FETISLAM Fortress

The Fetislam fortress near Kladovo was built in 1524 by order of Suleiman the Magnificent as an Ottoman military base. Within the fortress complex, which covers 14 hectares, there are two fortifications, the Small Fortress from the 16th century and the Great Fortress from the 18th century. The great fortress has six bastions connected by ramparts, in which there are dark passages and lagoons, it is surrounded by a water moat over which moveable bridges pass. It was conquered and devastated on several occasions, until 1867, when the defeated Turkish army handed over the fortress to the Serbian prince Mihail Obrenović and left this region.

We successfully carried out restoration and conservation works on Fetislam Fortress in Kladovo, with a careful approach to preserve its authentic character and historical significance. Part of the fortress along the banks of the Danube is partially under water due to the construction of the dam for the Đerdap I and II hydroelectric plants.

Our team of experts faced many conservation challenges, but a commitment to detailed restoration enabled the revitalization of this cultural monument and allowed visitors to connect with the rich past of this impressive site. The works included the conservation and restoration of the walls and the entrance gate, the restoration of the lagum, and the preparation of certain parts of the space for exhibition activities.