Niš is one of the oldest cities in Europe, located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula. This city, rich in history and culture, has seen a significant rise in tourist visits. In recent years, it has become a newly discovered spot for digital nomads. In this article, we will present the history, cultural landmarks, and the unique spirit of merak (merriment) that makes Niš special.
Geographical Position and Historical Significance
Niš is situated in the southeastern part of Serbia, at the crossroads of important routes connecting the Balkans with Europe and Asia. The geographical position of Niš has always had strategic significance, which is why the city has been influenced by various civilizations throughout history.
The name of the city of Niš can be found in numerous historical sources from the medieval period to modern times. All these names are very similar, depending on the language in which they were recorded: Naissus, Nais, Nisus, Νισσα, Ναισσός, Νισος, نیش (Niş), Niš. The first settlement on the territory of present-day Niš was founded by the Celts in the 3rd century BC, and the city itself was named after the Nišava River (Naissa), which the Celtic inhabitants called the “Fairy River” (Navissos). The city and the river have never changed their names since their naming, and their meaning has remained the same: Niš—Fairy City, Nišava—Fairy River.
Niš Through the Ages
Ancient Period
The Romans conquered the city during the Dardanian Wars in the 1st century BC. The city developed as a strategic crossroads, military, and trade center in the province of Upper Moesia. During the Roman Empire, the city was named Naissus, a Romanized name of the Greek Naissos. By the 2nd century AD, Naissus was well-known enough that Claudius Ptolemy mentioned it in his “Geography” as one of the four largest cities of Dardania.
In September 268 AD, the Roman army led by Emperor Gallienus, and two future emperors, the main commander Marcus Aurelius Claudius and the cavalry commander Aurelian, clashed with the Goths near Naissus in the bloodiest battle of the 3rd century, known as the Battle of Naissus. Between 30,000 and 50,000 Goths were killed, and this victory is considered to have secured the existence of the Western Empire for the next two centuries.
Middle Ages
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Niš became part of Byzantium. The first migrations of Slavs and Avars took place in the second half of the 6th century. During the 6th and 7th centuries, Slavic tribes tried to capture Naissus eight times. In the last attack in 615, the attackers captured the city, and most of the Roman population fled or disappeared. Traces of the Roman population of Naissus remained in the local Vlach population.
In the 9th century, Bulgarian Tsar Simeon became the lord of Niš, but Byzantium regained the city during the reign of Basil II. In the mid-12th century, Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos used it as a base for his wars with the Hungarians and further fortified it. He met twice with the Grand Prince of Rascia, Stefan Nemanja, in Niš.
Ottoman Empire
The Ottomans, under Murad, conquered and plundered Niš in 1386 after a 25-day siege. Niš became one of the seats of Turkish military and civil authority and was part of the Smederevo Sanjak for the longest period. During the Great Turkish War, on September 24, 1689, a battle took place near Niš in which the Turkish army was heavily defeated, after which the Austrians, led by Prince Eugene of Savoy, entered Niš for the first time.
The Niš Fortress, built between 1719 and 1723, remains one of the most beautiful and best-preserved structures of its kind in the Balkans. It was erected on the site of older fortresses from the Roman, Byzantine, and medieval periods. It has a polygonal base, eight terraces, and four massive gates. It covers an area of 22 hectares and is surrounded by walls 2,100 meters long, 8 meters high, and 3 meters thick on average. The fortress was surrounded by wide ditches, with the northern ditch still preserved today. Besides the massive walls, the southern Istanbul Gate and the northern Belgrade Gate are well-preserved.
Modern Era
After liberation from the Ottomans, Niš became part of the Principality of Serbia. The city quickly advanced, building new infrastructure projects such as the railway to Belgrade and a hydroelectric power plant on the Nišava River. During the First World War in 1914, the Government and the National Assembly moved to Niš, and the city was the wartime capital of the Kingdom of Serbia from July 26, 1914, to October 16, 1915. Serbian Prime Minister Nikola Pašić received the telegram of Austria-Hungary’s declaration of war on Serbia in Niš on July 28, 1914. On December 7, 1914, the National Assembly adopted the Niš Declaration on the unification of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes during its session in Niš. From 1929 to 1941, Niš was the seat of the Morava Banovina.
After Yugoslavia’s accession to the Tripartite Pact on March 25, 1941, mass demonstrations broke out in Belgrade, Niš, and Užice on March 27. The occupation of Niš lasted from 1941 to 1944, and from 1942 the city housed the German regional military administration 809 (Feldkommandantur 809). At the beginning of the occupation, the first Nazi concentration camp in Yugoslavia was opened in Niš, from which about 12,000 inmates were taken and executed at the Bubanj execution site during the occupation. The camp building was erected in 1930 for the needs of a military barracks at Crveni Krst. With the fascist conquest of Niš in April 1941, it lost its original purpose, was fenced with barbed wire, and used as a collection camp for captured soldiers of the Yugoslav (royal) army until July.
