Tower and walls of the Smederevo medieval fortress in Serbia

by Dejan Travica

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Tower and walls of the Smederevo medieval fortress in Serbia

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Dejan Travica

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One hot summer day in July I visited Smederevo, a city in the heart of Serbia located right on the bank of the Danube. It is a beautiful city with many cultural sights and a rich historical heritage. One thing that certainly attracts the attention of visitors is the old medieval fortress.
This is a view of the fortified defensive walls and the old partially damaged tower between the walls. It was a very sunny day and I took this picture in the early afternoon, so the lighting was not ideal, but I couldn't wait for the better conditions because I had to go.

One of the main sights of Smederevo is the old medieval fortress from the 15th century, Smederevo Fortress or Jerina town built by Serbian despot Djuradj Brankovic and his wife Jerina in just a few years, which was very fast at the time, so many builders died from exhaustion. People were looking for the culprit, and the wife of the Serbian despot Đurađ Branković - Jerina (Irena Kantakouzene) was blamed for that. It was called "Cursed Jerina" and that name has remained to this day. It was built in the period from 1428-1439. With its position at the confluence of the river Jezava and the Danube, it occupies an area of approximately 11 hectares, has the shape of an irregular triangle and consists of two parts - the Big City and the Small Town. It is the last major creation of a Serbian military building and one of the largest fortifications in Southeast Europe. Smederevo Fortress has been preserved in its integral form, including the castle - Small Town and the town surrounded by ramparts and towers.
It is definitely the main attraction of Smederevo and you must see it if you ever come to this city.

One July day in Smederevo, Serbia. From the collection Castles, fortresses and towers.

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January 2nd, 2022

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