Attraction Guide: Skull Tower (Ćele Kula), Niš, Serbia

Skull Tower (Ćele Kula) Guide

Ćele Kula: A Haunting Reminder of Serbian Courage Guide

Prepare yourself for a powerful and sobering experience at the Skull Tower (Ćele Kula) in Niš. This unique and unsettling monument stands as a stark reminder of the Serbian struggle for independence from Ottoman rule in the early 19th century. Embedded within its walls are the skulls of Serbian rebels who perished in the Battle of Čegar in 1809. Visiting the Skull Tower is a deeply moving experience that offers a profound insight into Serbian history and the sacrifices made in the name of freedom. The Skull Tower was built by the Ottoman governor of Niš, Hurshid Pasha, following the Battle of Čegar. After the Serbian rebels were defeated, Hurshid Pasha ordered the skulls of the fallen soldiers to be collected, skinned, and embedded into a tower as a warning to any future insurgents. Originally, the tower contained 952 skulls, but over time, many have been lost, removed by families, or crumbled away. Today, only 58 skulls remain visible, encased within a protective structure built around the original tower. A visit to the Skull Tower is a somber but essential experience. You can walk around the tower, observing the skulls embedded in the walls and reflecting on the history and sacrifice they represent. The site also includes a small museum that provides further information about the Battle of Čegar and the construction of the tower. While in Niš, be sure to explore the city's other historical sites, such as the Niš Fortress and the Red Cross Nazi Concentration Camp. Niš also boasts a vibrant culinary scene, so indulge in local specialties like *ćevapi* (grilled minced meat) and *pljeskavica* (a type of burger).