Why visit: History of Belgrade (Ancient, Medieval, Turkish), Archaeology, Top landmarks and attractions, Great panoramic views, Culture, Walking, Relaxation, Sports, People, Animals, Cafes, Souvenirs…
Also known as: Kališ, Tvrđava, Citadel, Belgrade fortress, Belgrade castle
Kalemegdan is Belgrade’s central park and fortress complex lying on a hill overlooking the Sava and Danube confluence, on the eastern side of the river Sava. This has been the sight of the ancient Roman city of Singidunum, the medieval and Turkish era Belgrade and was converted into a park in the mid 19th century. It is home to several galleries and museums, restaurants, sports courts, and the Belgrade Zoo.
The park
Besides many kilometers of paths and numerous hideouts through the park, there’s also a few playgrounds for the kids, some chess boards from the elderly, and a great wall which is a favorite spot for teens & youth with spectacular and often romantic views of sunsets, storms or other beauties of nature. In winter, the younger population goes skiing and sleigh riding on the slopes near the Zoo, or ice-skating at the court near the Sahat (Clock) tower.
The park is also home to squirrels and other smaller animals which from time to time like to hang around with people, specially if you have some food to offer them.
If you don’t like walking, you can also get the mini train that runs through the park.
Kalemegdan Highlights
On the promenade that connects with Knez Mihailova, there are numerous stands of souvenirs and handcrafts. You can find anything from a flute, through vests, hats or candy to a beer pint with the silhouette of Belgrade. In my opinion, the offer is pretty good here.
Monuments at Kalemegdan
Being a preserved sight with two millennia of history, Kalemegdan is home to many monuments. There are four significant towers, the two most important being Nebojša tower and Sahat (clock) tower, numerous gates, the most important ones are Zindan Kapija, Inner Stambol Kapija (below the tower), and Charles VI gate. There are walls from Roman and medieval times, Turkish and Austrian. There are many ruins and archaeological sights, and a whole lot of statues, the most important being the statue to the Victor, aka Pobednik, and one dedicated to Despot Stefan, founder of Serbian medieval Belgrade. The Victor is one of the most important symbols of Belgrade.
Official website: BeogradskaTvrdjava.co.rs
Photo Gallery
Location and getting here
The park is located in the city center, by the neighborhoods of Dorćol and Kosančićev Venac and connected with the main city promenade – Knez Mihailova street. It is divided into 4 zones: Upper town, Lower town, Big Kalemegdan and Small Kalemegdan.
You can get to Kalemegdan – Knez Mihailova stop with the tram line 2, or to the Kalemegdan Business Center (near the Zoo entrance) by the tram lines 5 and 10.
A few other public transportation stops are nearby:
- Studentski trg (Trolley lines 19,29,40,41 and bus lines 31 and EKO2);
- Dorćol – Braće Baruh (Trams 2, 5 and 10, Bus 24, 26 one way only!, and 79)
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