Nis, Serbia skyline: the 17 most iconic buildings and best views in Nis

A tower constructed from 952 skulls of 19th-century Serbian rebels. The tower was built to serve as a lesson to Serbs who wanted to break away from the Ottoman Empire and was later converted into a monument. Until 1878, the tower remained open and unprotected, leaving only 58 skulls remaining today due to weather conditions and the fact that the skulls were taken away by rebel relatives for burial. In 1892, with donations from across Serbia, a church was built by Belgrade architect Dimitrije T. Leko, encompassing and enclosing the tower on all sides.

A unique and moving historical site in Niš. Skull Tower is a powerful reminder of the past, well preserved inside a chapel. Entrance is 300 RSD = 2.5€, and the visit takes about 20–30 minutes. Highly recommended for history lovers

Most unique monument in the world. Built by the Ottomans in 1809 as a warning to the Balkan people to not try to do battle with them. Made of the skills of proud Serbian warriors that sacrificed themselves instead of being captured.

It's a must-visit when in Niš, Serbia; it is the heart of history that shapes the evolution of Serbia. Here are some photos with my friends during our last visit on 20 July 2025.

Tickets can be bought in the building next to it, but there was no one to check. Around 300 dinars from what I remember. Would be nice if there were more details to the story presented, but I understand why they would want to keep it as it is. All in all, weird feeling that you get there, keeps reminding us of what humans are capable of just for power.

Sad story of the Serbs and what happened when they finally had a TINY bit of success against the Ottomans. To imagine that this tower still stands where it was originally built in 1809 was amazing.

It's worth a vist and the entrance fee is not too high. It's probably about a 10 minute vist to see the 4 sides of the tower and read the 4 information boards.

Great place to spend a couple of hours and it's free. There are information plaques in Serbian and English located around the site with explanations of what you can see. Definitely worth a visit.

Νιce view near river nisava. The gate is across the bridge. It is a theatre and has coffee and food shops inside the fortress.

A wonderful and interesting archaeological place. It also contains places to buy beautiful souvenirs, in addition to quiet cafes surrounded by a forest with a beautiful view. It is really a wonderful place to enjoy.

A great place to visit in the city. There are many old things and buildings in the fortress that you should see. At the entrance there is a public toilet that is free, and in front of it a souvenir shop. There are two small trains here for the youngest who want to enjoy a walk through the park in a different way. A large part of the fortress is under deep shadows. The whole place is with lush vegetation and lots of greenery. Here you will see the remains of an old church, a mosque, a lapidarium, visit museums and many other things. In August, one of the most famous music festivals in the region, Nisville, takes place. It is worth visiting.

Good park, with some attractions around. Has a place for coffee, several souvenir shops, and an open stage with events (might be available online, but I'm not sure). There was no entry fee nor ticket required, but it could be only for this visit. It has a miniature locomotive which provides a sightseeing tour, not sure if it is guided. We parked at a public payed parking, but at the end of the work time for Saturday, but we found it a bit difficult for people who do not have a local Sim card. There is an app, but requires an account which we did not bother to make. Nearly there is a bazaar which has WONDERFUL produce at EXTREMELY affordable prices. Those aromas and tastes took me back to my childhood at my grandma's house - just wonderful, highly recommend!!!

Large, open area that you're free to ramble around and explore at your leisure. Interesting mosque, installations, and old munitions bunkers.

Walls are preserved. Inside you can walk and take a beverage, so on.

The remains of Constantine the Great's (306 - 337) villa and accompanying buildings. They suffered a fire in 4th Century and were destroyed by the siege of the Huns in 441. There are still some amazing mosaics on display and a few smaller statues. The majority of the site is under cover but there are a few remains outside to the left. The information boards are in Serbian and English. Toilets were very clean.

A beautiful historical spot in Niš, connected to Emperor Constantine the Great. Walking here feels like stepping back 1,700 years in time. You can explore old walls, mosaics, and ancient markings. The site is easy to reach. A hidden gem that tells the rich story of this small city.

