Golubac: Keep of the River

Golubac: Keep of the River

Golubac fortress lies 4 kilometres east of a town that bears the same name. It lies at the very entrance to the Iron Gate gorge (Serb. Djerdap). Built at the beginning of the 14^th century with powerful ramparts, Golubac became the most significant fort on the Danube. Hungarians used to call it Galambocz and the Germans dubbed it Taubenburg. The Turks conquered it for the first time after the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. From 1402 to 1427 it was in Serbian hands. After the death of Despot Stefan, the keeper of the city decided to hand Golubac to the Turks and not the Hungarians, who ruled over the city until 1444. In 1458 it permanently passed under Turkish jurisdiction. Although it was used for military purposes until the mid 19^th century, with the development of firearms and artillery it lost much of its defensive utility.

The fort has an irregular base formed around the slope of the hill. Its nine towers are arranged one above the other, making it one of the most picturesque sites on the Danube. Solid towers of different shapes and sizes are further reinforced by retaining walls. The only gate opened westwards, but today there is a road that leads through fort and the opposite wall. The remains of a palace are still visible by the wall facing the river. The lower, polygonal tower stretching into the river was built by the Turks to strengthen the fortress against firearms. The town of Golubac (2000 inhabitants) is located on the site of an earlier Roman settlement called Cuppae. It flourished with the trade on the Danube in the 19^th century. After the construction of the Djerdap Dam and the rise of the water level, the Danube flooded the islands in the river that faced the town and the river is now some 7 km wide along this stretch. The width of the Danube, combined with a number of intersecting wind current, make this area perfect for gliding. The “Golubački grad” hotel is on the riverbank.

Golubac is also known for tale of the Golubac Dragon, a three-headed water monster that was believed to have lived in the deep waters of the Danube.

Source:

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