KALEMEGDAN & BELGRADE FORTRESS

The oldest parts of Belgrade's fortress originated from the first century of Nova Era, when there was a Roman military fortification here.

Kalemegdan Citadel - Some 115 battles have been fought over imposing, impressive Kalemegdan; the citadel was destroyed more than 40 times throughout the centuries. Fortifications began in Celtic times, and the Romans extended it onto the flood plains during the settlement of 'Singidunum', Belgrade's Roman name. Much of what stands today is the product of 18th-century Austro-Hungarian and Turkish reconstructions. The fort's bloody history, discernible despite today's jolly cafes and funfairs, only makes Kalemegdan all the more fascinating.

Military Museum - Tucked away in Belgrade's sprawling Kalemegdan Citadel, this museum presents the complete military history of the former Yugoslavia. Gripping displays include captured Kosovo Liberation Army weapons, bombs and missiles (courtesy of NATO), rare guns and bits of the American stealth fighter that was shot down in 1999. You'll find the museum through the Stambol Gate, built by the Turks in the mid-1700s and used for public executions.

Ružica Church - The ivy-swathed Ružica Church looks innocuous from the outside; inside, you'll find chandeliers made by WWI Serbian soldiers from spent bullet casings, swords, rifles and cannon parts. It was originally an arsenal, then a military chapel before its restoration in 1925.

City Zoo - The City Zoo is home to about 2000 animals, whose ancestors escaped en masse when Nazi bombs destroyed enclosures in WWII: the resulting mayhem is captured brilliantly in the opening scenes of Serbian indie drama Underground.

Nebojša Tower - A former dungeon, the tower (1460) now serves as a museum, with some excellent exhibits covering medieval Belgrade, the Ottoman era and the First Serbian Uprising.

Clock Tower - Climb the 18th-century tower’s (27.5m) narrow stairs to check out the inner workings of this landmark clock and snap some panoramic shots of Kalemegdan.

source:lonelyplanet.com