Prehistory and Ancient Times

Around 5,000 BC, Thracians inhabited the region where Niš now stands. These early settlers left their mark on the land, creating the foundation for what would become a vibrant city. The Romans arrived in 75 BC, conquering the city and establishing the crucial Via Militaris, a road connecting Belgrade to Constantinople.

This strategic route facilitated trade, military movements, and cultural exchange. Emperor Constantine the Great, born in Niš in 272 AD, played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s destiny. His birthplace, the Mediana archaeological site, remains a testament to this historical figure.

Medieval Period

The 5th century brought turmoil as the Huns razed Niš. However, the city endured, and by the 9th century, it fell under Bulgarian rule.
In 1173, the Byzantine Empire reclaimed Niš, leaving its imprint on the city’s architecture and culture.

Ottoman Influence

The Ottoman Empire swept through the Balkans, and Niš became an integral part of its dominion. The city’s skyline transformed with mosques, hammams, and bazaars. Explore the Niš Fortress, a formidable structure that witnessed centuries of history. Its walls echo tales of battles, sieges, and resilience.

Modern Niš

From the Serbian Revolution (1804–1817) to the present day, Niš thrives as a dynamic hub. Stroll along the Nišava River, where cafes and parks invite relaxation. Visit the haunting Skull Tower, a chilling reminder of the turbulent past. Constructed by the Ottomans using the skulls of Serbian rebels, it stands as a solemn memorial.

Whether you’re savoring local cuisine, exploring ancient ruins, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Niš invites you to immerse yourself in its layered history.

This imposing Ottoman fort, completed in 1723, stands on the Nišava River. It encloses an ancient citadel with intriguing details like the Turkish hammam from 1498 and the Bali-Behy Mosque dating to 1521. Explore its vast parkland and discover remnants of Niš’s past.

Address: Đuke Dinić, Niš
Open: 24 hours per day
Telephone: +381 63 1735871

A chilling reminder of the First Serbian Uprising, this tower is made of rows of human skulls in quicklime. It was constructed in 1809 using 952 Serbian skulls to deter further uprisings. Today, a 4.5-meter remnant containing 54 skulls is housed in a chapel.

Address: Bulevar Dr Zorana Đinđića
Telephone: +381 18 222228

Niš, once known as Naissus, was taken by the Romans in 75 BC. Visit the Mediana site, where Emperor Constantine the Great was born in 272 AD. Explore the ruins of this ancient camp on the Via Militaris, a road connecting Belgrade to Constantinople.

Address: Bulevar Svetog cara Konstantina Rd, Niš
Telephone: +381 18 550433

Dive into history at this museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the city’s past. Learn about the city’s cultural heritage and significant events. The National Museum Niš was founded on April 1st, 1933 as a historical–ethnographic museum. Since then, the museum has been continuously working on collecting, conserving, preserving, and exhibiting cultural and historical value from the territory of Niš and its surroundings.

On September, 2nd 1944. during the Allied bombing, the building of the museum as well as its holdings were destroyed. After the war, the National Committee of Niš municipality renewed the museum and named it The National Museum (1947).

Nowadays the National Museum Niš keeps more than 40,000 objects in six different collections: history, coins-medals and epigraphs, literary heritage, archaeology, ethnology, and history of art.

Bubanj Memorial Park is a World War II memorial complex located in Palilula, Niš. It was built to commemorate the tragic events that unfolded during the war. Here are some key details:

Location

Situated on a hill southwest of Bubanj in Niš, the memorial complex is approximately 2 km away from another significant site, the Crveni Krst concentration camp.

Memorial Trail

The complex features a half-mile-long memorial trail. The centerpiece is a massive marble relief (23 by 2.5 meters) depicting five compositions symbolizing the “killing machine”: execution and firing squads, civil revolts, surrender of German invaders, and the final victory over oppressors.

Concrete Obelisks

Three concrete obelisks with clenched fists dominate the park. Each fist represents men’s, women’s, and children’s hands, symbolizing the families killed at Bubanj.

Historical Context

During World War II, German execution squads used Bubanj forest as execution sites for Serbs, Roma, and Jews. Mass exterminations occurred from 1942 to 1944, resulting in the deaths of around 10,000 inmates and detainees.

Monuments

In 1963, the monument “Three Fists” was unveiled, replacing an earlier memorial pyramid. The site was declared a Historic Landmark of Exceptional Importance in 1979.

Recent Additions

In 2004, a glass and metal chapel was added to the complex, designed by architect Alexander Buđevac.

The Bubanj Memorial Park stands as a powerful reminder of the suffering, resistance, and desire for freedom during those dark times.

Admire the beauty of this cathedral, located in the heart of the city. The cathedral is designed by architect Andrey Damyanov. It’s one of several churches worth visiting in this city, including the Church of St. Archangel Michael and the Church of St. Panteleimon.

Address: Niš, Servië
Telephone: +381 18 521510

Outside town, explore the mineral-rich hot springs of Niška Banja. Relax and rejuvenate in this natural oasis.