The pedestrian main entrance to the Petrovaradin fortress.
The Petrovaradin fortress from the bridge.
When I was researching for this trip, I came upon the only hotel located inside the fortress. I knew right away that this is where I will stay. I thought that it’s like hitting 2 birds with 1 stone. Actually 3 birds in fact! 1) I get to stay inside a historical hotel that was once a military barracks. 2) I get private access to the historical fortress, the main attraction and symbol of Novi Sad. 3) There are a good number of restaurants on the ramparts with a view to the river and the city that I will definitely try.
You can read here my blog post about my stay at the hotel inside the fortress: Staying at the Fortress - Hotel Leopold I
The most dramatic experience I have had so far was when I arrived at the fortress with my rental car. I followed the directions for vehicles entering the fortress, driving on cobble stones and passing through old bastion walls and a narrow stone bridge with one-way vaulted gateways. They have installed a traffic light at the entrance of the fortress to manage the flow of vehicles. Only 1 car can access the gateway at a time.
After checking in to my hotel I did not lose time and right away searched for the best terrace restaurant on the ramparts. Here I had one of my best duck meal: Duck Composition Lunch with Novi Sad Views at Terasa
The late lunch was a big success so I badly needed to walk off the calories I gained. Thus before crossing over the Dunav River (Danube River) to the old town of Novi Sad, I did a little tour of the bulwarks facing the river and city. This part of the fortress used to be the military barracks and residence of the officers. This has now been turned into a hotel, and the lower part have become a row of art galleries.
To learn more about the history and significance in Serbia of the Petrovaradin fortress, please go here: History of Petrovaradin Fortress
I managed to take a peek at a few of the ateliers, and although I love art, especially paintings, I just cannot get myself to buy one. I always have my proud conscience telling me – When are you going to start painting your own masterpiece?
*I am still dreaming and procrastinating, haha*
Because the fortress is huge, I decided to continue my exploration the next day early morning after breakfast. The whole citadel is beautifully designed and the grass were as green as if it is already spring. Walking the parapets early in the morning was like medicine to me. I remember it being fresh morning, there was no wind which was good and I could see the dew glistening on the grass. It is not every day nor every month that I get to wake up and make a stroll along the defence walls of a once important historical fort in Europe. So I cherish the moment.
Tip: The fortress is free to enter. You do not have to go all the way around the fortress to go inside (where cars enter). There is a shortcut in the village very close to the bridge on Štrosmajerova street beside the church. You will see a flight of steps which will lead you to the fortress.
If you prefer a dramatic entrance then choose the longer route. Go around the fortress and enter it from the main entrance.
Here is a tourist map of Novi Sad and Petrovaradin:
The Petrovaradin Fortress lies across the Dunav River (Danube River) from Novi Sad.
Strolling the bulwarks here early in the morning. That little road is the entrance to the fortress so only 1 car can pass at a time.
I could smell the fresh morning dew.
This is the pedestrian main entrance of the fortification.
This is the short cut route near the Clock Tower below the restaurants.
The fortress is a popular location for wedding photo shoots. I saw 3 couples when I was there.
Visitors leaving the fort after a morning stroll.
Along the embankment side you can see a row of art galleries. The hotel is right above these and the hotel's restaurant has an outdoor terrace on the rampart but it was too cold to be sitting outside.
They have a huge mirror outside the cafe restaurant! You can access the restaurant from the ramparts of from inside the hotel upstairs.
This clock tower is unique, learn here: Special Clock Tower
View of Novi Sad from the fort.
More views across the river. The winding road gave me a nostalgic feeling.
This is one of the ateliers I visited. I could not muster taking a picture inside haha.
Taken below the fort just before the bridge.
Travel Period: March 2015
Destination: Petrovaradin, Novi Sad (Vojvodina), Serbia
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