From July to September, it became a concentration camp and a torture site for Jews, hostages, and supporters of the National Liberation Movement. On February 12, 1942, inmates organized a mass escape from the camp by charging at armed German guards and barbed wire fences with bare hands. This event, known as the Crveni Krst Camp Breakout, is unique in occupied Europe during World War II. Around a hundred people escaped from the camp and joined the partisans, while one hundred fifty remained on the fences. After the escape, the Gestapo took over the camp’s administration, significantly strengthening the guard composed of German unit members decimated on the fronts. Around the entire complex, about 7 hectares in size, a high wall with stone towers and watchtowers was erected, giving the camp its current appearance.
The city suffered significant destruction during both world wars but managed to recover and continue developing. After the second round of elections on November 17, 1996, daily civil and student protests against the Milošević regime began in Niš, quickly spreading throughout Serbia. During the 1999 bombing, Niš was frequently targeted by NATO aircraft. In total, Niš was targeted 40 times during the bombing, with 56 citizens of Niš killed and more than 200 injured. On May 7, NATO aviation bombed the city centre with cluster bombs during the day, hitting Šumatovačka Street, which houses the University of Niš Rectorate building, the intercity bus station, and the main market “Fortress,” and on the other side of the city, the City Hospital and the Duvanište neighbourhood. A Memorial Chapel in the park next to the Fortress was erected to commemorate the victims of the NATO bombing of Niš.
Cultural Landmarks of Niš
Niš is a city rich in cultural and historical heritage. Besides the Niš Fortress, there are numerous other landmarks that attract tourists from around the world.
Skull Tower
One of the most striking monuments is the Skull Tower, built after the Battle of Čegar in 1809. The Turks used the skulls of Serbian rebels to construct this tower as a warning. Today, the Skull Tower stands as a symbol of Serbian resistance and the fight for freedom.
Archaeological Site Mediana
Mediana was an imperial estate from the time of Constantine the Great, who was born in Niš. Here you can see the remains of Roman villas, mosaics, and other structures that testify to the importance of this place in Roman times.
National Theatre
The National Theatre in Niš, founded in 1887, is one of the oldest in Serbia. This theatre is a significant cultural centre and a venue for numerous plays, concerts, and other cultural events.
Symphony Orchestra
The Niš Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1953, is one of the most important in the country. The orchestra regularly holds concerts and participates in festivals, contributing to the cultural life of the city.
Merak (Merriment) in Niš
Merak (merriment) is one of those words that describes something wonderful, yet it is impossible to translate into English. This word captures the spirit of Niš and its inhabitants. Merak (merriment) represents enjoyment in life, the little pleasures, and moments that make life beautiful.
Niš Merak (Merriment)
The people of Niš are known for their relaxed and hospitable way of life. Merak (merriment) is felt in every corner of the city, from cafes and restaurants to street performances and festivals. This unique way of life attracts many tourists who want to experience authentic Serbian culture and hospitality.
Gastronomy
Niš is known for its gastronomic offerings. Local specialties such as ćevapi, pljeskavice, and ražnjići are an indispensable part of Niš cuisine. Special place is given to Niš desserts, such as halva and baklava, reflecting the influences of various cultures that have passed through this city.
Tourist Destination
Niš is today one of the most popular tourist destinations in Serbia. The city attracts visitors with its rich history, cultural events, and relaxed way of life.
A Newly Discovered Spot for Digital Nomads
In recent years, Niš has become a newly discovered spot for digital nomads. The city offers favourable conditions for work and living, with excellent internet connection and affordable living costs. Digital nomads can enjoy all the benefits of city life while being close to nature and historical sites.
Growth in Tourist Visits
Niš has seen a significant rise in tourist visits. The city attracts visitors from around the world who want to explore its history, culture, and enjoy merak (merriment). The tourist offer includes guided tours of historical sites, culinary tours, and numerous festivals held throughout the year.
Niš and Our Serbian Language School for Foreigners
The Serbian language school for foreigners in Niš is located in the heart of this historical city. As an institution dedicated to teaching the Serbian language, our school offers a unique opportunity for students to get to know Serbian culture and history on-site. Our courses are designed to, in addition to language learning, allow the exploration of the rich cultural heritage of Niš and Serbia.
Language Excursions
We organize language excursions to the most important historical and cultural locations in Niš, such as the Niš Fortress, Skull Tower, and the archaeological site Mediana. These excursions enable students to learn the Serbian language through direct contact with the history and culture of the city.
Cultural Workshops
Our school organizes cultural workshops where students can learn about Serbian cuisine, traditions, and customs. Cooking workshops, for example, provide the opportunity to prepare traditional dishes such as ćevapi and baklava, allowing for a deeper understanding of Serbian culture and way of life.
Merak (Merriment) in the Classroom
In our school, we strive to provide students with real merak (merriment) in learning. The classes are designed to be interactive and fun, with an emphasis on practical application of the language. With a relaxed atmosphere and support from our experienced teachers, students quickly progress in learning the Serbian language.
Visit Us!
Niš is a city that, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as its unique spirit of merak (merriment), offers something special for every visitor. Whether you are a history or culture enthusiast or simply want to enjoy a relaxed way of life, Niš has something for everyone. Visit Niš and our Serbian language school for foreigners, and discover all the magic of this wonderful city through learning the language and culture on-site.
