Explore Serbia

Novi Sad
The capital of Vojvodina, Serbia’s northern province, will softly and effortlessly win you over with its laid-back vibe.Novi Sad is famously a city where nothing is rushed and everything happens at its own, leisurely pace, contributing to a relaxed atmosphere few large cities can boast.

Places to relax are aplenty – whether you wish to unwind on the banks of the Danube or enjoy a stroll along the city’s streets or you prefer nature and the views from the nearby Fruška Gora mountain. Near Novi Sad you will also find numerous ethno-restaurants and traditional farm houses known as “salaš”, where you can take a break from walking and sample the diverse cuisine of this region.

Only then will you be able to truly grasp why it’s often said that time passes more slowly in Novi Sad.

 

The City
Laid-back, relaxed, surrounded by fertile plains from the one side and a mountain and a river from the other, Novi Sad stands out as a true gem among Serbia’s cities. Also known as “the Serbian Athens” and “the Gibraltar of the Danube”, its architecture and spirit have been shaped by various nations throughout its history.

Continuity of Novi Sad’s cultural development is also reflected in the persistence and evolution of its institutions of national relevance, including Matica srpska, the oldest Serbian cultural and scientific institution and the Serbian National Theatre. To see how this city developed from the first half of the 18th century to the mid-20th century, take a walk through the beautiful Petrovaradin Fortress and visit the city museum’s permanent collection.

Novi Sad is a university centre and a city of youth, a fact recognised by the two important titles bestowed on it in the 21st Century: the European Youth Capital 2019 and the European Capital of Culture 2021. The city’s easy-going spirit, which is increasingly attracting people from all over the world, is so endearing that you will find it impossible to resist.

Nis
Due to its exceptional location at the crossroads between the East and the West, the city of Niš has always been a favorite stronghold of great rulers.The Celts gave it a rather subtle name Naissus – the nymph’s city – that stands in contrast to the true power of a mighty military fortification.The height of its strength and splendor was reached during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great, who transformed this city into an administrative and trading centre of vital interest to the Roman Empire.

Niš is an ideal city for history lovers. Traces of history are visible in every corner of the city, while friendly and welcoming inhabitants of Niš will be glad to introduce you to some of the most interesting historical details.

 

The City
One of the oldest cities in Europe, Niš is a history lovers paradise – every corner of the city showing traces of bygone eras. The friendly, welcoming locals will delight in sharing their knowledge of the city with you.Previously named Naissus – the nymph’s city – by the Celts, it’s strategically important location at the crossroads between East and West means it has always been a favourite stronghold of great rulers. However, it was in fact during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great, that this city was transformed into an important trade centre for the Roman Empire.

Early Christian tombs from the reign of Constantine the Great have been found and archaeological excavations at Bubanj and Humska Čuka have also found evidence that the area was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic period and the early Bronze age. A true melting pot of different cultures and people throughout the ages – Celts, Romans, Huns, Avars, Byzantines, Ottomans have all been known to inhabit the area which is reflected in the architectural diversity.

Today, Niš is a hub for culture and art lovers and hosts a number of annual festivals such as Niš Film Festival which celebrates Serbian films and film-makers. Organised every August, this internationally important film festival has been held for more than 50 years.

The city is also the setting for two music festivals, also during the summer months, the world-famous jazz festival Nišville and the Nisomnia festival.

Kragujevac
Šumadija is the central region of Serbia, and Kragujevac is the heart of Šumadija. It is therefore often said that this city, situated virtually in the middle of our country, best reflects the overall “Serbian spirit”.It lies on the banks of the river Lepenica, in a basin circumscribed by beautiful mountains of Šumadija – the undulating slopes of Mt. Rudnik, Mt. Crni Vrh and Gledić mountains.

As a former capital of Serbia, Kragujevac is a city with rich history, dotted with buildings and institutions that have contributed to Serbia’s development and modernisation, beckoning you to discover them one by one.

