Niš Skull Tower: A Gruesome Monument of a Gruesome Time
Niš Skull Tower in Serbia is a gruesome reminder of a tumultuous time in history. Built in 1809, during the First Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Turks, the tower was constructed with the skulls of defeated soldiers who had fought for Serbia’s liberation. Standing at over 14-feet tall and containing 952 skulls, it is a morbid but fascinating reminder of a turbulent period.
What is the Niš Skull Tower?
The Niš Skull Tower is an ossuary located in the city of Niš in southern Serbia. It was built in 1809, during the First Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Turks, by order of the rebel leader Stevan Sinđelić. The tower was built with the skulls of Ottoman soldiers who had died in battle against the Serbian rebels, and is believed to contain around 952 skulls. The tower was originally constructed as a warning to the Ottoman Empire, but it has since become a symbol of Serbian struggle and liberation.
History of the Niš Skull Tower
The Niš Skull Tower was built in 1809, during the First Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Empire. The uprising had begun in 1804 when Serbia declared its independence, and the rebels had already achieved several victories against the Ottomans. In 1809, the Serbian rebels were defeated in the Battle of Čegar and their leader Stevan Sinđelić was killed. To commemorate the fallen soldiers, Sinđelić ordered that the skulls of the dead be collected and used to construct a tower.
The tower was completed in 1813, and is believed to have contained around 952 skulls. It stands at 14-feet tall and is made from brick and mortar. The skulls are arranged in 12 tiers, with the names of fallen Serbian soldiers inscribed on the wall. The tower has since become a symbol of Serbian struggle and liberation, and is a popular tourist attraction.
Visiting the Niš Skull Tower
The Niš Skull Tower is located in the city of Niš in southern Serbia. It is open to the public and can be visited at any time of the year. The tower is located near the Niš Fortress, and there are several monuments and memorials in the area. It is also close to the Niš City Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts related to the First Serbian Uprising.
The tower can be visited free of charge, and visitors can explore the grounds and view the skulls from the outside. There is also an onsite museum, which contains information about the tower’s history and the First Serbian Uprising.
Conclusion
The Niš Skull Tower is a gruesome reminder of a tumultuous time in history. Built in 1809, during the First Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Empire, the tower was constructed with the skulls of defeated soldiers and contains around 952 skulls. It stands at 14-feet tall and is made from brick and mortar. It has since become a symbol of Serbian struggle and liberation, and is a popular tourist attraction.