From the collapsed bridge to the Icarus Monument

The most famous symbol of Niš is the Niš Fortress, an Ottoman fortress built on the remains of an ancient and medieval fortress. It is believed that the first stone fortification was built in the 2nd century AD, when the entire Roman korhot (division) was housed in it. It is believed that Emperor Constantine was born here. As many conquerors passed through this area, in almost 2 millennia, the Niš Fortress also changed its owner several times. What has remained constant is that it was an extremely important property for every conqueror, which every attacker will find difficult to conquer.

The modern history of the "Niš Fortress" dates back to the 18th century, when the Ottomans, after the fall of Belgrade by the Austrians, had to withdraw their main military garrisons to the south. The ramparts of today's Fortress were built from February 1719 to June 1723. It is considered to be one of the best preserved fortresses from that period in the Balkans today. Although the entire city was inside the walls, only a few buildings have been preserved today, among them the Bali Beg Mosque. Today, there are galleries and studios, and the whole fortress is an interesting park in the very center of the city, where many generations have experienced romantic love experiences. The famous festivals Film Encounters, Choir Festivals and the increasingly popular Nishville Jazz Festival are also held in the fortress.