The City
Kragujevac, named after the old Serbian word for nightingale kraguj, has been thought of as Serbia’s “number one” city at various times in history. It became the first modern Serbian capital when Prince Miloš Obrenović restored Serbian statehood in 1818. The country’s first court of law was established here just two years later, while the first general secondary school was opened in 1833. This trend continued right until the end of the 19th Century, when the first power plant in Serbia was constructed here in 1884.

Today, you can be briefly transported to those bygone times by taking a relaxing stroll on the banks of the river Lepenica and visiting the cultural and historic complex called “Milošev venac”, comprising the Old (Court) Church built in 1818 and the Assembly building from 1856.

After a tour of the landmarks of modern Serbian statehood situated at the very heart of the city, you can relax at one of the many cafés, coffee houses and restaurants nearby.

As the administrative centre of Šumadija, Kragujevac is also the venue of numerous culture and sports events, most notably the celebration of the Kragujevac City Day, which is marked by a variety of entertainment events, as well as the Great School Class, a peacetime reminder of the massacre of schoolchildren by German forces that took place in this city in World War II.

Wider Area
October in Kragujevac Memorial Park
October in Kragujevac Memorial Park is a memorial complex erected to commemorate the innocent victims of World War II.As you walk through the park, you will see many monuments, the most striking of which is the Monument to Executed Pupils, which commemorates the 5th-grade pupils of a primary school in Kragujevac who were executed in retaliation by German forces.

The white concrete slab split in two is shaped like the Roman numeral V, which transforms into a bird with broken wings – a symbolic representation of youth tragically cut short as it was preparing to fly out of the parent’s nest.

We suggest you visit this memorial park in October, around the anniversary date of the mass execution, as it is a time when several events are held to commemorate this tragic event.

Gruža Lake
As soon as you catch a glimpse of this lake, you will understand why many refer to it as the “Serbian sea”. It is a site of lavish, pristine nature, where the azure skies are reflected in the crystal-clear water.Gruža Lake is home to many fish species while the surrounding area teems with migratory birds in summertime, the surrounds echoing with joyful bird song.Not to be undone by nature, humans have created local marvels of their own: Borač, a medieval fortress, lies adjacent to the lake. This curious site has an air of mystery to it, not least because it was built atop a volcanic rock.

Attractions
National Museum in Kragujevac
When Prince Miloš received the first painting as a present in the early 19th Century, marking the beginning of what would become his very own art collection, he probably could not have imagined it would be the start of museum activities in Kragujevac, eventually evolving into the present-day National Museum. As you walk through the gallery of this museum, which was officially opened in the mid-20th Century, you can enjoy paintings and sculptures created mainly by Serbian artists from the 17th Century to the present day.What makes the National Museum in Kragujevac unique is the fact that it comprises multiple buildings, including the Amidža Konak, the Prince Mihailo Konak and the house of Prota Mateja Barjaktarević. Here, lovers of archaeology, ethnography, history and other humanities can find out more about Kragujevac and Šumadija of old.

Many of the artefacts on display at the museum have immense archaeological importance and will introduce you to the Vinča and Neolithic culture which once flourished in these parts. The museum’s ethnographic collection, on the other hand, will take you on a journey through the culture and customs unique to the Šumadija region.

Milošev Venac
The cultural and historic complex known as Milošev venac comprises a number of edifices from the early 19th Century, when Kragujevac was the capital of Serbia.

In those days, the city expanded in an elliptical shape around the river Lepenica. While not all buildings have survived the ravages of time, a leisurely stroll will take you around those that still stand, giving you a glimpse of the early days of the modern Serbian state.

The most striking buildings of Milošev venac are the Amidža Konak, the only surviving edifice from the court compound of Prince Miloš, the imposing building of Serbia’s first general secondary school (gimnazija) and the Duke Prince Theatre (Knjaževsko-srpski teatar), the first Serbian theatre, with a monument erected to its founder, writer and dramatist Joakim Vujić, in front of its gate.

Here you can also see one of the first covered green markets in Europe, which has retained its original purpose to the present day. The Old Court Church catches the eye with its yellow façade and its splendid park, an ideal spot for a respite from your tour.

