Smederevo

Smederevo has developed into an industrial town over the last several decades, although its environment abounds with cultural and historic monuments and tourist attractions. Its main attraction is the Smederevo Fortress, built during the first half of the 15^th century as a new Serbian capital. This is a unique lowland fort extending over more than ten hectares. Modelled after the fortress of Constantinople, its foundation was built in the shape of a scalene triangle. Surrounded by water on all sides, with numerous towers and walls as thick as four metres, the Smederevo Fortress withheld enemy attacks for a long time. It consists of two parts: the Small Town – Palace of Despot Đurađ Branković’s, and Great Town – where the Serbian people worked and lived. A summer residency of the Obrenović dynasty was built during the middle of 19^th century at the hill atop Smederevo, overlooking the Danube and Smederevo vineyards. The Obrenović family was a dynasty of rulers under whose leadership Serbia was finally liberated of the Turkish rule, after five centuries of slavery. Authentic photographs, furniture and personal effects of Serbian dukes and kings may still be seen in the Obrenović villa. The opening of the family Obrenović museum is planned in this house.