Golubac Fortress: 9 Towers, 1 Fortress, Over 6 Centuries of History
A Legendary Golubac Fortress at the Gates of the Iron Gorge
Perched on towering cliffs where the Danube River is at its mightiest, Golubac Fortress stands like a sentinel guarding the entrance to the Iron Gates Gorge. Located in Eastern Serbia, just 130 km from Belgrade, this medieval marvel greets travelers with dramatic views, rich legends, and stone walls that have stood against empires.
Table of Contents
Legends That Shaped Golubac
The name “Golubac” (from golub – pigeon) is tied to several haunting stories:
- The Legend of Golubana: A beautiful girl who rejected a Turkish pasha. As punishment, he chained her to a rock in the Danube where she died watching the fortress—later named after her.
- Princess Jelena’s Doves: The wife of Despot Đurađ Branković, lonely and homesick for Byzantium, whispered her sorrows to doves perched on her hands.
- The Wild Pigeons: A simpler tale tells of flocks of pigeons living among the rocks, giving the fortress its name.
A Fortress With Ten Towers and a Thousand Stories
After the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, Golubac fell under Ottoman rule and soon became a contested stronghold between the Ottomans and the Habsburgs. Built to defend the Danube frontier, the fortress features ten towers, each with a role and purpose.
Key Towers
While the fortress has a total of nine towers and one palace, here we highlight three of the most notable ones—because of their views, historical role, or visitor interest.
- 🏰 Most towers are square-shaped.
- 🎩 Hat Tower (Šešir kula) – the tallest and most iconic, with a polygonal base and cylindrical top.
- 💣 Cannon Tower – reinforced by the Ottomans with artillery points.
- 🧭 Captain’s Tower – known for its views over the river.
Originally, the fortress had nine towers; the tenth was added later by the Ottomans.
What to Explore Inside the Fortress
Golubac Fortress isn’t large, but it opens up slowly, in layers. The site is divided into zones, making it easier to navigate depending on interest and ability.
Fortress Levels
- Upper Town: Offers the most dramatic views, especially from the Hat Tower.
- Lower Town: Easier to explore; features ruins and reconstructed sections that evoke medieval daily life.
Museum and Archaeological Finds
Restoration work revealed ancient pottery, weapons, and personal items, now displayed inside the fortress museum. Guided tours help connect the stones with the stories.
Visitor Center
Before or after your walk, the nearby Visitor Center offers:
- Interactive digital exhibits
- Scale models of the fortress
- Hands-on workshops for families and children
- Gift shop with local handicrafts
Golubac Fortress Entrance Fees and Zone Access (2025)
To ensure safety and preserve the site, Golubac Fortress is divided into four visitor zones, based on difficulty level and access requirements.
| 🟢 Green Zone – Easy & Family-Friendly | |
|---|---|
| Includes | Palace area + Towers 5, 8, and 9 |
| Adults | 750 RSD (~€6.5) |
| Youth (12–18) | 200 RSD (~€1.7) |
| Seniors | 450 RSD (~€3.8) |
| Students / school groups | 350 RSD (~€3.0) |
| Children under 12 (with adult) | Free |
| Groups (no guide) | 650 RSD (~€5.5) |
| Groups (with guide) | 800 RSD (~€6.8) |
| Open | Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays) |
| 🔵 Blue Zone – Moderate (Adults Only) | |
|---|---|
| Includes | Green Zone + Towers 3 and 4 |
| Price | 1,200 RSD (~€10.3) |
| Entry time | 10:00–14:00 |
| Note | Adults only |
| 🔴 Red Zone – Temporarily Closed | |
|---|---|
| Includes | Tower 7 + Green Zone |
| Price | 1,200 RSD (~€10.3) |
| Note | Adults only, with escort |
| ⚫ Black Zone – Full Access (Challenging) | |
|---|---|
| Includes | Hat Tower (Tower 1) + Blue and Green Zones |
| Price | 1,700 RSD (~€14.5) |
| Entry time | 10:00–14:00 |
| Note | Adults only, safety gear and escort required |
| 📸 Photography and Filming |
|---|
|
• Drones are not allowed within or around the fortress • Professional photography: 8,000 RSD (~€68) per camera • Commercial filming requires official approval from the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments and Ministry of Culture, plus a signed agreement with fortress management |
Please note: All prices are taken from the official site tvrdjavagolubackigrad.rs and are subject to change. Check for updates before your visit.
How to Get to Golubac Fortress
📍 Location: Eastern Serbia, ~130 km from Belgrade
By Car
A 2-hour scenic drive along the Danube via the Đerdap road. Parking is available near the Visitor Center.
By Bus
Regular departures from Belgrade to Golubac or Veliko Gradište. From nearby towns: a short taxi ride or 5–10 km walk to the fortress.
By Boat
Danube cruises and boat tours often stop at Golubac. This is the most scenic and unforgettable way to approach the fortress.
Golubac Fortress – Opening Hours & Visitor Facilities
Working Hours
April–October: 09:00–19:00
November–March: 10:00–16:00
Closed on Mondays
On-Site Amenities
Café and Restrooms – Located near the main entrance
Picnic Area – Shaded tables with scenic views of the Danube
Gift Shop – Offers souvenirs, local crafts, and regional products
Visitor Center – Staff available for tickets, maps, and guided tour info
Explore More While You're Here
Golubac Fortress is just the beginning — you’re standing at the gateway to some of the most breathtaking places in eastern Serbia. If you have more time, here are a few must-see spots nearby:
- Đerdap Gorge
Europe’s largest river gorge — dramatic cliffs, winding roads, and unforgettable Danube views.
⇒ Discover all travel options — just click to explore Agoda!
Lepenski Vir
A fascinating Stone Age archaeological site with reconstructed houses and a modern museum built into the hillside.
⇒ Discover hotels and travel options near Lepenski Vir on Agoda for your unforgettable journey!
Silver Lake (Srebrno jezero)
A popular weekend getaway — perfect for swimming, cycling, or relaxing by the water with a local meal.
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