Prince’s Arsenal
The opening of the Kragujevac Cannon Foundry in 1853 marked the beginning of Serbia’s industrial development. This first weapon factory in the Balkans was fitted with state-of-the-art cannon foundry lines of its time. As production expanded, the Cannon Foundry became the heart of a unique military industry complex, which has come to be known as the Prince’s Arsenal.

The museum’s collection includes trophy weapons captured in World War I and World War II, as well as rare specimens of late-19th Century weapons, which will fill you with awe for the military achievements of the time.

Kragujevac Aquarium
Kragujevac Aquarium, situated in the University School of Natural Science and Mathematics, is the first public aquarium in Serbia. Here you can see various species of fish, reptiles, amphibians and other captivating creatures found in aquatic ecosystems all over the world.

Food
Former forests have been replaced with vineyards and orchards, yielding fruits used in the production of wine and the plum brandy known as šljivovica. Together with the traditional roast meats, gourmand boiled dishes, pogača (traditional bread baked in the fireplace), proja (flat cornbread), these drinks complete the Šumadija cuisine and give it its unique and distinct flavours.Kragujevac offers a unique blend of all flavours and fruits of Šumadija – this is the home region of many Serbian delicacies including smoked pork hock in sauerkraut, svadbarski kupus (“wedding cabbage”, a traditional sauerkraut and meat dish) and podvarak (baked sauerkraut with meat). This region also boasts mouth-watering lamb dishes, including roast lamb and lamb stew.The Šumadija region is also famous for a drink known as the “Šumadija tea” – “mild” šljivovica brandy boiled in water and caramelised sugar. While it’s usually drunk during the colder months, you simply must taste it no matter what time of the year you visit Kragujevac.

Subotica
At the northernmost point of Serbia is a melting pot of the cultures and traditions of Serbs, Hungarians, Crats, Jews and many other Central and Eastern European peoples.Subotica was of immense strategic importance in the middle ages, as a town sitting at the border between two powerful empires, the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is a city famous for its unique architecture, delicious food, quality wines and the nearby lake Palić – a favourite picnic spot for Subotica locals and their guests.The spirit of multiculturalism, lavishly adorned buildings, budding hospitality industry and dynamic nightlife make Subotica one of Serbia’s most beautiful cities.

 

The City
Subotica has often changed hands between countries and has been renamed many times throughout its history. The first ever reference to it dates back to 1391 when it was referenced as Zabatka. In the centuries since, it has had as many as 200 names!When it was granted the status of a Free Royal City within Austria-Hungary in 1779, the hitherto small settlement in the Pannonian plains received a huge influx of people of all trades (farmers, craftsmen, traders), both from nearby regions and from further afield in Central Europe.|

The surge in economic activity was boosted by the arrival of the railway in the second half of the 19th century, helping trade flourish all over the city. It was at this time that Subotica became a modern Central European City. After World War I, it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia.

The city, which remains home to several Central European peoples to this day, exudes an air of multiculturalism, visible both in its streets and in the local public houses and restaurants serving ethnic dishes. The laid-back atmosphere, the rich gastronomic offering and the numerous sports and cultural events give Subotica a unique charm which you will find impossible to resist.

 

Amenities
Subotica is known for its unique architecture, most notably its many exquisite examples of secession, an architectural style that was in fashion in late 19th century Europe.

Dozens of brightly coloured buildings make Subotica something of an outdoor museum. The Synagogue and the City Hall, as well as the Raichl Palace, stand out for the richness of their colours and the complexity of their ornaments.

Evidence of the many peoples that have lived in this city can also be found in the large number of sacral buildings belonging to different religions. From the majestic St. Therese of Avila Cathedral and the Franciscan Church to the Synagogue, from the Serbian Orthodox Church to the Muhajir Mosque, each religious community has infused the city with new energy and enriched its visual identity.

On display at the numerous art galleries are works not only by the top Serbian artists, but also by those of neighbouring countries. Be sure to visit the Subotica Museum for a glimpse of the region’s most important archaeological and ethnological achievements as well as in history, art and natural sciences too.

