Nis Fortress - Guardian of the city
Nis Fortress is the most recognizable symbol of the city of Nis. The preserved imposing walls once protected the city from attacks, and today they are home to numerous cultural events and manifestations. Apart from its historical importance, the fortress also offers a beautiful view of the city, a perfect place for walking and relaxing in the very center of Nis.
Ćele kula - Monument to the tragic past
Ćele-kula, also known as the “The Skull Tower”, is one of the most impressive and most visited monuments in Nis, attracting over 30,000 visitors every year. This terrifying, but historically significant building was built from the skulls of Serbian warriors killed in the Battle of Cegar in 1809. The Ottoman commander Hurshid Pasha ordered its construction as a frightening warning to the local population, after the failed rebellion against the sultan. Today it stands as a dark reminder of the suffering that Serbian people went through, but also as a symbol of their strength, courage and perseverance.
Tinkers alley - The spirit of old Nis
Tinkers alley is the last preserved street of the old Nis bazaar and one of the most authentic places in the city. Once home to numerous artisans, today it has been transformed into a picturesque street with numerous restaurants and cafes, retaining the spirit of old architecture and tradition. The perfect place to enjoy local food and the atmosphere of former Nis.
Photo: Tourist Organization of Nis
Mediana - the archaeological jewel of Nis
One of the most important archaeological sites in Serbia – Mediana – is located only a ten-minute drive from Hotel Helm. This former luxurious suburb of ancient Naissus, today’s Nis, was built at the end of the 3rd and the beginning of the 4th century, during the reign of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great and his successors. In addition to the remains of the luxurious villa with the peristyle, special attention is drawn to the floor mosaics, which cover more than 1,000 square meters, giving visitors an insight into the wealth and elegance of this former imperial residence.
Photo: Tourist Organization of Nis
Film festival
The festival of acting achievements of the domestic feature film “Filmski susreti” is one of the most prestigious manifestations dedicated to the film art in Serbia. It takes place every year on the unique summer stage in the Fortress of Nis, where since 1966 it has gathered film artists and lovers of the seventh art. This film festival is more than a festival – it is an opportunity to celebrate acting talent through film, exchange artistic ideas and enjoy creativity that combines emotion, story and top acting on the big screen.
Nišville jazz festival
The Nisville Jazz Festival is one of the most famous and the most visited jazz festivals in the region, which every summer turns the Fortress of Nis into the epicenter of top music and good energy. For more than two decades, this prestigious event gathers musicians from all over the world and jazz lovers who come to enjoy the unique blend of traditional jazz and ethnic sound of the Balkans. From the very beginning, Nisville has been recognized as a festival that erases the boundaries between musical genres and cultures, which was also recognized by the prominent American magazine “Downbeat”, evaluating it as the only event that combines the music of the American continent with Balkan melodies. Nisville is a place where you can feel the rhythm of the city, unite the incompatible and create an unforgettable atmosphere under the starry sky of the Fortress of Nis.
