A Trip to Eastern Serbia Along the Danube in the "Iron Gate" Region
Introduction
The city of Smederevo serves as an excellent starting point for a trip in the area known as the "Iron Gate" along the Danube, between ancient castles, 2,000-year-old antiquities, and small, authentic towns. Just a one-hour drive from vibrant Belgrade, you feel as though you have traveled back in time to another era.
Smederevo was briefly the capital city of the ancient Serbian Kingdom during the Middle Ages.
You can visit the "Iron Gate" region on a day trip (independent or private), but it is recommended to stay in Smederevo for at least a night or two to explore top tourist attractions leisurely, and also enjoy a Danube cruise, high-quality affordable authentic food, and excellent local wines. Smederevo is considered the unofficial rock 'n' roll capital of Serbia thanks to the many rock bands and musicians who live there or were born in the area.
Guided Tours Along the Danube from Viator:
It has a charming and lively pedestrian street full of bars, cafés, a casino, shops, and stalls, centered around an impressive church, the Church of Saint George (named after the city's patron saint).
Smederevo also features a long promenade along the Danube lined with children's playgrounds, amusement facilities, lawns, and stalls.
Every year in late September, Smederevo hosts a traditional festival called "Smederevska Jesen" (meaning: Autumn in Smederevo), which is a festival celebrating Serbian culture with plenty of wine and performances.
Location and Transportation:
Smederevo is located about 50 km east of Belgrade (about a 50-minute drive) and about 65 km (a one-hour drive) from Belgrade Airport. The city is situated on the banks of the Danube and can be reached either by a cruise on the Danube from Belgrade or by rental car. For those short on time, taking a private or group guided day tour exploring castles and antiquities along the Danube in eastern Serbia is recommended.
Attractions in Smederevo and the Surrounding Area:
Smederevo Fortress (in Serbian: Smederevska tvrđava)
An ancient fortress on the banks of the Danube near the city center, considered the largest flatland fortress in the Balkans.
It was built between 1427 and 1430, and after the Ottoman conquest in the mid-15th century, additional fortifications were added, turning it into a stronghold of Turkish rule. The fortress was severely damaged by bombings during World War II and has undergone renovation and restoration since 2009. From the heights of the towers and ramparts, there is an impressive view of the Danube. Part of the fortress grounds has been converted into sports courts and running tracks.
Golubac Fortress (in Serbian: Golubački grad)
Another impressive castle located on the banks of the Danube. The fortress was constructed in three phases during the 14th century and features ten towers, most of them square. The castle, which witnessed fierce battles throughout history, has undergone major renovation.
It is located about an hour and a half (80 km) east of Smederevo.
Ram Fortress
Castle lovers who want to see more than two fortresses can visit another striking castle on the Danube: Ram Fortress (in Serbian: Tvrđava Ram), a 15th-century fortress situated atop a steep hill right by the river. It is located about 60 km (just over a one-hour drive) east of Smederevo.
All castles are spectacularly illuminated after dark, so viewing at least one of them during the evening hours is highly recommended.
Viminacium
A highly impressive archaeological site where excavations have been ongoing for many years, repeatedly revealing more structures and well-restored relics. A major and significant Roman city and military camp once stood here during the 4th and 5th centuries AD.
The city was located in a very strategic location, as the Danube was the border line of the Roman Empire at the time. The origins of the city date back to the 1st century AD. At its peak, about 40,000 residents lived in the city, making it one of the largest cities of that era. The city was sacked in the 5th century by the Huns and was completely destroyed when the Slavs arrived in the region in the 6th century.
A guided tour on site visits four distinct excavation areas open to visitors: huge baths,
Amphitheater:
aqueducts, a hippodrome, and what is in my opinion the most impressive feature: burial vaults containing perfectly preserved wall frescoes.
During the excavations, an intact skeleton of an Ice Age mammoth was uncovered, as well as remnants of additional mammoth skeletons.
The site also features a museum, a restaurant, and even a hotel.
Scale model of the ancient city:
Guided Tour Departing from Belgrade:
Iron Gate - Lower Danube History Tour
A tour to the three top tourist sites in the region: the two castles—Smederevo Fortress and Golubac Fortress—and the Viminacium archaeological site. Between April and October, a cruise in the Golubac Fortress area can be added. The tour duration is about 10 hours (including approximately 4.5 hours of driving between destinations and sites).
♦ Accommodations in Smederevo
Vacation rooms and apartments of various sizes situated in a large villa on the banks of the Danube. All rooms feature a balcony overlooking the river and a kitchen or kitchenette. The villa offers a two-bedroom apartment, a one-bedroom apartment, as well as double rooms and suites. Facilities include a swimming pool, a large garden, a seating area overlooking the Danube, table tennis, barbecue facilities, and complimentary bicycles. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are included.
A large villa on the banks of the Danube converted into a quality hotel featuring double rooms, triple rooms, and double apartments. Each room includes a balcony, minibar, and coffee machine. The hotel features a bar and a restaurant. Free Wi-Fi and parking are provided.
A private villa on the banks of the Danube with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a hot tub, a living room, and a fully equipped kitchen. The villa features two swimming pools (one indoor and one outdoor), a children's playground, bicycle rentals, and water sports equipment. Free Wi-Fi and parking are included.
Food and Wine:
Smederevo offers a selection of restaurants serving typical Serbian cuisine at very budget-friendly prices.
Recommended Restaurants:
Vila Jugovo S – An impressive, romantic restaurant set in a villa on the banks of the Danube, west of the city center.
Terasa – A large, popular restaurant with a rich menu, also located near the Danube.
Dunavski Dragulj - Near the Viminacium archaeological site in the town of Kostolac, there is a wonderful, large restaurant named Dunavski Dragulj located right where a stream branches off from the Danube River. The restaurant features unique seating areas directly on the water's edge as well as elevated seating overlooking the river, boats, and the many swans swimming by. It offers an authentic local menu, generous and delicious portions, magical scenery and atmosphere, and inexpensive prices.
There are also several great wineries in the city where you can visit, taste, and purchase local wine at attractive prices. Two of the top wineries:
Vinarija Jeremić – A winery in a pastoral location on the banks of the Danube in the western part of the city.
Vinarija Janko – An award-winning and acclaimed winery, including a 2013 wine crowned "Best Wine in the Balkans."
More articles about Serbia:
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The Belgrade Travel Guide
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Star Trips in Southwestern Serbia from Zlatibor