 

Environment
Several minutes by car from the city centre lies the Kelebija Horse Farm, a true paradise for all equestrian sport enthusiasts. Here visitors enjoy horse riding, take a ride in a traditional horse carriage or watch a performance by the farm’s best jockeys.

Just twelve kilometres east of Subotica lies Ludaš Lake. Due to its diverse flora and fauna with numerous rare and protected plant and animal species and the unusual expanse that surrounds it, the lake has been designated a special nature reserve. Here you can enjoy hiking, relaxing and bird watching. Palić Lake, a favourite spot for outdoor activities in the summer months, is also near the city. The magnificent lake is surrounded by beaches, cycling and hiking trails and is ideal for holidays and recreation. You can rent a pedal boat or take a ride on a small catamaran on the lake. On the sandy beach of Palić, you can try your hand at beach handball, while the nearby sports centre features a thermal swimming pool with mineral water.

Palić Lake also hosts the European Film Festival, which screens the works of renowned European filmmakers. By selecting only the best that contemporary European cinematography has to offer, the European Film Festival on Palić Lake has firmly established itself on the map of distinguished international film festivals. Every year the festival welcomes thousands of visitors and hosts many of Europe’s top filmmakers.

Visit the Palić Zoo and enjoy watching more than 60 different animal species. Known for its beauty and immaculate upkeep, the Palić Zoo is greatly enjoyed by all generations. It also features a Baby Zoo, ideal for children, as well as a huge playground for older children to enjoy.

 

Food
The range of Subotica’s culinary offering is a unique blend of cuisines of the different peoples that inhabit it. You can taste Serbian beans with sausages, the Bosnian Pot, the Bunjevac potato filo pie and many different fish and game dishes.

Hungarian dishes not to be missed include chicken perkelt and the numerous goulash and paprikash stews spiced with ground locally-grown pepper.

Complete your enjoyment of food with one of the local wines produced according to traditional recipes that have been passionately passed on from generation to generation. The grapes of the Subotica region grow in the sands left behind by the ancient Pannonian Sea, which gives local wines a distinctive flavour.
Those who prefer spirits should enjoy the fruit “rakija” with unique aromas and flavours including apricot, pear, apple and quince.

Čačak
Čačak is a city recognizable for its well-preserved and architecturally harmonious districts, which combine traditional construction techniques with elements of modern architecture.

Nestled between mountains – Jelica to the south, Ovčar and Kablar to the west and Vujan to the north – the city is surrounded by pristine wildlife and vegetation.

The magnificent nature at the Ovčar-Kablar gorge and Ovčar and Kablar mountains and the meanders of the West Morava are just some of the reasons to visit this city and its wider area.

The City
There is evidence of human settlements in this area from 5,000 years ago.
Since then, humans have lived here almost continuously to the present day, as witnessed by the rich heritage of monuments dating back to ancient history.Objects from the Bronze Age and the Iron Age have been unearthed from necropolises, underneath the tumuli, while artefacts from that age have been found in the tombs of Illyrian princes.In classical antiquity, ancient Romans lived, worked and enjoyed life here. To experience a hint of the atmosphere of their powerful empire, visit the ruins of Roman thermae discovered at the very heart of Čačak.

Čačak as we know it today was founded by Serbian Prince Stracimir, brother to Stefan Nemanja, who chose this city to be his capital.

Modern-day Čačak largely owes its current appearance to the rapid development it had experienced in the second half of the 19th Century. Today, it is a centre of commerce, education, culture and tourism, and also the seat of the entire Moravički District. Every year, the city attracts thousands of visitors, driven by a desire to learn more about its rich history, culture and untouched nature.

 

Attractions
The turbulent history of Čačak has left many marks both on the city itself and its wider area. In the central area of the city, you can see the ruins of the local Roman thermae, a bath from late classical antiquity where ancient Romans once spent their spare time.

Not far from the centre, there is the Church of the Holy Mother of God in Gradac, the oldest church in Čačak. Built back in the 12th Century, it is a prime example of medieval architecture of the region. Having been razed and rebuilt on several occasions, the church owes its present-day appearance to a thorough reconstruction which took place in the 19th Century.

