Petrovaradin catacombs — Attraction in City of Novi Sad

I went on September 4, 2024, but I feel the need to write this review as it's hands down the best experience I've ever taken in all my years travelling around the world.

I reached out to Leon a few weeks in advance as I was interested in learning about the history of the fortress and the catacombs, he emailed me back with some attachments explaining the rules, the price, and a brief overview of the tour.

I first met Dragan, who translates for Leon and is also a guide at UGRIP, around the arranged time of 2 pm, before Leon also showed up and they both led us to an indoor area where they gave a history lesson on the purpose of the fortress and catacombs and what to expect. Carry some warm clothes with you. The workshop consists of a number of navigation challenges which gives you a feel of what it is like to have been a soldier back in the days when the fortress was in use. I don't want to spoil all the details as it's better to arrange the tour for yourself and find out. I lost my bearings at one point but thankfully Leon showed up in time to save me. I did however manage to successfully complete the final challenge (which is the hardest), which made me proud. Also some great photo opportunities throughout the tour.

I loved the conversation I had with both Leon and Dragan after the workshop about their current work at UGRIP, just as much as the workshop itself, as we were drinking rakija and beer, and they strongly encouraged me to visit again in the future.

So definitely, should I visit Serbia again, I will email Leon again for another tour of the catacombs, hopefully I might get to see some more areas which I didn't get to see last time- I am tempted to do it again either this December or next year depending on their availability and the current political situation in Serbia, which has been deteriorating lately. (I went to Novi Sad station to catch my train back to Belgrade after the tour - the front of the station collapsed less than two months after my visit, killing 16 people and sparking the protests in Serbia today. :( )

Please do not ever try to explore the catacombs on your own, it gets pitch dark in most of the catacomb system and you will hit your head or trip on something and there's also no mobile signal...

MAKE SURE YOU BOOK IT THROUGH Leon Šurbanović, and not the musuem tours!!!

recently had the pleasure of taking a tour of the Countermining System beneath Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The vast network of underground tunnels and chambers, spanning over 16 kilometers, is a testament to the fortress's strategic importance and engineering prowess.

Our guides, Leon and Dragan, were absolutely fantastic. Their enthusiasm for the fortress's history was infectious, and their knowledge seemed boundless. They brought the fortress's past to life with engaging stories and fascinating historical details. Their passion for preserving and sharing this hidden gem was evident throughout the tour.

As we navigated the labyrinth of tunnels, Leon and Dragan expertly pointed out interesting features like ammunition storage areas, shooting embrasures, and the ingenious system of crossroads marked with symbols to aid navigation. Their explanations of the fortress's defensive strategies and the purpose of the countermining system were both informative and captivating.

The tour itself was well-organized and paced perfectly. One of the most thrilling aspects was having our senses tested in the darkness of the tunnels. As we ventured deeper into the underground network, the absence of light heightened our other senses, creating an immersive and somewhat eerie atmosphere. This sensory experience added an extra layer of excitement to the tour, allowing us to imagine what it might have been like for soldiers navigating these passages centuries ago.

What struck me most was how this tour offered a unique perspective on the fortress that you simply can't get from above ground. The cool, damp air and the echoing footsteps created an immersive experience that truly transported us back in time.

I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Novi Sad. It's a must-see attraction that offers a thrilling blend of history, architecture, and adventure. Thanks to Leon and Dragan's expert guidance, it was not just educational but also tremendously fun. Pictures will not do its glory, you WILL HAVE to visit...

I love exploring fortresses while here in Serbia, Im lucky enough to live in Novi Sad during winters. Ive gotten to know Novi Sad very well, and one of my favorite places is Petrovaradin Fortress. I was also lucky enough to meet Leon, (the master of the tunnels), through friends. He set up a tour for me and some friends. It was an amazing experience, and the history of its defenses is mind-blowing. The tunnels are well preserved, and Leon and his group of VOLUNTEERS work hard to keep them that way. If your claustrophobic and don't like tight spaces, this is not for you. When going on a tour wear hiking boots, or a show with a good grip sole. no sneakers, and it can be cold to some people, it maintains an average temperature in winter 12c to 15c and summer around 16c. so a sweatshirt or light jacket is good to have. If you have long hair, you want to tie it back or wear a hat, its dark and bats are in the tunnels, they won't bother you if you don't bother them. A good flash light is highly recommended. As with anywhere you go, anytrash you bring in, you bring out. Donations are accepted to help with the preservation of...