A fascinating glimpse into Roman history just outside Niš. Mediana was once the luxurious villa of Emperor Constantine the Great, and today you can still see impressive mosaics, ruins of baths, and early Christian remains. The entrance is 500 RSD = 4€, and you’ll need about 1 hour to explore. Historical importance makes it a must-see for anyone interested in the Roman past of the region

Beautiful historical place! Recommended for everyone to visit. A lot of history! 😌

To think that this was a resting place for Constantine just makes what they've found amazing.

Amazing piece of Roman history ! A must visit !

The site is well organized and adapted to visitors, with clearly marked paths and information boards that provide context and additional information about the historical significance of this place. Special praise for the guide Jelena, who is friendly and professional, ready to answer questions and further enrich the visitor's experience. Her dedication and professionalism further emphasizes the importance of this archaeological site and helps preserve this cultural heritage. The site includes the remains of residential and communal buildings, thermal baths, mosaics, and other archaeological artifacts that testify to the high level of culture and standard of living in that period. Recommended to see.

Beautiful place, loved it. If someone has free time, even like 20-30 minutes is ok to check this place out.

A cool place, interesting structures, and there’s nobody there, except a bunch of construction workers, working on the shade canopy. the 3 fists are really powerful. Just 30 minutes walk from the centre.

You can walk to the park from the city centre, it takes around 30 minutes and the last 10-15 minutes are uphill. The park is quite nice, many local families enjoy barbecues and picnics there. The monument itself is very impressive and a very poignant memorial to the atrocities that occurred here during WW2 . Note that if you follow the route via Google maps it will take you on a track through the park which is not recommended if it is raining

Great place to visit; I would recommend going to the concentration camp first to put the memorial in context. A stunning brutalist monument, very poignant!

A very emotional place that commemorates the thousands of men women and children who were executed on this mountain during World War II. I recommend taking a taxi, he can keep the meter running while you visit and take some photos and pay your respects and drive back with them. we did not do a hike of any sort we just went up via car.

Memorial Park Bubanj in Niš is a powerful and moving site dedicated to the victims of World War II. Dominated by three monumental concrete fists symbolizing resistance, defiance, and freedom, the park serves as both a memorial and a reminder of the city’s tragic past. The surrounding greenery and quiet atmosphere make it a place for reflection, while the striking sculptures leave a lasting impression on visitors. It is not only an important historical landmark but also a space that connects nature, memory, and art, making it a must-see for those who want to understand the deeper layers of Niš’s history.

Emotional place, 10.000 people were killed there according to the available information, still a bit off radar and not very accessible with public transport. Bus 8 takes you "close" to it but still not quite there.

Neglected to be honest, love the story of the place and the lessons that you get for that happened here in the past but the place is dying slowly. They should renovate and take care of it more so we can have it through the years. Only 2.5€ and you CAN PAY BY CARD! Very important because we didn't had cash on us. No guided tour, you can just look around alone

Definitely worth a vist. Very poignant and disturbing. Note the faded writing over the ticket office. Plenty of information to read and many personal stories. We spent around 2 hours there and took everything in. As a result of the visit we decided to walk up to the memorial where many of the camp inmates were executed. It's about a 40 minute walk from the camp and once there about a 20 minute walk back to the centre.

Visiting the Nazi concentration camp in Niš was a deeply moving and educational experience. The site is well preserved and respectfully curated, offering powerful insights into the events that took place there. The story of the escape on February 12th stands out as a moment of incredible courage and hope in the face of darkness. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in history and in honoring the resilience of the human spirit.

Unparalleled atmosphere, as always in such kind of places. Three floors and good exhibition with artifacts and explanations in Serbian and English

I would highly recommend a visit if you’re a history buff like me. Walking around this place of death was eerie and cold. This place is well preserved. As you walk into the building where thousands of people were caged and tortured while waiting for execution the mind and imagination haunts you. It’s certainly changed my life having visited this place.

This was a must see on our trip. It’s not an easy place to visit. An experience of true emotion.

Some things should never be forgotten. I recommend to visit. Unfortunately, place is kind of neglected and with no true respect to all fallen victims. Cars of employees parked inside, some places turned into offices, some garbage outside. This place could be much better. It's just not enough will to do something.