Numerous victims of World War I are commemorated by the famous Monument to Warriors of the Four Religions. This monument, built in 1934 and dedicated to both Serbian and enemy soldiers, bears four symbols; the Orthodox Christian cross, the Roman Catholic cross, the Islamic semi-crescent and the Star of David, which mark the four sides of the blue stone pyramid.

Art lovers and connoisseurs will, of course, be aware that Čačak was the birthplace of one of the most well-known Serbian female painters, Nadežda Petrović. The style of this pioneer of modern Serbian visual art is characterised by strong expressions and vivid colours. During your stay in this city, be sure to visit the gallery named after her and discover the art of this famous painter, as well as the works of other local artists.

Another must-see cultural landmark of the city is the National Museum, which displays key items from the region’s history, from the Neolithic period to World War II.

If you yearn for an active holiday, Čačak will not disappoint you: this is a city filled with sports facilities and which frequently hosts competitions for both amateurs and professionals.

 

Wider Area
Just kilometres away from Čačak, you will find spas, villages, monasteries and cultural and historic monuments. Small wonder, then, that many visitors choose to enrich their visit by going on an excursion or two outside the city.

The nearby mountains Ovčar and Kablar are ideal spots for enjoying crisp and clean air and provide everything you may need for an active holiday. The numerous mountain trails on Ovčar and Kablar are categorised according to difficulty and suitable for visitors of all ages.

If this is too tame for you and you crave more thrills, you can enrol in mountaineering classes or tackle the mountain trails by bike. The river West Morava, which flows between these two mountains, provides magnificent views of mountain landscapes and the nearby monasteries whether you’re on a boat, kayak or raft.

The Ovčar-Kablar gorge, wedged between the two mountains, is home to a unique community of monasteries built in this covert spot by Serbian monks as they fled from Turkish invaders. Blagoveštenje, Jovanje, Ilinje, Nikolje, Preobraženje, Sretenje, Sveta Trojica, Uspenje, Vavedenje, Ježevica, Stjenik and Vujan are the names of the twelve monasteries built in the 14th and 16th Centuries. As they are adjacent to one another, it’s possible to visit them all in one day.

For the perfect spa weekend, head to Atomska Banja spa or Ovčar Banja spa and enjoy the mineral-rich hot water and various wellness programmes. And if you wish to experience the authentic rural atmosphere, you should visit one of the typical mountain villages in the region of Čačak and Dragačevo, where you can enjoy idyllic scenery, clean air and healthy locally-grown food.

The Dragačevo Trumpet Festival, a music event that draws in tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world, is a must for music lovers. During the festival, the small town of Guča becomes the beating heart of entertainment in the country – a place where people come to sing and dance to the captivating sounds of traditional music, enjoy delicious food and soak up the unforgettable atmosphere well into the small hours.

Food
The city has several restaurants and floating river establishments whose rich menus include local delicacies including roasted meats, kaymak (a savoury, creamy dairy product), svadbarski kupus (aka wedding cabbage – traditional sauerkraut and meat dish) and prepečenica (double-distilled rakija).

At the legendary Car Lazar coffee house, established in 1883, you can order proja (flat cornbread), crackling, prebranac (traditional baked beans) or škembići (tripe), while at Minićeva kuća, Jelički dukat and other distilleries you can enjoy various types of rakija made the traditional way.

Rural households are known for their excellent national cuisine. In addition to the clean air and tranquil environment, visitors to Erić restaurant in the village of Mrčajevci or at the Prodanović family household on Jelica mountain, can enjoy svadbarski kupus, proja of Čačak, polenta or kaymak. Svadbarski kupus, a prized delicacy of the region, is made with sauerkraut and meat, which are boiled together for many hours in an earthen pot. In honour of their favourite local delicacy, locals in the village of Mrčajevci in the Čačak region host a famous event known as Kupusijada – “Cabbage Festival”!

