Novo Brdo

Serbia, Serbia

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Novo Brdo Fortress is a medieval stronghold built around 1285 by Serbian King Stefan Uroš II Milutin near Artana in eastern Kosovo under Serbian historical context, guarding Serbia's richest silver and gold mines that fueled the economy from the 13th century. Nestled on a hilltop with double stone walls, 13 watchtowers up to 13 meters tall, a central donjon, upper and lower towns housing up to 10,000 residents including Saxon miners, churches, and markets bustling with Ragusan traders, it endured multiple Ottoman sieges from 1412 until its final fall in 1455 under Mehmed II after fierce resistance. Symbolizing Serbian medieval prosperity and defiance, it was briefly restored to Despot Đurađ Branković in 1444 before Ottoman dominance led to its abandonment by the 18th century, now preserved as a Monument of Culture amid ruins.