Most significant cultural and historical complex of Belgrade
A defensive structure on the confluence of two rivers
The Belgrade Fortress was built as a defensive structure on a ridge overlooking the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers during the period from the 2nd to the 18th century.
The name Kalemegdan applies only to the spacious plateau surrounding the Fortress, which was turned into a park in the eighties of the XIX century. When the Fortress served as Belgrade’s chief military stronghold, the plateau was a place from which the enemy was kept under observation and where preparations were made for combats. Its name derives from the Turkish words kale (fort) and megdan (field). The Turks also called it Fichir-bair, which means “the contemplation hill”.
It is a place where all generations, both Serbs and foreigners gather and spend their time enjoying the magnificent view on New Belgrade. It is also a place where foreigners gladly come in order to feel the history of that area of Belgrade.
Walking through Kalemegdan, you may cross wooden bridges, pay a visit to the Natural History Museum and the Military Museum, the Observatory, many galleries, the churches of Ruzica and St Petka, etc. Kalemegdan is loved by painters, poets and musicians alike and it hosts many exhibitions and poetry evenings.