It's the smallest museum I've ever been. But it offers valuable examples of numismatics and findings near Mediana, where Constantin lived. I was told that the extensive collection remains in other museums and in Mediana, this was just a small collection. In this museum, there is the sweetest, friendliest, loveliest and the most helpful person in the world. She accepted me even though it was almost the closing time. Also She gave me information about the city. She made my day much better. Thanks to her!!!

This must be the first stop when you are site seeing in NIŠ why because here they sell entry tickets package for all the site and it will save you much. The museum is small clean and our hostess was very friendly. What I like about my visit here is that most of the sites are open on the weekends but close on mondays so better always plan ahead. The city is a nice place to visit for a weekend

Very tiny little Museum. Incredible rich history of this city and this part of Serbia neatly packed in this humble facility. City of Nis growing and becoming very interesting place to visit I can highly recommend stopping by here and check it out. The receptionist was very lovely and she took the time to quickly guide us through what we are going to see. The entrance is little bit sealed. Big door that give you impression that the place is closed. Maybe some sort of a banner or just keeping big door open would be more inviting.

Small room with archeological artifacts found in the aria of Nis.

A good but small archaeological museum exhibiting artefacts found in Nis and area. Some rare Byzantine and Roman finds not seen in other places. Municipal and public parking around and with pay. In the epicentre of Nis. Accessible to people with disabilities.

Interesting but also very small. Nice items from different ages.

Amazing place if you are city of Nis you need to come and see it,there is planty things to see, Complete museums tour you can see on my YT channel Marko Ignjatovic

Central Orthodox Cathedral near the centre of the city. Open to visitors every day. Traditional religious ceremonies are held on principal church holidays. Beautiful interior and lovely garden.

Central - Main Ortodox Church in town. Next to the big Church,there is a smaller and older Church from the time when Ottoman Empire occupied this area of Europe. A beautiful place to visit and to see and feel a piece of history, tradition and peace. ☦️⛪🇷🇸

The interior of this church is spectacular!

It is worth visiting.

Very nice church

The small congregational temple is one of the witnesses to the turbulent history of the city of Nis. It was built in 1819. at the time of the Ottoman Empire. It was the temple of the Diocese of Nis until 1878. Two years ago , it was completely reconstructed to mark its 200th anniversary.

One of the most beautiful temples. It is located in the center of Nis. Orthodox church dedicated to the Saint of the Holy spirit - the Holy Trinity. It dates back to the 19th century, and after the Belgrade temples it is the most important monument in the south of Serbia. The icons that were made for her iconostasis are magnificent and represent a milestone in Serbian art history. The creation of the iconostasis is a turning point because it was done in a new style - academic realism. Djordje Krstic perfectly demonstrated one of the icons "The Death of Prince Lazar", which is completely realistic. Academic realism received new wings with these performances, which in Serbia was magnificently demonstrated also by Paja Jovanovic with his numerous works. In front of the church is a handful of young children playing, and it is definitely a recommendation to visit.

Quite a vibrant little square lined with a few cafes and grilled food spots. Nice view across the river to the fortress gates. Head south through the shopping precinct to get deeper into town to find the good bars and restaurants.

Great place to sit and relax after visiting the fortress. Nice cafes and eateries around it. The fountain is super at night.

A beautiful square, well-maintained, with fountains, beautiful old architecture of buildings around the square, flowers and a monument to the liberators of the city of Niš. The bad thing is that there is no shade, so if it is too hot or rainy, you have nowhere to hide.

Very beautiful city centre and square! And just a few meters away is the beautiful fortress of Niš!

Nice hotel in the center of Niš. I could recommend.

Beware of thieves, someone stole my bag pack. I lost money and some other stuff. Bad thing is police didn't do anything and wasted my time by calling me to police station 3 times.

Nice place to seat and observe life pass you by... be sure to check out my youtube channel Big Joe - Cheap Travels to see the videos about Niš Serbia 🇷🇸

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Rock place with the best vibe!

