Ram Fortress on Danube’s right bank preserving history from oblivion – Refuge for warriors from Huns to Ottomans

On the right bank of the Danube, on a steep stone cliff, is the Ram Fortress, one of the most significant cultural and historical assets in the municipality of Veliko Gradiste.

There are indications that a prehistoric settlement existed in this area, dating back to the time of the Celts. According to historical data, the Hun leader Attila, known by the nickname “The Scourge of God,” also resided in the area of Ram.

A secure fortification and cultural treasure

Today’s Ram Fortress was built in the shape of an irregular polygon, with four corners and a central Donjon tower. The walls connecting the towers were more than 30 meters long, while the towers were covered with pointed domes.

The fortress was surrounded by a deep ditch, and the entrance was possible via a drawbridge.

It was built to defend against cold weapons and firearms. The towers still have openings for cannons, which is why Ram can be considered a true artillery fortress.

Turkish travel writers Evliya Celebi and Hajji Khalifa also wrote about Ram, and historical sources state that Bayezid II himself stayed there on several occasions.

A caravanserai for overnight stays

The Ram fortress did not only have a military role. Nearby is a 15th-century caravanserai, which served as a place for merchants and travelers to rest and spend the night.

Its existence, as well as the nearby hammam, show that Ram was important even in peaceful times. The fortress protected merchants who passed through this area, while they could rest and spend the night in the caravanserai.

An Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Archangel Michael was also built within the caravanserai.

Ram in the conflicts of 1788

In 1788, the Austro-Turkish War began, which lasted until 1791. The conflicts also affected the area of Ram, and according to available historical data, the fortress was destroyed that same year.

The Austrian count and imperial lieutenant Baron Lo Presti, known as the “Hero of Ram,” also died in these war events.

With only 23 companions, he opposed the attack of about 1,000 Turks. He successfully resisted them for the entire day, but was eventually defeated. When help arrived in the evening, it was too late. Lo Presti and his men were found almost disfigured.

Lo Presti was buried next to the fortress, and in 1878 his remains were transferred and buried on the other bank of the Danube, in Stara Palanka.

The legend of the harem on the Danube

The Ram Fortress is also associated with the famous legend of Ada Cibuklija. According to legend, there was a harem on the island to which the most beautiful girls from the region were brought.

Legend has it that the famous hajduk Milenko Stojković, a native of nearby Klicevac, invaded the island one night and freed the girls.

According to legend, they then joined his hajduk squad.

Ram Fortress Veliko Gradište

Attila

Bajezid the Second

Evliya Celebi

Hajji Khalifa