Gardos Tower
Beograd
Gardoš Tower, also known as the Millennium Tower or Tower of John Hunyadi, stands on the Gardoš hill in Zemun, Belgrade. Constructed in 1896 to commemorate a millennium of Hungarian settlement in the Pannonian plain, it is the southernmost of seven millennium towers built across the former Austro-Hungarian kingdom. The 36-meter tall tower was erected on the ruins of the medieval Taurunum fortress, blending various architectural styles with a dominant Roman influence. Historically, it served as a lookout point and was used by local firemen. Despite damage during World War I, the tower was restored in the interwar period and again in the 1960s and 2000s. Today, it houses an art gallery and a permanent exhibition dedicated to Milutin Milanković, alongside a scenic viewpoint offering 360-degree views of the Danube, Zemun, and Belgrade. The tower is protected as a cultural monument and forms part of the Old Core of Zemun, reflecting its significant historical and cultural value.
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Tip: Visit Gardoš Tower during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and clear views from the lookout. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Visitors can enjoy the art gallery and exhibitions inside the tower. The site offers discounts for students and seniors. The tower is accessible via public transport and has well-maintained pathways for visitors.
Interesting facts
- •Gardoš Tower is the southernmost of seven millennium towers built by Hungarian authorities across the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- •Roman graves from the 2nd or 3rd century AD were discovered near the tower's base during archaeological surveys.
- •The tower was colloquially named after John Hunyadi, a 15th-century Hungarian military leader who died in the old fortress on the site.
- •Local urban legend claims underground corridors from the tower extend beneath the Danube River to Belgrade Fortress, though this has been disproven.
- •The tower was severely damaged by Austrian bombing in 1914 during World War I and has undergone several restorations since.
History
Gardoš Tower was built in 1896 as part of the Austro-Hungarian Millennium project celebrating 1000 years of Hungarian presence in the region.
It was constructed on the remnants of the medieval Taurunum fortress, which dates back to the 9th century.
The tower suffered damage during World War I but was restored in the interwar period and later renovated in the 1960s and early 21st century.
Archaeological excavations near the tower uncovered Roman graves dating back to the 2nd or 3rd century AD, highlighting the area's long historical significance.
Place Guide
Lookout Terrace1896
The top of Gardoš Tower offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the Danube River, Zemun district, and the city of Belgrade, making it a prime spot for photography and sightseeing.
Čubrilo Gallery and Atelier
Located within the tower, this gallery features exhibitions including a permanent display dedicated to Milutin Milanković, showcasing 3D models and software about his life and work.
Original Staircase1896
One of the two staircases inside the tower, the right staircase is the original from 1896 and survived the 1914 bombing, leading visitors up to the lookout.
