The Danube's Fortresses

The Danube River is like no other. As the European Union's longest, it has an extensive history to match. Like other rivers, it made for a route of attack for many colonies and forces over the years, which led to the building of some of the river's most prominent and atmospheric structures - its fortresses.

Golubac Fortress

Located where the Danube narrows to form the Iron Gates - the gorge which acts as part of the boundary between Romania and Serbia - the Golubac Fortress is an atmospheric presence that sits on the river's bank. Consisting of nine towers in total that are linked by stone walls, this fortress is protected by the Republic of Serbia and was named a Monument of Culture and Exceptional Importance in 1979.

Baba Vida

Now you are more likely to see fellow travellers to Bulgaria as opposed to the Ottomans who invaded the country in the early 1300s at this historic site, as the fortress took on the role of a museum displaying evidence of its history in 1958. According to legend, the fortress is named after the eldest daughter of a Bulgarian King who had ruled Vidin. It is said that Vida had witnessed the unhappy marriages of her sisters and built the fortress in which to live out the rest of her unmarried days.

Belgrade Fortress

This fortress has been turned into a museum, as well, with its grounds also being used for open air concerts in the past. Its lagums, the fortress' underground corridors, are also famed as they are kilometres long and largely still unexplored.

Ilok Medieval Fortress

The town of Ilok in Croatia holds its fortress on the right bank of the Danube, strategically placed for battle. The uneven landscape on which the fortress was built has resulted in the irregular shape of the structure, which is long and winding.

Devin Castle

As one of the oldest castles in Slovakia, the Devin Castle was built in the 15th century. Standing at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers, it is widely recognised as a fort, despite its castle status, as it was once a key site for defending the Slovak territory. Having seen better days, the castle is regarded as a ruin following its years of battle history, which included its blowing up in 1809 during the Napoleonic wars.

These iconic fortresses which are nestled along the banks of the Danube River provide both an atmospheric picture whilst travelling along the river, as well as a reminder of the historical importance the waterway holds for the 10 countries it passes through.