Niš – Culture between the Fortress, Mediana and Remembrance

The Fortress of Niš is a well-preserved Turkish fortress from the 18th century. It is located in the heart of the city on the banks of the Nišava River and has four exceptionally well-preserved gates that remain today: the Stambol Gate, the Belgrade Gate, the Vidin Gate and the Great Gate. Mediana represents a much older era. The complex was built at the beginning of the 4th century as a luxurious settlement. Mosaics and frescoes have been discovered on its grounds in more than 80 luxurious buildings. The remains of Roman baths and a granary complex can also be seen there.

The Skull Tower commemorates the Battle of Čegar. It was built from the skulls of fallen Serbian soldiers. Its main tower is square and approximately 4 metres high; 58 skulls are preserved in the Skull Tower today. There is also a specific architectural monument within the fortress: visitors can see the well-preserved Bali-Bey Mosque there. In summer, the fortress also serves as a venue for the Nišville music festival. Thus, the same place represents both historic architecture and a contemporary cultural event; however, this does not indicate a specific event programme for a future year.

The culinary event “Dani bureka” takes place every year in August and September. It complements the historical themes with a regional culinary occasion. For flights departing from Niš, passengers can purchase tickets from the travel agency “Aero Turs” in the passenger terminal hall. For further travel orientation, you can also compare Berbatovo, Jovanovac, Braljina, Donje Vlase, Prosek, Niška Banja and Čukurovac.

When was the concentration camp at Crveni Krst established?

The concentration camp at Crveni Krst in Niš was established by the Germans in September 1941.

What happened during the attempted escape on 12 February 1942?

During the attempted escape from the camp on 12 February 1942, 105 prisoners escaped, while 42 died at the camp fences.

What does the “February 12” Memorial Complex comprise?

The “February 12” Memorial Complex comprises documents, identity papers, letters, weapons, personal belongings and photographs of prisoners collected after the war.

What is the history of the Synagogue Gallery?

The synagogue that houses the Synagogue Gallery on Davidova Street was built in 1925 on the site of an older synagogue that had been destroyed by fire on 15 August 1879. Following extensive restoration in 2009, the building became an exhibition space for the National Museum. The restoration thus marks the transition to its present-day museum function.

For the overarching travel overview: Nišava District.