Bač (Bac), Serbia

Bač (Bac) highlights

Known for fortress, historical center, orthodox church, franciscan monastery

Bač is a true treasure trove of authentic tourist attractions due to its turbulent centuries-old past with preserved cultural and historical heritage. The town's history is reflected in its well-preserved medieval fort, historic walled towns, and cultural monuments. The Bođani monastery and remains of the Turkish bath offer a glimpse into the town's rich cultural past.

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Last reviewed: 18 February 2025

Bač (Bac) description

Bač, a town in the South Bačka District of Vojvodina, Serbia, has a rich history dating back to the younger Neolithic period. The town developed on an island in the meander of the Mostonga river and was accessible only by a wooden bridge for centuries. The river is now part of the Danube–Tisa–Danube Canal system, and the fortress and old town are on dry land.

The current name of the town was first recorded in 1094. In 1111 the parish was mentioned as Bache. This name probably derived from the same personal name. The name is of uncertain origin and its existence was recorded among Vlachs, Slavs and Hungarians in the Middle Ages. The origin of the name could be Paleo-Balkanic, Romanian, Slavic, or Old Turkic.

Evidence show that the area was inhabited already in the younger Neolithic. The town later developed on an island in the meander of the Mostonga river and for centuries was accessible only by the wooden bridge. The river is channeled today as part of the Danube–Tisa–Danube Canal system and has two proper bridges, so the fortress and the old town are now on a dry land.

Archeological research revealed an ancient Roman settlement in the area, with Bač first mentioned in 535 AD in a letter by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian. In 873 AD, the town was an Avar fortress, inhabited by both Avars and Slavs. Saint Methodius, the creator of the Slavic alphabet, converted Slavs in Bačka and Bač to Christianity during this time.

In the tenth century, the region became part of the Kingdom of Hungary, with Bač being the seat of the Bacsensis County. The town was a significant center, with King Ladislaus I establishing a new archbishopric in 1085. The first archbishop, Fabian, helped the king in his campaign against Croatia and was rewarded with the title.

Gyula Városy proved that King Ladislaus moved the seat of the archbishopric of Kalocsa to Bač, where he built a cathedral and established a chapter house around 1090. After 1135, the archbishops moved back to Kalocsa. Later, the diocese was called the ＂Archbishopric of Kalocsa-Bacs.＂ In 1154, Arab geographer Idrisi described Bač as a rich town with many merchants and craftsmen.

The Bač Fortress is the best-preserved medieval fort in Vojvodina, with a section below the fortress called Podgrađe, consisting of 36 houses in the typical lowland Vojvodina style. The fort used to have 8 towers, but five are preserved today. Reconstruction and conservation projects started in 2006, and the fortress was restored, with archaeological sections conserved and a visitors center opened in the keep. The project won the 2018 Europa Nostra Award.

Bač is a true treasure trove of authentic tourist attractions due to its turbulent centuries-old past with preserved cultural and historical heritage. Visitors can explore the Bač Fortress, a significant cultural-historical unit, and the Podgrađe section, which showcases traditional lowland Vojvodina architecture. The Bođani monastery and remains of the Turkish bath offer a glimpse into the town's rich cultural past, and Kalvarija, a memorial locality with 12 pillars built in the 19th century and dedicated to Christian saints. The Provala Lake, formed in the mid-20th century after a flood of the Danube, and the Berava stream, popular among fishermen, are also popular destinations.

Bač (Bac) related tours

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