One
of the last traces of Belgrade’s ancient and violent
past, Belgrade Castle is believed by many to be the site
where the city was founded by the Romans. The castle has
seen many additions and subtractions over the centuries;
the majority of its current structure dating to the 18th
century, but its walls encircle the old 15th century fortifications
made when Belgrade was proclaimed as the Serbian capital
in 1404. The site is excellent for defence, situated above
the confluence of the Rivers Sava and Danube. Starting
out as a camp or “castrum”, the semi-permanent
fort was occupied and reinforced when the Romans left.
Around this haven grew a town, and this would make it
a permanent enough entrenchment to facilitate the construction
of sturdy walls and towers also protected this lower section
of the fortification. |
