SN
Niš
Constantine the Great’s birthplace, with an Ottoman fortress and the haunting Skull Tower
Constantine the Great’s birthplace, with an Ottoman fortress and the haunting Skull Tower
The Ottoman walls and Stambol Gate date from the 18th century. Inside is a free park with Roman remains, cafés and a summer stage.
Photo: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 3.0
After the Battle of Čegar in 1809, Ottoman forces built a tower from the skulls of Serbian rebels. About 58 of the original 952 skulls remain, now inside a chapel.
A combined ticket covers several city museums.
Photo: Nikolina Šepić, CC BY-SA 4.0
On the city’s eastern edge, this was a luxurious imperial villa from the 4th century, with mosaic floors. Access has been limited at times, so check before going.
Photo: Ванилица, CC BY-SA 4.0
This 16th-century mosque inside the fortress is now used as a gallery. Nearby, the Red Cross concentration camp museum tells the story of prisoners held here during the Second World War.
Photo: MrPanyGoff, CC BY-SA 3.0
Try burek for breakfast, grilled meats such as pljeskavica and ćevapi, and ajvar (pepper relish).
Kopitareva Street is known for its traditional restaurants.
Buses from Belgrade take about 3–3.5 hours. Niš Constantine the Great Airport has flights to several European cities, many seasonal.
The centre and fortress are within walking distance.
Serbia uses the dinar (RSD). Cards are widely accepted in cities; carry cash for villages and markets.
History and food.
Explore the fortress, cross the river and eat on Kopitareva Street.
Visit the Skull Tower, the Red Cross camp museum and Mediana.
A combined ticket covers several museums.
Southern Serbia is known for grilled meat.
The airport is handy for low-cost flights.
Anti-government protests have been frequent in Serbian cities since late 2024. Avoid demonstrations and check current travel advice.
Quick answers for planning time in Niš.
A tower built from the skulls of Serbian rebels after a battle in 1809.
The Roman emperor Constantine the Great.
By bus in about 3–3.5 hours.
Yes, the fortress park is free to enter.
April to June and September to October.
Planning a wider trip? Our Serbia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.