Niš is Serbia's third city (260,000 inhabitants), in the southeast. One of the oldest cities in the Balkans — founded as Naissus in the 3rd c. BC. Main historical significance: birthplace of Constantine the Great (272 AD) — the first Christian Roman Emperor, founder of Constantinople.
🏛️ Niš Fortress
Medieval Ottoman fortress (18th c.) on the site of Roman Naissus. In the city centre, protected by the Nišava river. Inside: archaeological park (Roman ruins), Bali Beg Mosque (1521), hammam. Free entry, open 24/7.
💀 Skull Tower (Ćele Kula)
One of Europe's darkest tourist attractions. After the Serbian defeat at the Battle of Čegar (1809), the Turks ordered that warning towers be built from the skulls of 952 fallen Serbian warriors. The tower is 4.5 m high, initially with 952 skulls (today 58 remain). Entry: 100 dinars.
🏛️ Mediana — Constantine summer palace
4 km southeast of Niš. Archaeological site — summer palace of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (4th c.). Preserved mosaics (Hermes, Dionysus, gladiator fights), palace foundations, basilicas. Museum: 250 dinars.
🏛️ Other monuments
- Red Cross Camp — Nazi concentration camp (1941–1944) where 12,000 people were killed. Museum.
- St Panteleimon Monastery (Čegar) — on the site of the 1809 battle.
- St John Monastery (12th c.).
🌶️ Ćevap and grilled meat
Niš is the capital of Serbian grilling. Classics: ćevapi (small elongated patties of minced beef+pork), pljeskavica (large round), stuffed pljeskavica (with kashkaval, kulen, chilli), čevapi (full of meat flavour). Kafanas: Stara Srbija, Čegar, Kasina.
🎉 Nišville Jazz Festival
One of the largest jazz festivals in the Balkans — end of August, at Niš Fortress. 30+ concerts in 4 days, free entry. Performers: Wynton Marsalis, Manhattan Transfer, Joss Stone.
🚆 Transport
From Belgrade — 240 km, motorway 2.5 hours, bus 3.5 hours. Airport: Constantine the Great Niš (INI) with European flights (Wizz, Air Serbia).