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(Translated by Google) I was a DJ at a private party. Bas is a creative space for parties and concerts, given that it is surrounded by old buildings (Original) Bio sam DJ na jednoj privatnoj zurci. Bas je kreativan prostor za zurke i koncerte, s obzirom da je okruzen starim zgradama

(Translated by Google) Zgada Banovina is one of the most beautiful in Nis. You should visit it and go to one of the concerts held in the Banovina courtyard. Darko Rundek held a concert last night. (Original) Zgada Banovine je jedna od lepsih u Nisu. Treba je posetiti i otici na neki od koncerata koji se odrzavaju u dvoristu Banovine. Sinoc je Darko Rundek odrzao koncert.

(Translated by Google) 🏛 Banovina is not only the most beautiful building in Niš – it is a living witness to history and the heart of the city's musical life. Built at the end of the 19th century, at a time when Serbia was awakening as a modern state, this neo-Renaissance beauty was the seat of the Moravian Banovina, and today it is home to the University of Niš. 🎶 But let me tell you – the real magic begins when the Banovina courtyard becomes a stage. The ancient walls around you, the open sky above, the audience close but cultured – everything creates the feeling of being present at something grand and intimate at the same time. 📍 Location? Ideal. In the city center, with a view of the Nišava River, easily accessible both on foot and by bike. 🕰 And let's go back to history – the famous telegram declaring war on Serbia by Austria-Hungary was delivered here in 1914. Yes, this is where the storm of World War I began. 🔔 Conclusion: If you are coming to Niš, check if there is a concert in Banovina. And if there is – go. (Original) 🏛 Banovina nije samo najlepša zgrada u Nišu – to je živi svedok istorije i srce muzičkog života grada. Sagrađena krajem 19. veka, u vreme kada se Srbija budila kao moderna država, ova neorenesansna lepotica bila je sedište Moravske banovine, a danas u njoj diše Univerzitet u Nišu. 🎶 Ali da vam kažem – prava magija počinje kada dvorište Banovine postane pozornica. Starinski zidovi oko vas, otvoreno nebo iznad, publika bliska, ali kulturna – sve stvara osećaj kao da prisustvujete nečemu velikom i intimnom u isto vreme. 📍 Lokacija? Idealna. U centru grada, sa pogledom na Nišavu, lako dostupna i peške i biciklom. 🕰 I da se vratimo na istoriju – ovde je 1914. uručen čuveni telegram kojim je Austro-Ugarska objavila rat Srbiji. Da, upravo ovde je počela oluja Prvog svetskog rata. 🔔 Zaključak: Ako dolazite u Niš, proverite da li u Banovini ima koncert. I ako ima – idite.

(Translated by Google) A historical building, a symbol of the city and municipality of Crveni Krst. It houses many state institutions, but they do not allocate money for maintenance, but wait for the state to do it. A historical building that should be preserved. (Original) Istorijsko zdanje simbol grada i opštine Crveni krst. Smeštene su dosta državnih institucija ali koje ne izdvajaju za održavanje već čekaju da to država radi. Istorijski objekat koga treba čuvati.

Very interesting historical mosque Bali-Beg Mosque one of the ten mosques built in the Fortress during the Ottoman Empire, built in 1521-1523. year, as an endowment of Bali-bey Malkočević

Really nice old mosque, nice spot for pictures as well.

Beautiful outside

When you go there you can feel reach history of this city!

nice architecture, shame they don't utilise the space inside by displaying photographs..., it's just bare

This is a historical monument in which the Gallery of contemporary art holds exhibitions every month, so, beside history there is always something from the present time :)

A modern art gallery that used to be a mosque. Ramnants of the minaret are still visible in the back. In the 19th century it served as the first library in Ottoman Niš. There were many mosques in the Niš Fortress prior to 1878 and Serbian liberation of the city. Only three of more than 200 still exist: the Bali-Beg mosque, the only functional mosque close to the city center and remains of the minaret of the mosque close to the main market place, destroyed in WWII bombing.

Pretty nice location in the middle of the park, in the central area where people gather and relax. It was the first time that day that I saw very few people praying inside the Orthodox church.

