Since the Smederevo fortress was being built very quickly, it required an extremely strenuous effort and many workers were exhausted to death. The people blamed despotess Jerina (Irene Kantakouzene) and named her “The Damned”.
The Smederevo fortress is one of the largest lowland medieval fortresses in Europe and the last major masterpiece of Serbian architecture from this period.
History is still being written here – a tomb of unknown noble woman with priceless jewelry has been discovered in 2012. Archaeological excavations are still active, thus this is favorite destination of all archaeology and history lovers.
Once you’re here… who knows… you might even discover the legendary treasure of the Damned Jerina.
The Smederevo Fortress comprises of the Big and Small Town. The Small Town is actually the remains of the castle where once the Despot’s family and nobles lived. The Big Town was built later and here people took refuge fleeing from Turks.
There are numerous legends and stories about the construction of the Smederevo fortress. One of the legends says that the despot Đurađ Branković had a dream in which he was instructed to build a new city on a river, hence he ordered the new city to be built on the confluence of the Jezava River and the Danube.
The stone for the building of the fortress was brought from Viminacium, Mt. Kosmaj and the Ram fortress on the Danube.
The city was built in just few years so many builders died of exhaustion. People were looking for a culprit and the wife of Serbian Despot Djuradj Branković – Jerina (Irene Kantakouzene) was blamed for it and the name “Damned Jerina” remained until this day.
The legend of lost treasure, that she had buried somewhere in the fortress, never to be found by conquerors, still hunts numerous adventurists. So if you’re seeking an adventure and you want to feel like Indiana Jones, try your luck looking for this treasure.
The archaeological excavations are still ongoing and you will have impression that history is revealing in front of you.
Excavating the foundations of a very mysterious little church in the fortress (it is not certain when it was built), a tomb of still unknown noble woman with priceless jewelry was discovered. Numerous vases, pottery and medieval arms can be seen in the nearby Museum in Smederevo.
The Smederevo fortress has a lot to offer even to those who are not that interested in history. In summer numerous manifestations and parties take place here and mysticism of this ancient fortress turn them into unforgettable events.
“Tvrđava teatar” (Fortress Theatre) is well known theatre manifestation that takes place every summer inside the Smederevo fortress. In September “Smederevska jesen” (Autumn in Smederevo) – the oldest viticulture manifestation in Serbia attracts numerous visitors. On those occasions the Fortress comes to life and restores its old glory.
The constant threat of Turks forced them to complete the Small City in just two years. The construction was finished in 1430.
Today the inscription made of red brick with the words of the despot thanking God for the successful completion of the city still stands on the “Krstača” (Huge cross) tower.
The Smederevo fortress was built in the form of irregular triangle and it is recognizable by 25 high towers. The fortress long stood strong before the conquerors. In 1459 it was finally conquered by Turks. It was the end of the Serbian medieval country.
The Smederevo fortress was well preserved until the middle of the 20th century. During the World War II a massive explosion occurred damaging the fortress and the large part of the town of Smederevo.
In 1946 the fortress was put under the protection of the state, while the conservation works are still ongoing.
How to get to the Smederevo fortress?
The city of Smederevo and the Smederevo fortress are located on the banks of the Danube in the very northeastern part of Šumadija 46 km from Belgrade. The European E-75 Belgrade-Niš highway passes near the city, as well as the roadway from Kovin so the easiest way to get to Smederevo is by bus or car.
If you are coming to Smederevo from Belgrade by car then the fastest way to go is the Smederevo road over Grocka (46 km) and the E-75 motorway to Niš (55 km).
Since Smederevo is not far from Belgrade, you have at your disposal regular bus departures from the “Lasta” Belgrade bus station.
Next to the bus station in Smederevo there is also a train station, and since Smederevo is located on the main railroad you can also get there by train.
When you get to Smederevo you won’t have problems finding the fortress since it is on the bank of the Danube, right across the bus and train stations.
When you are alrready here, don’t miss…
…a glass of “Smederevka”, a quality white wine made from grapes which bear the same name that made this rich viticulture region famous. Every year this city is home to the “Smederevska jesen“ (Autumn in Smederevo) one of the oldest events in Serbia organized in honor of grapes, harvest and wines.
During the summer months visit the Fort in the Lower city where “Tvrđava teatar“ (Fortress Theatre), an international theatre festival under the open sky, is held.
You also mustn’t miss the opportunity to explore the fort itself, and discover why many legends of a hidden treasure and Jerina the damned were told.
After a tour, visit the temple of Saint George in the very centre of Smederevo, one of the most beautiful churches in Serbia.
If you are hungry for more archaeology visit the archaeological site Belo brdo in Vinča – the Cradle of European Civilization. Vinča is located only an hour’s drive from Smederevo.
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