# Golubac Fortress

- **Country:** Serbia
- **Coordinates:** 44.661162, 21.678496
- **Condition:** Restored
- **Year Built:** 14th century
- **Castle Type:** Fortified town and Castle
- **Location Text:** Golubac

Golubac Fortress is a medieval fortified town located on the south bank of the Danube River in northeastern Serbia, near the modern town of Golubac and the Romanian border. Constructed during the 14th century by the Medieval Serbian state, this stone complex sits strategically at the entrance to the Iron Gate gorge within Đerdap National Park. The fortress comprises three distinct compounds built in stages and features ten towers. While most towers began as square structures, many were later reinforced with multi-sided designs to withstand the advent of firearms. Uniquely, the towers were not connected to one another, a design choice intended to facilitate easier defense during sieges.

The site possesses a tumultuous and rich history, having originally served as a Roman settlement before evolving into a critical military stronghold. Throughout the Middle Ages, it was the focal point of numerous battles, particularly between the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary. The fortress changed hands repeatedly among Turks, Bulgarians, Hungarians, Serbs, and Austrians, famously repelling over 120 attacks before finally being transferred to Serbian Prince Mihailo Obrenović III in 1867. Recent archaeological discoveries have even revealed preserved Serbian Medieval frescos inside the compound, adding to its cultural depth.

Today, Golubac Fortress is designated as a Cultural Monument of Exceptional Importance by the Serbian government and remains open to the public. It has been transformed into a popular tourist attraction and a key sightseeing point for boat tours navigating the Danube. Visitors can explore the historic stone ruins that once controlled river traffic and taxation, now serving as a testament to the region's complex military past and architectural evolution.

![Photo of Golubac Fortress](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5e/Golubac_Fortress_%28%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4_%D0%93%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%83%D0%B1%D0%B0%D1%86%29.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golubac_Fortress (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)