Beautiful church and the park around Has many cafes :-)

The temple whose foundations were erected at a time when the city of Nis was bombed by NATO ... Today, a beautiful creation that adorns this already beautiful city

It is great and beautiful, but it's a little cold it's not as soulful as orthodox temple should be..

Amazing park around the temple. Haven't been inside, I think it's still closed.

Nice place and lovely surroundings.

Park

It was build during the time of Kingdom of SHS and served as a royal treasury in King Aleksandar Karađorđević's time. It still has two large walts on both sides of the building. She has three floors and is quite bigger then she looks. Protected as a Cultural heritage of Serbia. Not treated as one, dou.

A good looking building with amazing architecture. Can't really say that those working there are good though :)

Nice and old.

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(Translated by Google) The building is a significant cultural asset of the city of Niš. It was built in the mid-twenties of the last century for the needs of the National Bank of Serbia and is one of the most beautiful architectural buildings in the city. city. It was protected by law in 1986. (Original) Zgrada je značajno kultutno dobro grada Niša.Građena je sredinom dvadesetih godina prošlog veka za potrebe Narodne banke Srbije i jedna je od najlepših arhitektonskih objekata u gradu.Objekat je projektovan u stilu poznog francuskog neoklasicizma po projektu beogradskog arhitekte Aleksandra Jankovića.Nalazi se u turističkoj ponudi grada.Zakonom je zaštićena 1986.godine.

(Translated by Google) It is a beautiful building on the road to Niš Castle, attracting attention with the soldiers on guard and the Serbian flag projected onto the front line, especially in the evening. (Original) Niş Kalesi yolu üzerinde, özellikle akşam ön cepheye yansıtılan nöbet tutan asker ve Sırbistan bayrağı ile dikkat çeken güzel bir yapı.

(Translated by Google) Kids work there. (Original) Tamo rade ćaci.

Just beautiful, full of night life

This is a good place to feel the spirit of this town. Kazandžijsko sokače is the oldest street in Nis. It dates back to the 19th century. Some .ovies and commercials were filmed here. The word 'kazan' means the barel for making the Serbian traditional drink 'rakija', as tge germans call it schanps

Traditional place. Must visit if you are in Nish, especially if you like kafanas.

An old historic alley of Nis that's now full of modern cafés and restaurants.

Wonderful place for a walk, food or cocktails.

Beautiful alley with a lot of cafes and restaurants.

This street is overrated, not very much remained from the old flourishing times.

There is not enough heating in February.They only heat in the morning and in the evening for a couple of hours. If you want to use the air conditioning during the day to heat the room, you pay extra. If you use taxi and air conditioning, there are better and cheaper offers in the city center. The owner is not so kind man. He called me in 3am and then he come to turn off the air conditioning.

Hi evryone this place i would not prefere...the owner only doing this becurse hi has a big house and dont know enything about hotel industry hi was kind enough to take dobbel the price the slepover is 6 euro hi foled me becurse i was tired, so i recomand another place plus its far away on mounten top hard to reach ..

Very rustic and basic but just lovely and inexpensive

Good price for a good place to sleep. The host are very welcoming.

I reserved it from booking and when I arrived the owner he refuse to accept me just because he don't feel like and he was drunk..

Cheap, clean and kind host. Recommand

Very unpleasant place with unpleasant owner.

The center of the Octagon Palace has an octagon room with rooms on each side. Unfortunately during my visit, I couldn't see any more

The sight -could- be great if Serbia were to take care of it.... but they don’t. You can see from the over growth that I could not even get to it to see the floor or the walls or anything other than the outside. It’s said that something hundreds of years old doesn’t count enough to take care of. Sad experience. I would suggest skipping it if you are short on time.

Historic ruin that's completely neglected. Like most other historic places in Nis. The authorities don't care for their town that has such a rich history spanning 2 millennia. A sad yet very true fact.

The palace was built in the 4th century AD. It is located near one of the entrances of the fortress. Now it is in ruins.

The 4th century AD

It could be nice, but it's grassy.

not much left from the ruins, still a nice walk in the park