Despot's Gate

The Despot's Gate, often called the East Gate of the Upper Town, was the main entrance to Belgrade Fortress in the Middle Ages. The best-preserved section of the fortifications dating from the first half of the 15th century, it was rebuilt under the Serbian despot Stefan Lazarevic. The complex consists of a double rampart with two entrances; the inner gate has a defensive balcony as well as a niche for an icon of the Mother of God. Next to the gate stands the square Castellan Tower, which today houses the Rudjer Boskovic Astronomical Observatory. Here you can explore a historic site that was also the setting for the decisive battle during the Ottoman siege of 1456.