Golubac

Golubac is a village situated along the Danube River in eastern Serbia, crowned by a medieval fortress perched above the water. The settlement spreads along the riverbank with stone houses and narrow lanes that climb toward the fortress complex overlooking the valley.

The settlement has its roots in the Roman outpost called Cuppae and later became a strategic fortress contested between Hungarian and Ottoman powers. Control of the site shifted definitively in 1868 when the region came under Serbian administration.

The population of Golubac includes Serbian and Vlach communities, each maintaining their traditional customs, languages, and celebrations throughout the year.

The village is accessible via the Djerdap Highway, which follows the river and offers regular bus connections from Belgrade throughout the day. The best time to visit is from spring through autumn when weather is mild and the riverbanks are easy to explore on foot.

The location marks the entrance to the Iron Gates gorge, where the Danube reaches its widest expanse before narrowing dramatically into a steep-sided canyon. This transition point has served as a landmark for river travelers and traders for centuries.