SMEDEREVO, CITY OF HOSPITALITY AND REMARKABLE HERITAGE

To come to Smederevo and not sit beneath the three-century-old mulberry tree under which, on Mitrovdan /St. Demetrius Day/, November 8, 1805, Karađorđe, the leader of the First Serbian Uprising, received the keys to the Smederevo Fortress, would be as if you had never visited the city at all.

By Sanja SRDIĆ

BELGRADE, MARCH 11 /SRNA/ - That a city is, above all, made by its people becomes clear to anyone who visits Smederevo, whose residents are ready to welcome every newcomer, guide them through streets that bear witness to centuries of continuity, and reveal some of the secrets hidden within the walls of the largest lowland fortress in Europe.

Dragiša Janković, who welcomes and sees off visitors to the Smederevo Fortress 365 days a year, told SRNA that its turbulent history can be learned from history textbooks and tourist brochures, but that it is far more important to come, climb its walls, and feel the energy of the place.

MOST VISITORS COME FROM HUNGARY, RUSSIA, AND CHINA

He pointed out that around 100,000 guests visit the Smederevo Fortress each year, with Hungarians, Russians, and especially Chinese leading the way, many of whom are astonished by what they see and experience.

"We also have guests from Republika Srpska. Our tourist organization recently took part in the Tourism Fair in Banja Luka, so we believe there will be even more of them," Dragiša Janković said.

He notes that the Smederevo Fortress is an untold story and that climbing its ramparts is a unique and truly demanding undertaking.

"The famous film `Battle of Kosovo` was filmed here, and the film's Empress Milica, actress Gorica Popović, at one moment, when she had to repeat a scene and once again climb the stairs up to the walls, cursed both the fortress and Đurađ Branković, who built it, because of the effort required," Janković recalled as one of the anecdotes.

FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD DANKO FINDS HIS GRANDFATHER'S SIGNATURE

Fourteen-year-old Danko Grujić from Kladovo came to the Smederevo Fortress with his parents and little sister on a "family task".

Since he is the only one who is not afraid of heights, Danko climbed to the top of the fortress and, while descending, at a precisely indicated spot and following instructions, found a discreet signature on the inside of a wooden beam that his grandfather had left there long ago.

"I'm really happy. Mom wanted to look for it, but she got scared, so I found it instead. It's a special feeling," Danko said.

He revealed that history, along with the Serbian language, is his favorite subject and emphasized that he is proud of Serbia and the Serbian people.

On one of the towers of Smederevo Fortress facing the Danube River, the four-member family of Alexander Voronev from Saint Petersburg took photographs for remembrance. The family has been living in Serbia for a year.

"We live and work in Novi Sad, and when we are free on weekends, we explore Serbia and its history. It's beautiful here. We have also been to Republika Srpska, more precisely to Višegrad," Voronev said.

CHURCH OF SAINT GEORGE WAS PAINTED BY ANDREI BICENKO

A special atmosphere can also be felt at the foot of the stone ramparts, which Đurađ Branković built between 1428 and 1439 as the new capital of the Serbian Despotate. On the perfectly arranged pedestrian and fitness trails and sports grounds, hundreds of residents of Smederevo and tourists gather on weekends and in their free time.

The Smederevo Museum and a monument to the victims of the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia are located just a few hundred meters from the Smederevo Fortress, and further along stands the impressive Church of Saint George, which, especially during the days of Great Lent, gathers a large number of believers.

Marijana Pavlović from the "Srbi za Srbe" /humanitarian organization/ branch in Smederevo says that for many residents of Smederevo, this church, painted by the Russian artist Andrei Bicenko, is a special place, and that she is particularly pleased by the empathy and solidarity shown by her fellow citizens.

"We baked doughnuts and brought them in front of the church. People are reacting wonderfully. Everyone just needs to give a little of themselves so that things can be better for all of us. We should give each other a push forward," Pavlović said.

She returned to her hometown after completing her studies in Belgrade.

"When I started university, we were all thinking that we would graduate and leave, not only Smederevo, but Serbia as well. But now things have changed, which makes me happy," she said.

OLD MULBERRY TREE - MORE THAN JUST HISTORY

To come to Smederevo and not sit beneath the three-century-old mulberry tree under which, on Mitrovdan, 8 November 1805, Karađorđe, the leader of the First Serbian Uprising, received the keys to the Smederevo Fortress from the Ottoman commander of the town, fortress commander Muharem Gusha, would be as if you had never visited the city at all.

"This place is more than history, it is a vow!" said taxi driver Zoran Antić.

He recommends visiting one of the many wine cellars and vineyards where the widely renowned Smederevka wine is served, a variety valued since the time of the Roman emperors.

"One should definitely return to Smederevo, if not sooner, then in the autumn for the famous Smederevo Grape and Wine Festival," Zoran Antić said.