- Type
- Fortress
- Origins
- 1483 · 15th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Commissioned by
- Bayezid II
- Coordinates
- 44.8128°, 21.3300°
History
On a bluff above the Danube, near the site of the Roman fort of Lederata, Sultan Bayezid II ordered a new stronghold in 1483. It was one of the first Ottoman fortresses designed for firearms, with low, thick walls and embrasures for cannon. It guarded a Danube crossing and the border with Hungary, and later with the Habsburg monarchy, changing hands during the Austro-Ottoman wars. Once it lost its military role it fell into ruin. Between 2017 and 2020 it underwent a thorough restoration.
What to see
Since its restoration the pentagonal fortress with five towers can be seen at close quarters – the consolidated walls, towers and courtyard are open to visitors. The walls look out over the broad Danube, the Romanian shore and river islands. At the foot of the hill are the ruins of an Ottoman caravanserai, and Silver Lake lies nearby.
Wikipedia article Wikidata Q3396212
Popularity: articles about this site in 16 Wikimedia projects (Wikipedia language editions and others).