The city is silver and truly golden – Constantine the Philosopher, biographer of Despot Stefan

The medieval town of Novo Brdo is located between the Prilepnica and Kriva Rivers, north of Gnjilane. It is notable for its multiculturalism, which was uncommon for that historical period. In addition to the Serbian population, Dubrovnik merchants, Saxons, Greeks, and Albanians also lived in the town. At its peak, Novo Brdo was home to between four and five thousand residents. The Novo Brdo fortress is rich in history, built during the reign of Serbian King Milutin in 1319. Within the fortress, iron, silver, lead, and gold were mined. During the reign of Emperor Dušan the Mighty, Novo Brdo became one of Serbia’s most important mines, donating eighty-seven kilograms of silver to Hilandar Monastery from the fertile Serbian land. The fortress symbolizes the economic prosperity of medieval Serbia. It consisted of a smaller Upper Town and a larger Lower Town, separated by a shared wall and connected by a gate. Within the urban complex stood the city castle, or citadel. The true wealth of the mine lay in the multicultural social life that thrived during the 14th century. This diversity is reflected not only in the remains of Orthodox churches, but also in Roman Catholic and Muslim places of worship. Among the notable churches is the Catholic church Santa Maria in Novomonte, known as the Saxon Church, built in the 14th century, as well as the Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas. Although today it is a rural and multiethnic municipality, the Novo Brdo fortress remains an important archaeological and historical site, offering a glimpse into the traditions of Kosovo Pomoravlje. Even after years of decline, the interest of tourists has not waned, and many visitors from Western countries continue to explore the “golden town.”