The proja, a type of flat cornbread, and polenta (known locally as kačamak) of the Čačak region are made from an old variety of corn, known traditionally as osmak, which has eight rows of kernels on the cob. This white corn with a distinctive flavour makes for a uniquely-tasting proja that goes best with the kaymak of Čačak, made with milk from cows grazing in the mountains that surround the city.

Kraljevo
This city with a regal name, derived from “kralj” – Serbian for king, is situated at the very heart of Serbia, at the confluence of the rivers Ibar and West Morava.It attracts visitors both with its exciting history, traces of which can still be seen all over the city, and the numerous mountain resorts in its immediate vicinity and in the wider region. Mountains near Kraljevo include Goč, Kopaonik, Golija, Troglov, Čemerno, Kotlenik and Stolovi.

The best way to experience the spirit of the city and its sheer energy is to visit local events such as the “Merry Race” down the river Ibar or the Lilac Days.

 

The City
While the city of Kraljevo used to be an important resting point on the trade routes between Dubrovnik and Constantinople as early as in the age of the Roman Empire, it was in the Middle Ages that it truly flourished.The fate of this city is inextricably linked with the fate of the Serbian royal house of Nemanjić, who ruled these parts in the Middle Ages. The first Serbian king, Stefan the First-Crowned, was crowned not far from Kraljevo, at Žiča monastery, while the main city square in Kraljevo today bears the monastic name of his brother Rastko, Saint Sava.

Once known as Karanovac, this city at the confluence of the river Ibar took its present name in 1882, when King Milan Obrenović ordered it to be renamed at the pleading of the local populace.

The present-day street layout of Kraljevo was designed in the 19th Century, when the round-shaped central square and the streets intersecting at a right angle were built, which would become two of the most striking and recognisable features of Kraljevo.

Perhaps the best time to visit the city is during the Lilac Days, a cultural event celebrated every year to honour Helen of Anjou, wife of Serbian King Uroš I Nemanjić.

Just before the wedding, the Serbian king ordered his subjects to plant lilacs all along the Ibar river valley, to remind the future queen of her home region of Provence.

Kraljevo also boasts one of the most beautiful coats of arms in Serbia. The city’s mesmerising coat of arms features seven crowns on a red throne, symbolising the seven crownings of medieval Serbian kings at the nearby Žiča monastery.

 

Attractions
According to legend, Serbian Prince Miloš Obrenović personally drew the outline of the future city centre, with the main square and many streets, in a plain bowl full of sand. The design was brought to life in 1832 by his architect Laza Zuban.

The most striking feature of the central square is the Monument to Serbian Warriors fallen in the Balkan Wars, which has become a symbol of Kraljevo.

The oldest religious building in the city, the Holy Trinity Church, was built in the early 19th Century on the orders of Prince Miloš.

Kraljevo also has a colourful Roman Catholic church, originally built for the French experts who participated in the construction of the airplane factory in Kraljevo at the beginning of the 20th Century.
If you would like to learn more about the history of this city, visit the National Museum of Kraljevo, which displays thousands of invaluable historical, archaeological and ethnological artefacts and works of art.

 

Wider Area
Kraljevo lies at the confluence of the Ibar and the West Morava, with the smaller rivers Studenica, Ribnica and Gruža providing ample opportunities for fishing. In the summertime the water of the Ibar is pleasant and warm, ideal for bathing, boat rides, kayaking and canoeing.

Every year this river also hosts the Merry Race, when thousands of rafting enthusiasts gather to enjoy a ride, complete with music and good vibes, from the medieval town of Maglič to the city beach in Kraljevo.
The nearby Goč mountain offers plentiful opportunities for sports and recreation, from night skiing and day skiing to hiking trails and sports fields. Its ski slopes, suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike, will give you the opportunity to enjoy the snow whilst honing your skiing skills, while basketball, volleyball, handball and tennis courts guarantee additional fun off the slopes during the summer.

The beginnings of spirituality in Kraljevo can be traced back to the distant past, as witnessed by the medieval monasteries erected in its vicinity. Žiča monastery was the first seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church when it gained its independence in 1219. As many as seven heirs to the throne were crowned in this monastery, and a new door would be cut in its walls to mark each crowning, which is why Žiča is still known by its nickname, “the seven-door church”.

