Serbia year 2006 stamps – Petrovaradin Fortress / Danube MNH

Serbia year 2006 stamps – Petrovaradin Fortress / Danube ☀ MNH**

Petrovaradin Fortress stands as the second largest fortress in Europe, having seen numerous rulers throughout its history. After enduring 180 years under Turkish rule, the fortress underwent a transformation to its current appearance under Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I of Austria’s Habsburg dynasty, reflecting the typical 18th-century Austrian style. Leopold I initiated the fortress’s reconstruction in 1703, a project that spanned 77 years.

Legend has it that the name “Petrovaradin” consists of three words meaning “the city on a rock strong as faith,” underscoring the fortress’s formidable nature. Due to its strategic importance for the Habsburg monarchy, it earned the moniker “the Gibraltar on the Danube.” Comprising Upper and Lower cities towering above the Danube, Petrovaradin Fortress serves as a symbol of Novi Sad.

One of the most remarkable features of Petrovaradin Fortress is the Clock Tower at the Ludwig Bastion. Notable for its unconventional clock hands – a small hand for minutes and a large hand for hours – the clock was designed for easy readability, particularly for boatmen from afar.

The Lower Town houses the second barrack, lending the fortress its distinctive silhouette. Converted into the “Leopold” hotel, its interior evokes Austrian palaces, offering visitors an authentic experience of Petrovaradin Fortress.

Below the ground lies a mysterious underground labyrinth, constructed in the 18th century, extending four floors deep and stretching 16 km in total. Originally intended for soldier accommodation and weapon storage, the underground boasts 12,000 gun holes and was even equipped with minefields for defense against enemies. Today, ongoing exploration seeks to uncover the legends and secrets concealed within Petrovaradin’s underground network.

Tales of the Habsburg family treasure, a Petrovaradin fortress monster, the enigma of a Maltese cross in a dead-end corridor, and speculation about a tunnel beneath the Danube fuel explorations and writings. Notably, the American television show “Ghost Hunters International” filmed a documentary on this mysterious underground realm.

Beyond its subterranean depths, Petrovaradin Fortress offers an array of attractions, including stargazing at the Planetarium and exploring exhibits at the Museum of the City of Novi Sad. Visitors can also visit art studios in the Second Barracks’ basement, engage with artists from Europe’s largest art colony, and enjoy leisurely strolls and scenic views of the Danube from cafe gardens and restaurants. Immerse yourself in the fortress’s rich history, imagining the echoes of famous military leaders like Eugene of Savoy resonating through its ancient walls.