube and Jezava rivers. In this way, the fortress was surrounded by water on all sides.

Because of its size and the speed with which it was built, the construction of the fortress involved numerous casualties. The accidents caused hatred among the despot’s subjects, especially directed against the ruler’s wife, the Greek princess Irina Kantakouzen. Indignant people called her “cursed Jerina”, which has been immortalised in popular tradition.

Today, within its mighty walls, concerts and important events such as “Smederevska Jesen” or the festival “Tvrđava Tetar” are held.

The small town of Smederevo Fortress is open to visitors every day from 8am to 8pm.

2. Wine (route)

Close to Smederevo’s main town square, you will be enchanted by the complex of unusual wooden houses built from authentic barrels that are more than a hundred years old. It is the “Wine City” where the best wines from the Smederevo region, known for its rich vineyards, are displayed all year round. That is why the “Wine Route” was formed here and the type of grape most commonly grown here, as well as the wine obtained from it – “Smederevka” – was named after the city.

The most famous wine growers of this region were the ancient Romans, and after them the Obrenovići, the Serbian royal family. Around their summer house, the villa “Zlatni breg“, better known as the “King’s Vineyard”, lie Prince Miloš’ vineyards. Today, the villa houses the Historical Museum and the Museum of Applied Art.

3. Donau

Along the Danube River there is centuries of history and countless legends. The Danube flows along the coast of Smederevo for a length of 25 km.

Families with small children will enjoy Izletište Jugovo, located 5 km from the city centre, on the right bank of the Danube. There is also the new Aqua Park Jugovo, the renovated complex next to the Danube is equipped with several pools and slides for an unforgettable day out.

Next to the Danube, there is also the most beautiful city promenade, sports fields and many fine authentic restaurants of local cuisine with the most beautiful views. A warm recommendation for the restaurant Vila Jugovo S.