Studenica monastery, an endowment of Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja built in the 12th Century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exterior of the church is made of snowy-white marble, while its façade, windows and portals are ornamented in the Romanesque spirit, earning this monastery a spot on the Transromanica cultural route of the Council of Europe. The interior of the church is adorned with richly coloured and exquisitely crafted frescoes, painted in the Byzantine spirit.

 

Food
Kaymak, a creamy dairy product similar to clotted cream, is a staple of this region’s cuisine. This local delicacy is made by skimming a thin layer of fat from milk that has been simmering over a very low heat, adding a little salt and pouring layers of it on top for days.

Kaymak is also used for stuffing peppers and can be served with grilled meats or even trout. You can spread it on hot fried dough balls known as “uštipci”, eat it with buckwheat cornbread or simply enjoy the kaymak of Kraljevo in “gibanica”, a layer pastry made with cottage cheese and eggs, “cicvara”, a traditional dish made of corn and wheat flour or “ajmokac”, a creamy chicken sauce-stew.

Another distinctive feature of this region are the numerous sweet dishes made with a traditional jam made from “požegača”, a local plum variety. Plums are also the main ingredient of the local “rakija” however local varieties can include other fruits including apricots, quinces and pears.

Kruševac
The old Serbian capital Kruševac has come a long way from the medieval fortification it once was – once the nation’s capital, then a prosperous town and right through to the modern city that it is today.Surrounded by mountains and spa resorts, Kruševac offers its visitors opportunities to experience an active holiday or enjoy a relaxing visit to unwind.The city’s residents are also known as “čarapani” (literally “people in socks”), a nickname that has stuck with them since 1806. The explanation? In the final battles for the liberation of Kruševac in the First Serbian Uprising, a company from Kruševac managed to sneak into the town silently, “in socks”, and overpower the Turkish soldiers in the fortress.

 

The City
When Serbian Prince Lazar chose Kruševac as the place from which to defend medieval Serbia from Ottoman invaders, only a small settlement stood in this spot. The Prince soon reinforced the walls, built a city and made it his capital.Remains of the walls and towers of the medieval fortress can be seen at the archaeological site in Lazar’s Town in Kruševac. It was from this city that Prince Lazar led the Serbian army to the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 to defend his country from the rapidly approaching Turkish army. A monument in the main square of Kruševac commemorates the Battle of Kosovo.

 

Attractions
The history of Kruševac is inextricably intertwined with Prince Lazar Hrebeljanović, who erected it as the new capital of Serbia in 1371. Remains of the medieval town are accessible to visitors at the archaeological park called Lazar’s Town. Apart from the remains of the fortress walls and the keep tower, here you can also visit Lazarica church, built in the 14th Century – a perfectly preserved shrine dedicated to the firstborn son of Prince Lazar.

In the eastern part of the park is a monument to the founder of Kruševac, his image is also painted on a fresco in Ravanica monastery, while the Museum of the City of Kruševac displays a copy of the Prince’s robes as part of its collection of 22 thousand works of art and historical artefacts.

At the very heart of the city stands the Monument to the Heroes of Kosovo. Based in equal parts on historical facts and mythology, this monument made by sculptor Đorđe Jovanović gives a distinctive visual identity to the urban centre of the city from which the Serbian army went to the Battle of Kosovo in 1389.

A short distance away, at the City Hall of Kruševac, art lovers will enjoy visiting the Mosaic Room, decorated with several mosaics inspired by folk poetry, myths and folklore. This unique decorative display dedicated to Moravian Serbia shows key moments from the political, social, cultural and art history of the Kruševac region.

A gallery dedicated to Milić of Mačva, one of Serbia’s greatest 20th-Century painters, is also near Lazar’s Town. Here you can see a legacy of more than 120 richly-coloured supernatural compositions which exude an air of mysticism.

