“MOROVIĆ” FORTRESS – Morović

Morović Fortress was built in the mid-12th century and is believed to have been the Hungarian town mentioned in 1154, which belonged to Despot Đurađ. According to some authors, the fortress may be somewhat younger, built in 1332 by order of Jovan Marotić, the Ban of Mačva. The fortress originally had two towers.

The fortification was constructed of brick, with massive defensive walls approximately 2 meters thick. On the outer walls (about 2.5 meters high), the external reinforcements are clearly visible. To date, no archaeological excavations have been conducted at the fortress.

It is situated on elevated ground where the Studva River flows into the Bosut. The hill on which the fortress stands appears to be artificially constructed, suggesting that the former fortress was significantly larger than the present ruins, likely occupying a greater area, including the site of today’s Orthodox church. At its peak, the fortress was surrounded by canals on all sides, although one of these canals has since been filled in. It is highly probable that the Studva River did not originally follow its current course and that the Morović family artificially directed it to its present path.

Legends tell of secret passages beneath the fortress, and even beneath the Bosut River. What is particularly striking about the fortress today are its sturdy walls, which centuries of exposure and the constant presence of water have not managed to destroy.