Niška Tvrđava

Nis Fortress - the most important information

The right bank of the Nisava is adorned by a unique fortress whose walls were built by Serbs, Ottomans, Byzantines, Romans and it’s history began more than 2000 years ago. Roman legions formed a military camp on the site of today's central part of the Fortress, outside of which Naissus, the "Roman municipality", developed rapidly.

History of the Nis Fortress
The core of Naissus, an important trade and military center, consisted of a fortress built according to the rules of Roman urbanism, where was a forum decorated with statues of Roman deities. The remains of buildings that can still be visited today cover the area of 22.1 hectares testify to that time. The end of the works in 1723 was marked with a marble slab above the gate, so today's appearance of the Fortress is from that period. Over 40 stonecutters, over ten thousand spahis from fourteen sandzaks took part in the works that lasted from 1719 to 1730, while over four hundred masons worked on the ramparts. With a height of 8 and a width of 3 meters, the strong ramparts suffered demolition, attacks and conquests.

Significance of the Nis Fortress
The fortress was categorized as a cultural monument of great importance in 1979 and has been under state protection ever since. Its well-preserved sites and buildings that have been given for use to cultural institutions remind us of the long history of the city of Nis. Its tourist potential is also of great importance for the city, as a tour of the fortress is a must of every visit.

What to see
A walk through the Nis Fortress is enriched with monuments and cultural objects at almost every step. Among them are:

Stambol Gate: A symbol of the fortress itself and the city of Nis, proudly welcomes visitors.
Roman thermae: Located at the entrance, date back to the 4th century and their location reminds that the procedure of entering the city involved bathing.
Hamam: A Turkish bath from 1498, which is also the oldest building from the time of the Ottoman Empire.
Lapidarium: A unique collection of the 41 tombstones from the period 1-4th century.
Monument to Prince Milan Obrenovic and Nis liberators: Erected in 1902 as a sign of gratitude for the liberation of Nis.
Palace with an octagon: From the 4th century, which due to its splendor is considered to have belonged to Emperor Constantine.
Arsenal: exhibition space "Paviljon" of the Gallery of Contemporary Fine Arts Nis.
Gunpowder magazines
Memorial ossuary to the executed Serbs
Antique Byzantine Street with Basilica

How to get to Nis Fortress?
The fortress on the right bank of the Nisava can be reached from the city center by public transport from the Pavle Stojkovic Square. If you enjoy walking more you need to set aside about 15 minutes for this one.

Bus lines: 9
On foot: from King Alexander Square across the Mike Paligorica quay.
Taxi stations: Prvi Taxi 018 /4500005, Bros Taxi 018 /4155541, City Taxi 0800 / 000022

Additional information

It is possible to visit the fortress throughout the year, 24 hours a day without any compensation, and enjoy a walk through its rich and turbulent history.