GET TO KNOW SERBIA - SMEDEREVO

SMEDEREVO - THE CAPITAL CITY

Exactly like that! This is not a story about any Serbian city, but about Smederevo, a city that even twice in its history had the honor of being the capital of Serbia. You will admit, enough for exceptionality, but it is just a challenge to peek into its streets, squares, buildings, feel its spirit.

And the challenge is not far and difficult to reach. Only fifty kilometers away from Belgrade, Smederevo is located at the confluence of the Jezava and the great Danube and really has something to offer - from historical sights, natural beauties, to wine.

For a start - Smederevo Fortress

Constantinople on the Danube was Smederevo in the 15th century, when despot Djuradj Brankovic built it as the new capital of the despotate of Serbia. The fortress is designed on the model of Constantinople, with a triangular base and protection on three sides - the waters of the Danube, Jezava and the canals that connected them.

The city of Smederevo was an architectural marvel of its time, the largest plain fortress in Europe, and after it the despot got the nickname Smederevac. As soon as the construction of Smederevo began in 1428, it became a metropolis where many foreigners settled, from Byzantine engineers, through Dubrovnik and Hungarian merchants to the despot's mercenaries, Germans, French, Italians, Hungarians, Greeks.

Despot Djuradj managed to corrupt the sultan and build a powerful fortress with the income from the rich Maidans, from Novo Brdo to Rudnik. It is a real curiosity that the Ottomans never managed to conquer it with weapons, although they besieged it helplessly. The strength of the despot's city is also testified by the hill of stone and iron gulads with which the Ottomans beat its walls. They are the attraction of the nearby museum, near which children are always photographed.

Visiting the fortress is a special experience, because even today it can be seen that it had 25 towers 25 meters high. Built in just 11 years, the Smederevo Fortress is a silent witness to history, leading us to the time of the Cursed Jerina, the second wife of Djurdj Brankovic, who was hailed as a rich and cruel ruler, but also as a tragic figure in Serbian medieval history.

Karadjordje also has its place

What is "at the horse" or "at the clock" for Belgraders, is certainly at the Dud (mulberry tree) for Smederevo residents. Favorite place to meet and relax, as well as a favorite place for the youngest to play. This is a very important historical place in the city, because the Turkish commander Dizdar Muharem Guša handed over the keys of the city to the leader Karađorđe in 1805, making Smederevo the capital of Serbia for the second time. Also, the mulberry tree that is located at that place is over 300 years old.

And the Obrenovic's

Villa "Golden hillock " is a building that is known among the people of Smederevo as "King's vineyards", a summer house of the Obrenović dynasty. It is located on Plavinac, in the part of Smederevo with the most beautiful view of the Danube. In front of the villa there is a vineyard with the best grape varieties, and it is here that the first tennis and cricket courts in Serbia were built.

Smederevo is a good wine

Throughout history, royal families have been associated with viticulture and winemaking in a special way. Considering the turbulent history of Serbia, which experienced the change of two ruling dynasties - Karadjordjevic and Obrenovic, it is not surprising that in Serbia today the mention of royal vineyards is associated with two different localities - Oplenac and Smederevo.

Prince Miloš bought the most beautiful Smederevo estate on Plavinac from a certain Turk, Muhamed, at the peak of his power, in 1839. He soon ordered that five hundred seedlings of the best species of the Smederevo vine be planted there. The vineyard is still located on the slope towards the Danube, which is reached by the winds from the Carpathians.

Later, in 1865, Prince Mihajlo built a one-storey summer house, his summer residence, later adapted in the style of Swiss villas. This elegant building is open to visitors and with the announcement can be visited and toured.

Not all wineries on Plavinac today are characterized by expensive equipment and technology, but they have something that is invaluable, from which it is possible to build a recognizable local brand - preserved vineyards that are many years old.