The Petrovaradin Fortress
And more sights in Novi Sad
Lately, we have been pretty focused. It is good to have periods where work and goals are central, but it was time for some fun this weekend.
On Saturday, we decided to go to one of the major sights in Novi Sad: the Petrovaradin Fortress.
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The Fortress
We have seen it looming from across the Danube, but this was our first time crossing the water, which we did over the Varadin Bridge.
We found colorful facades and cobblestone streets below the fortress in the small old town area. The clock tower rose from the hill above through one of the side streets.
Then we saw ascending stairs and promptly skipped past them. I knew a meandering cobblestone road curved to the top, so we found it for a gentler climb.
We arrived through a small tunnel and found a small town on the hill in the fortress walls. The Clock Tower stood tall as a point of reference, and from it flowed views to the Danube River, the bridge, and the city on the other side.
A string of dining and drink venues stretched from the Clock Tower down at least half of the fortress wall facing the Danube, some on an upper level and more on the lower level.
After walking a bit, we enjoyed a drink on the lower level, watching small branches and the occasional boat drift by.
As we continued around the sizable footprint of the fortress walls, we enjoyed the walk and the weather. The sprawling continuation of the grounds stretched far beyond the edge of these primary walls.
We eventually descended back to the old town and approached the Belgrade Gate. The Gate has two tunnels for vehicles and two tunnels for pedestrians. One of the pedestrian tunnels had an interesting interlocking of bars which I assume have a structural use but am not sure.
Down one side street, we found our most serene setting for the day in the grounds of the Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Paul the Apostle. From the front and entry to the garden area with a waterfall to the inside of the church, this place was very special.
We walked a while on the other side of the Gate, away from the fortress, and felt the quieter, slower pace around us. Finally landing at a small restaurant more than 20 minutes from the fortress, we shared a pizza. As we sipped our after-meal cappuccinos, we reflected on our day.
The cost of the fortress? $0.
The cost of all food and drinks for the day? $25.
Proof that a full day of getting exercise, enjoying historic settings, and taking in views can be very affordable.
Until next time, have a good one.