Petrovaradin fortress

The fortress, which is a symbol of the city, was built in the 13th century and represents a rare architectural heritage in Vojvodina.

Petrovaradin Fortress has been towering above the southern bank of the Danube in Novi Sad for centuries. The strategically important fortress had already existed before the city was built, being the site of several battles and peace treaties. Between 1692 and 1780, the fortress got its current star-shaped five-storey form, lying on 112 hectares. One of its most renowned buildings is the clock tower, with the hand being inverted: the minute hand is showing the hours, and vice versa. There are two explanations for this: according to the first one, this way the navigators on the Danube could read the time more easily; while the second explanation says that since the castle guard was changed hourly, the minutes were less important. Millions of people admire the captivating spectacle of the sunset behind Novi Sad from the castle terrace every year. The City Museum of Novi Sad is located in the fortress, as well as a hotel, some private galleries and restaurants, under which there is a tunnel system running at several levels. Certain parts of these catacombs may be visited with a guide. The fortress is open not only for the past, but also for the future, as it has been hosting the Exit International Music Festival every summer since 2000, and the Street Music Festival is also taking place here in the streets of lower town.