The Maglič Fortress, a Mysterious 13th-century Time Machine

Imagine a crown of stone atop a grassy hill.. Sounds rather impressive, huh? Well it doesn’t only sound impressive – it LOOKS impressive!

The Serbian Camelot, called the Maglič Fortress, is tucked away safely in the wilderness of central Serbia. However, the most interesting thing about Maglič isn’t its appearance or location but its mysterious origin. We got your attention?

Once you enter the valley of Ibar, all the troubles and stress of city life are left behind. Only endless and almost enchanting landscapes unfold before your eyes.

Ibar is enclosed by mountains on both sides. On one side there is UNESCO’s Biosphere Reservation Golija and on the other Kopaonik, a national park, ski center and “The roof of Serbia”. The entrance to the valley is guarded by the most beautiful gem of the Ibar gorge – the medieval fortress of Maglič.

Some call the basin of Ibar the Valley of Kings, others the Valley of Centuries, and the romantic ones the Valley of Lilacs. The first two names were given to this valley because it represents the heart of the medieval Serbian state and guards the monasteries Studenica, Žiča, Sopoćani and Đurđevi Stupovi, some of the most sacred possessions of the Serbian people. Its third name was given because of a love story, which again brings us to the mysterious Maglič.

Maglič is a magnificent 13th-century fortress about 20 km south of Kraljevo. It’s located atop a hill around which the Ibar river makes a sharp curve, about a 100 m above the river. Once upon a time only one caravan road connected the Morava valley and Kosovo Polje. And now, at night this castle is well-lit thus attracting the attention of curious drivers and by-passers.

Observed from below it looks almost unreachable, like a giant crown of stone atop a huge rock. It is only one of 200 medieval Serbian cities but it has an undeniable uniqueness to it. This castle survived countless wars and uprisings, and for that it can thank its inaccessibility. And the fog. For you see, interestingly enough, its name means “The Foggy One” from the Serbian word “magla”, meaning fog.

In the height of its might, Maglič had the title of guardian. It was the guardian of Raška, the Žička and Pećka patriarchal district and most importantly of the monasteries Žiča and Studenica.

As we’ve already said, Maglič is fascinating not only for its Camelot-like appearance, its breathtaking surrounding landscapes and its prestigious title of the protector of the heart of medieval Serbia, but for how it came to be. There are three “theories” on the origin of Maglič and its Valley of Lilacs.

The Legend of “Prokleta Jerina”

Ever since the days of old, people have told stories about Wretched Jerina, known in Serbia as “Prokleta Jerina”, the wife of despot Đurađ Branković. She was said to have founded the city of Maglič, but she was still hated amongst the people. The Fortress is even nowadays called by some the city of Jerina (“Jerenin grad”).

A Present Fit for A Queen

Even today, this Fortress keeps many secrets. Historians have quite a bit of trouble trying to find out the truth about the white and blue lilacs that bloom every spring near the Maglič Fortress and along the valley of Ibar.

According to one theory, the lilac trees were planted by the Serbian King Uroš I, so as to profess his love to Helen of Anjou, the Catholic queen consort of the Serbian Kingdom, as well as to make the noble French lady feel at home. In the first half of the 13th century, the middle of the Valley of Lilacs a massive medieval fortress of Maglič was built.

Third Time’s the Charm

Some say the lilacs were planted by the son of King Uroš and Jelena. King Milutin had a couple of marriages behind him and he wanted to make his 3rd wife happy. Simonida was the underaged daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Andronicus and because of her young age Milutin wanted to make her happy even before they got married. So decided to adorn this valley with a sea of lilacs.

Maglič was included on the list of Cultural Monuments of Exceptional Importance in 1979.

Today, even though a trip to Maglič and the centre of the Land of the Nemanjić family can be described as a spiritual journey though Serbia, an adventurous spirit is more than welcome.

Since you are already here, don’t miss…

You can participate in the ‘‘Merry Ride’’ (Serbian for ‘‘Veseli spust’’), a popular voyage down the Ibar River to Kraljevo, which starts every year the bottom of the Maglič. More than 3,000 vessels take part in this whole day voyage.

The tourist organisation of Kraljevo hosts a local manifestation called the Lilac Days (“Dani Jorgovana”) every year in the most beautiful spring month of May. Actors of Kraljevo reenact history in honour of Saint Helen of Anjou.

In the beginning of July have fun in the carnival atmosphere of Carnival of Vrnjci in Vrnjačka Banja and in February on Valentine’s Day compete in kissing at the “Poljubi me” (Kiss me) event.

In winter you can visit Mt. Goč which offers excellent fun with night skiing and a quality vacation.

If you like time travel, make sure you visit the magnificent and mysterious Maglič.