Ram Fortress lit - Rehabilitation of medieval fortress to last until 2018

A fortress in the village of Ram, some twenty kilometers away from Veliko Gradiste, has recently got an external lighting system thanks to a EUR 20,000 grant from the Turkish International Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA). This medieval fortress should also get a brand new look soon.

Veliko Gradiste Mayor Dragan Milic pointed out that given the cultural and historical importance as well as the tourist potential and current state of the Ram Fortress, local self-government had launched an initiative for the reconstruction of the fortress in Ram.

- In accordance with its capacities, the municipality puts great efforts into preserving this valuable tourist facility, preventing its further decay, reconstructing and opening it to a growing number of visitors – says Milic.

In early 2013, Veliko Gradiste started implementing a fortress reconstruction project in cooperation with the Turkish International Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) that set aside EUR 1.2 million for this purpose.

- According to the project, the plan is to prepare project documentation in 2013, begin a five-stage partial reconstruction in 2014 and finish it in 2018 - Jasmina Petrovic from Veliko Gradiste explains to eKapija.

- We expect final designs to be completed soon, after which the renovation of towers and ramparts should kick off - says our interlocutor.

Situated in the vicinity of Silver Lake, this fortress with a new look will definitely contribute to the development of tourist offer of this area and a greater inflow of local and foreign tourists.

By the way, the fortress was built by Turkish army in 1483, during the rule of Sultan Bayezid the Second (1480-1512), on the right bank of the Danube River for the purpose of conquering Pannonian plain. It is one of seven medieval fortresses on the Danube in Serbia.

(the Ram Fortress)

Archeological research by October 15

An archeological research that is expected to start October 15th will run parallel to the reconstruction of this fortress.

- The Finance Ministry has given RSD 2 million for archeological earthworks. The Republic Heritage Preservation Institute is entrusted with the entire process of selecting the contractor that is currently underway - Jasmina Petrovic announces.

I.M.