Skull Tower, Memorial tower in Niš, Serbia
Ćele Kula is a memorial tower in Niš, Serbia, serving as a museum and representing a monument of exceptional cultural importance. The stone construction rises on four sides that originally held niches for several hundred skulls, of which 58 remain visible today.
Ottoman forces built the tower in 1809 as a warning monument after the Battle of Čegar, in which Serbian rebels lost their lives. Serbian authorities constructed a chapel around the structure in 1892 to protect the remains from weathering and provide a dignified memorial for the fallen.
The tower takes its name from the skulls of Serbian rebels embedded in its outer walls after a battle against Ottoman forces. Visitors experience a place of national memory that serves as a symbol of resistance against foreign rule and continues to draw people from across the country.
The structure sits on the outskirts of Niš and can be reached by a short drive or a longer walk from the city center. The chapel surrounding the tower provides shelter from weather and allows visitors to observe the preserved remains in a calm setting.
The skull of commander Stevan Sinđelić is displayed in a glass container, while most other skulls disappeared over time due to weathering and looting. Only a small fraction of the remains originally embedded in the walls can be seen today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Mediana
2 km
בית החולים הצבאי בניש
203 m
National Theatre in Niš
2.1 km
Bâtiment de la Maison des enseignants à Niš
2.1 km
Maison familiale de Branko Miljković à Niš
969 m
Bâtiment de l'Institut Pasteur à Niš
926 m
Bâtiment du lycée Stevan Sremac à Niš
2 kmСпомен гробница на Синђелићевом тргу
2.1 kmКућа у Ул. Димитрија Димитријевића 52 (Епископска 52) у Нишу
2.1 kmКорњача
1.5 kmWork of art, bust
2.1 kmПаун
1.5 kmПуж
1.5 kmКрокодил
1.5 kmFreya
1.4 kmСпоменик Стевану Ст. Мокрањцу
1.5 kmДрагиша Станковић-челик
1.6 kmGraffiti, Work of art
1.7 kmKucica
1.5 kmWork of art, sculpture
1.5 kmWork of art, sculpture
1.5 kmSculpture, Work of art
1.5 kmSculpture, Work of art
1.5 kmWork of art, sculpture
1.5 kmBust, Work of art
1.1 kmBust, Work of art
2.1 kmBust, Work of art
3 mScenic viewpoint
1.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes