Page 18 - PowerPoint Presentation

Belgrade Fortress

Belgrade Fortress stands on top of a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Sava and
the Danube. This is the last raised ground in the Balkan Peninsula before the vast
stretch of flatland of the Pannonian Basin, extending all the way to Central Europe.
The Fortress controls the access to the Pannonian Basin and the navigation on the

Sava and the Danube, a position of outstanding strategic importance, accounting for
its role as a border fortress throughout much of its history. It served to guard the
border between the Roman Empire and barbarian lands across the Danube and the
border between the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires, to name a few, which
explains why it was so often destroyed, rebuilt and redesigned. The Romans were the
first to build a fort at this site in the late 1st century as the HQ for the IV Roman
Legion - Flavia Felix. Its remnants are barely visible today. Belgrade Fortress consists
of the Upper Town, Lower (or Water) Town and Kalemegdan Park. The present layout
of the Fortress took shape in the late 18th century, but there used to be many more

buildings within its walls that had perished in different battles.

Upper Town expanded further and was fortified with a new system of defensive
walls with triangular ravelins and bastions. Today these ramparts conceal many
secluded spots for couples in love. The most recognisable attraction in Upper Town
is The Victor, the symbol of Belgrade, a male figure cast in bronze, with a sword in

his right hand and a pigeon in his left.
The Upper Town also contains the Military Museum and the first Masonic temple in
Belgrade, which presently serves as the Gallery of the Natural History Museum.
KALEMEGDAN PARK was developed as late as 19th century on a plateau between
the Belgrade Fortress and settlements that was kept bare in order to better spot
the approach of the enemy. During the Ottoman rule, it was also the site of a slave
market and a scaffold. The park features numerous sculptures, a bandstand,
"CvijetaZuzorić" Art Pavilion, the Zoo, amusement park and a playground for
children.