Niš, one of the oldest cities in Europe and Serbia’s third-largest city, offers a unique blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and vibrant contemporary life. Here are some reasons why Niš is worth visiting:
Niš Fortress: This well-preserved Ottoman fortress, located in the city center, dates back to the early 18th century. It features a picturesque park, cafes, and historical buildings within its walls.
Skull Tower (Ćele Kula): A macabre yet fascinating historical monument built by the Ottomans using the skulls of Serbian rebels. It serves as a powerful reminder of Serbia’s struggle for independence.
Mediana: An archaeological site that was once a luxurious residence of Roman emperors, featuring well-preserved mosaics, remains of Roman villas, and thermal baths.
Niška Banja: A renowned spa town near Niš known for its thermal springs and health resorts, offering relaxation and therapeutic treatments.
Bubanj Memorial Park: A World War II memorial site with three large concrete fists symbolizing resistance and the fight for freedom, dedicated to the victims of Nazi executions.
Niš National Museum: This museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from different periods, including prehistoric, Roman, and medieval times, providing insights into the region’s rich history.
Red Cross Concentration Camp: A chilling historical site used by the Nazis during World War II, now a museum dedicated to the memory of the victims and the resistance fighters.
Tinkers Alley (Kazandžijsko Sokače): A charming cobblestone street lined with traditional Serbian restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering a taste of local cuisine and culture.
Čair Park: A large urban park perfect for leisurely walks, sports activities, and family outings, featuring beautiful green spaces and recreational facilities.
Nišville Jazz Festival: An internationally acclaimed jazz festival held annually in Niš, attracting top jazz musicians and enthusiasts from around the world.
Local Cuisine: Niš is known for its hearty Serbian cuisine, with numerous traditional restaurants and kafanas offering dishes like cevapi, pljeskavica, and various grilled meats.
Jelašnica Gorge: A scenic natural area near Niš, ideal for hiking, climbing, and exploring the stunning landscapes and rock formations.
Bojanine Vode: A popular excursion spot on the slopes of Suva Planina, offering hiking trails, fresh air, and beautiful mountain scenery.
Niš’s blend of historical landmarks, cultural sites, natural beauty, and lively festivals make it a compelling destination for travelers seeking an enriching and diverse experience.
Here are 10 fun facts about the city of Niš, Serbia:
Historical Significance: Niš is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history dating back to ancient times. It was originally founded as Naissus by the Celts and later became an important Roman city.
Birthplace of Constantine the Great: The Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, who was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity and founded Constantinople, was born in Niš in 272 AD.
Niš Fortress: This well-preserved fortress is one of the most prominent landmarks in Niš. It dates back to the Ottoman period and sits on the site of earlier Roman and Byzantine fortresses.
Čegar Hill: This site commemorates the Battle of Čegar Hill during the First Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Empire. It’s a symbol of Serbian resistance and bravery.
Skull Tower (Ćele Kula):This unique monument was built by the Ottomans using the skulls of Serbian rebels killed in the Battle of Čegar Hill in 1809. It’s a grim reminder of the struggle for Serbian independence.
Nišava River: The Nišava River runs through the city, adding to its scenic beauty. It’s a tributary of the South Morava River.
University of Niš: Established in 1965, it is one of the major educational institutions in Serbia, attracting students from all over the country and beyond.
Nišville Jazz Festival: This internationally renowned jazz festival is held annually in Niš Fortress. It attracts jazz enthusiasts from around the world and is one of the largest festivals of its kind in Southeast Europe.
Bubanj Memorial Park: This park is dedicated to the victims of World War II. It features three large fists made of concrete, symbolizing defiance and resistance against fascism.
Cuisine: Niš is known for its rich culinary traditions, particularly its grilled meats (ćevapi and pljeskavica), local cheeses, and rakija (a traditional Serbian fruit brandy).
These facts highlight the rich historical, cultural, and culinary heritage of Niš, making it a fascinating destination to explore.
Some hotels we can recommend and arrange for you:
Ambasador Hotel
Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Ambasador Hotel.
Located in Niš, a 2-minute walk from King Milan Square, Ambasador Hotel provides accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness center and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are a shared lounge and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property has a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.
At the hotel, the rooms are equipped with a desk. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with bathrobes, all guest rooms at Ambasador Hotel have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms here will provide you with a seating area. At the accommodation every room includes bed linen and towels.
Guests at Ambasador Hotel can enjoy a continental breakfast.
At the hotel guests are welcome to use a spa center and a sauna. You can play pool at Ambasador Hotel.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Niš Fortress, Monument to the Liberators of Nis and National Theatre in Niš. The nearest airport is Constantine the Great, 3.7 miles from Ambasador Hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
This is our guests’ favorite part of Niš, according to independent reviews.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.8 for a two-person trip.