The exhibition of photographs by Svetlana Dingarac “Fortresses and Fortified Cities of Serbia” was opened at the Gallery of the National Museum Kraljevo, on Friday, June 19th, 2026, at 7 p.m. Through artistic photography, the exhibition presents medieval fortresses and fortified cities of Serbia, highlighting their historical, architectural, and landscape value. The audience was first welcomed by Tatjana Mihailović, PhD, museum advisor of the National Museum Kraljevo, who greeted the numerous visitors and introduced the participants of the ceremonial opening.
Archaeologist Gordana Gavrić, advisor to the director of the Endowment of the Holy Monastery Hilandar, then spoke about the exhibition. She emphasized that medieval fortresses were built on carefully chosen strategic positions to control important roads within the defensive system of the medieval Serbian state. She particularly highlighted the significance of fortresses in the immediate surroundings, such as Maglič, Brvenik, and Koznik, as important witnesses of Serbia’s political, military, and spiritual history. Maglič served as a refuge between Žiča Monastery, the seat of the first Serbian Archbishopric, and Studenica Monastery, the endowment of Grand Župan Stefan Nemanja, founder of the Nemanjić dynasty. Brvenik was located near the endowment of the Musić brothers, while Koznik defended the once‑renowned Milentija Monastery.
She noted that Svetlana Dingarac’s photographs do not merely depict the architecture of old towns but succeed in conveying their spirit and strong connection with the natural environment. Through carefully chosen frames, the play of light and shadow, and the interplay of stone, water, sky, and vegetation, the photographs reveal the monumentality of the structures as well as their harmony with the landscape. According to her, this blend of documentary and artistic approaches allows the contemporary viewer to experience fortified cities in a new way – not only as remnants of the past, but as living heritage deserving attention and care.
She also pointed out the immense effort behind this project, as many fortresses are located in inaccessible terrain, requiring long hikes, steep climbs, and overcoming natural obstacles. In her words, Dingarac’s work goes far beyond artistic photography and represents a valuable contribution to documenting and protecting Serbian cultural heritage, while reminding us that these monuments require greater care and systematic protection.
Addressing the audience, Svetlana Dingarac explained that her interest in the project began in 1989, when as a high school student on an excursion she first saw Maglič fortress. That fortress awakened her lasting love for medieval fortifications and determined the direction of her long‑term work. She recalled one of the most difficult moments at the beginning of her work, when after only ten days of shooting she injured her leg. At that time, she was helped by the villagers of Maglič, who welcomed and supported her during recovery. She emphasized that this support was crucial for her not to give up at the very start, and that she still maintains friendships with many of those people today.
Speaking about her research, the author admitted that she initially believed there were about fifty medieval fortresses in Serbia and that the project would be completed in a few years. However, more serious study of literature and field research showed that the number of sites was much greater. She recalled the research of academician Aleksandar Deroko, who in the mid‑20th century recorded more than two hundred medieval fortresses. When prehistoric, ancient, and later sites are added, the number multiplies significantly.
Today, the project’s online presentation features an interactive map with about 465 sites across Serbia. So far, she has visited and documented more than 120 fortresses, while 54 sites with over 700 photographs are presented in detail on the website. She emphasized that the goal of this digital archive is to enable as many people as possible to discover Serbian fortresses and, at least virtually, travel through centuries of national history.
Svetlana Dingarac also announced new directions for the project. In addition to photographs, poetry inspired by Serbian fortresses and short essays dedicated to these monuments are being collected. She is collaborating with writer Ana Atanasović, thanks to whose efforts more than thirty poems by various authors have already been gathered. The intention is to publish a monograph in the future that will unite photography, poetry, and essays inspired by Serbian fortresses.
At the end of her address, the author stated that she considers this project her life’s calling and will continue it as long as she has strength. She emphasized that Serbia is extremely rich in cultural heritage but often fails to recognize and preserve it adequately. She reminded the audience that many fortresses today survive only in traces and that society as a whole must become more actively involved in their preservation.
The ceremonial opening concluded with a literary program. Writer and literary collaborator on the project “Fortresses of Serbia”, Ana Atanasković, read an excerpt from her novel about Jelena of Anjou, as well as the poem “Koznik” by Ljubiša Đidić, inspired by the medieval fortress of the same name. In this way, the evening ended by uniting photographic art, literature, and cultural heritage, showing that medieval fortresses remain an inexhaustible source of inspiration and an important part of Serbia’s cultural identity.
After the opening, the author answered questions from the interested audience, while Gordana Gavrić took the opportunity to announce a forthcoming publication dedicated to fortified cities, to be published by the Endowment of the Holy Monastery Hilandar.
Anđelija Petrović
Editor of the Informative Program
Of Official Internet Presentation of the National Museum Kraljevo