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All Serbia Kragujevac Knežev Arsenal

Knežev Arsenal

The ruins of a military-industrial complex now host concerts and more.

Kragujevac, Serbia

Added By
Danilo Crnogorac
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Čaurnica   soundkrampf / Atlas Obscura User
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Trg Topolivaca   soundkrampf / Atlas Obscura User
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kragujevac_02.jpg   Dekanski
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Muzej Stara Livnica   soundkrampf / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Knežev Arsenal, or Rector's Arsenal, was once filled with the industrial sounds of cars and weapons being built. Now, when you enter the empty factory buildings and gritty courtyards, you're more likely to hear a rock concert or techno music and thousands of cheering fans.

Founded in the mid 1800s, the complex, also known as Military Technical Institute, was overseen by a French engineer. At the time, Serbia sought friendly relations with France, and to emulate the country's economic development. The facilities made the city of Kragujevac a center for weapons (starting with cannons), industry, and, later, automobiles. And while it has fallen into decay, the government has plans to preserve the site in recognition of its importance to the area and Serbia's industrial revolution. 

In the meantime, the ruins are a draw for people shooting music videos and TV shows, graffiti artists, and concert promoters. The site is best known for Arsenal Fest, a multi-stage music festival held annually each summer. (Although couples have been known to take wedding photos at Knežev Arsenal as well.) Every year, local authorities organize a clean up of the complex, but due to its lack of security, it quickly returns to the dirty condition that makes it beloved by people who appreciate ruins.

Related Tags

Ruins Military Music Weapons Industrial Revolution Industrial Factories Festivals

Know Before You Go

Knežev Arsenal is a short walk from the Kragujevac city center. The Stara Livnica Museum, located in one of the buildings, showcases the beginnings of Kragujevac's and Serbia's industrial history. 

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Community Contributors

Added By

soundkrampf

Published

June 4, 2020

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Sources
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zastava_Automobiles
  • http://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/395463/Kragujevac-se-seli-na-desnu-obalu-Lepenice
  • http://gtokg.org.rs/eng/prince-s-arsenal/
  • https://rtk.co.rs/sbb-i-gradska-uprava-organizovali-ciscenje-knezevog-arsenala-nakon-festivala/
  • http://kaldrmaskragujevac.rs/knezev-arsenal-zaboravljeno-mesto/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France%E2%80%93Serbia_relations
Knežev Arsenal
4 Trg Topolivaca
Kragujevac
Serbia
44.007222, 20.911944
Get Directions

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Photo of Kragujevac

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