Soko Grad

Soko Grad, also known as Sokolac, is a historic medieval fortress located approximately two kilometers east of the spa town of Sokobanja in Serbia. Originally constructed in the 6th century under the orders of Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I, the site was strategically designed as a citadel on the highest point of a rocky outcrop to defend against incursions by Pannonian Avars and Slavic tribes. Built primarily from stone, the fortification features an Upper Town with a dominant main tower and a Lower Town that extends down toward the Moravica River. Its name translates to "Falcon City," a title earned because local falconers historically paid their taxes to the rulers with trained birds of prey.

The fortress holds significant historical value as it became part of the medieval Serbian state in 1172 after being occupied by Stefan Nemanja. This era marked internal religious conflicts, including clashes between Nemanja and Bogomil administrators within the town. Later, the Ottoman Empire captured the site in 1398, during which a violent attack largely destroyed the settlement. Today, Soko Grad is recognized as a Monument of Culture of Great Importance by the Republic of Serbia, a status granted in 1982 to ensure its preservation. While much of the complex has fallen into ruin, the first entrance tower of the Upper Town remains in good condition alongside fragments of walls and three other towers.

Currently, the site stands as an accessible archaeological landmark open to the public, offering visitors a glimpse into centuries of Balkan military history. Although the lower sections and many bulwarks are now ruins, the remaining structures highlight the evolution of the fortress from a Byzantine defensive outpost to a key component of the Serbian medieval state. The dramatic setting above the canyon of the Moravica River enhances its visual appeal, making it a notable destination for those interested in ancient architecture and the region's turbulent past.