As part of my short visit to Serbia, I wanted to check out the town of Novi Sad, not far from Belgrade.  I combined it with exploring Fruska Gora and its vicinity.  I went in a small guided tour which, unfortunately, mainly gave us free time in Novi Sad; i.e., not much in terms of a guided tour there.  But it did spend time at the Petrovaradin Fortress and covered it pretty well.

I have to admit not knowing much about Novi Sad before planning my trip and had never heard about the fortress at all.  But that’s why I travel:  to learn of the things that have not crossed my path before and then to get to see them in person!  A lot of the learning happens while researching potential destinations and then when the planning begins:  studying the destination to allocate my time there to those things that catch my eye the most, be it a high point (in Lübeck, Germany), a unique sight (the DMZ in Korea), a historic building (the monstrous Parliament in Bucharest), or just food (in Rome’s Testaccio neighborhood)!

Petrovaradin Fortress

The Petrovaradin Fortress sits high along the banks of the Danube River facing the center of Novi Sad.  Its unique vantage point provides great views of the river, the bridges crossing it, the main part of the city, and the surroundings of the fort itself.  The site seems to have hosted human settlement and early fortifications from before the times when Romans established themselves there.  Petrovaradin was a key battleground in the Hapsburg Empire (Austria) pushing back the Ottoman Empire one final time away from being a threat to Central Europe.  Its fortress’ buildings and walls have been built, maintained, enhanced, etc. over the centuries.

Entrance to the fort

Walking along the uppermost walls facing the Danube

One can explore the fortress and its massive walls by walking around

A curiosity of the fortress is the clock tower.  It was built with the hour hand being longer than the minute hand, contrary to most clocks that are not digital 🙂

Clock tower; it was around 12:45PM

Supposedly Petrovaradin has miles of anti-mine tunnels underneath but we did not get to see them; perhaps they are in disrepair and not safe?  Petrovaradin was more than just a fortress.  It was a fortified area with exterior walls protecting an area with many buildings.  In any case, the site was impressive to me for two main reasons:  the scale of the fortifications that one can see and the great location up high so one can soak in Novi Sad and the Danube River.

View towards the city center of Novi Sad

Area right below the viewing area is part of the fortified area

Modern road crossing the “moat” and going through massive walls

Fortifications facing the Danube River

Novi Sad’s city center

Novi Sad is Serbia’s second largest city with about a quarter million inhabitants – nice size:  not too big, not too small!  It resides in the Vojvodina autonomous province and serves as its capital.  The city actually does not pre-date the Petrovaradin Fortress but the other way around.  As cities go in this part of the world, it is ONLY slightly over 300 years old.  A baby by European standards but ancient by U.S. standards!!

Bishop’s Palace from 1901 – interesting mix of styles

St. George’s Orthodox Cathedral

Novi Sad suffered a lot of damage in shelling that took place in the mid 19-century.  The main square and neighboring streets, though, contain many charming buildings with architecture that I associate with 19th century Central Europe.  I wish I had had more time to walk further out than I did.

The Name of Mary Catholic Church

Other angle on the church and nearby buildings on the square

Roof of the Church of the Holy Name of Mary

While there are beautiful buildings from back when, one can also spot some post-WW II modern buildings here and there in the city center, with more of them to be found as one moves out, I am sure.

Great contrast of old and new

Old and new again but the new is less so than the prior photo…

As I ventured outwards from the main square, I spotted what I am guessing is the bar/party street of the city center.  But, it was around lunchtime so no parties going on!

Party street!

I enjoyed strolling down the pedestrian streets filled with shops and cafés, while looking at the neat buildings all around. While this was just a short visit to get a mental image of Novi Sad, it looks like a relaxed town to spend time at.  Perhaps I will get to visit it again some day!

The Hotel Vojvodina in the main square

A building near the main square

City Hall on the left built in 1894

Check out what cool places to see in Belgrade!