 

Wider Area
Not far from Kruševac lies Jastrebac, one of the most densely forested mountains in Serbia. Numerous hiking and cycling trails and sports fields make Jastrebac an ideal spot for active holiday enthusiasts. Those who like to spend their holidays near water will find just what they’re looking for on the artificial lake on Ravnište, a spacious plateau on Jastrebac mountain.

If you prefer a spa setting for your holidays, descend the slopes of Jastrebac and visit Ribarska banja spa at its base. Mineral water springs, a salt room and cave, saunas, luxury massage rooms and an old Turkish bath are just part of the wellness programme which will help you leave Ribarska banja spa rejuvenated.

In Aleksandrovačka Župa, one of the best-known wine regions of Serbia, wine lovers will have the opportunity to sample wines made from different grape varieties, including Prokupac, Tamjanika and Smederevka.

Not far from Kruševac are the remains of two medieval towns. Stalać is situated on a hill overlooking the river South Morava and captures visitors’ attention with its well-preserved tower, which locals call Todor of Stalać’s Tower. The remains of walls and towers of the fortified town of Koznik lie on a plateau near Aleksandrovac.

 

Food
The region of Kruševac has plenty of local dishes which are guaranteed to make your stay here even more pleasant. Do not miss an opportunity to taste some of the local delicacies – filo pies, “proja” (traditional cornbread), “pihtije” (aspic), “sarmice” (sauerkraut rolls) and chicken with honey and prunes.

Those with a sweet tooth should definitely taste the traditional regional desserts “salarice” and “orasnice” with honey. Steaming-hot lamb and veal roasted under a metal or stone lid are tastiest when eaten with fresh buns made from homemade flour with added wild garlic.

In the nearby town of Trstenik, you will find one of the last few surviving traditional soda stores, where you can buy carbonated water as well as the forerunner of soft drinks of today, “klaker”, a sweet, mildly carbonated drink made according to a traditional recipe.

Not far from Trstenik, the village of Stopanja celebrates the Day of Vegetables, when vegetables grown locally are served with wine and superbly delicious roast meat. In and around Stopanja, you can buy freshly-roasted pork or lamb, two dishes for which this village is known, at any time of day or night.

Novi Pazar
Surrounded by the peaks of Golija and Rogozna mountains and the Pešter Plateau, nestled in the valley lies Novi Pazar, a city where eastern and western influences mix and where Christianity and Islam meet.
No wonder, then, that Novi Pazar and its wider area contains a wealth of both Orthodox Christian and Islamic sacral buildings.

The remains of this region’s medieval architecture are of immense national, regional and international importance. Apart from its unrivalled cultural landmarks and buildings protected by UNESCO, another distinguishing feature of Novi Pazar are the slopes of Golija mountain, a nature park containing the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Golija-Studenica.

 

The City
Due to the city’s exceptional geographic situation at the crossroads of civilisations and trading routes, the people of this region have been predominantly traders since ancient times, a fact reflected in the city’s name, Novi Pazar, derived from Bazaar.

Through its history, Novi Pazar has changed hands between Zeta, Byzantium, Hungary, Bosnia, Austria-Hungary and Turkey. As you walk along the streets of this city, you will be able to trace the steps of the famous conquerors who passed through here on their westward conquests including Byzantine Emperor Manuel Komnenos and Fatih Sultan Mehmed II.

The former capital of the Nemanjić state of Raška and subsequent administrative centre of the Sanjak of Novi Pazar, from the 15th Century until as late as the beginning of the 20th Century, to this day proudly keeps the heritage of both Serbian medieval rulers and Ottoman sultans alive.

Although present-day Novi Pazar is a modern city and a university centre, with sports facilities and high-rize buildings, if you walk through the Old Town (Stara čaršija) or enter one of the famous pastry shops of Novi Pazar, you will be immersed in the spirit of bygone times and smitten by the lasting charm of this city.

 

Amenities
At the very heart of Novi Pazar, you will notice the remains of an old Turkish hammam, built in the 15th Century by Isa Bey Ishaković. Beneath its 11 domes, the hammam features 11 rooms, including a changing room and a room for heating water.

Another true architectural gem of Novi Pazar is the Altun-alem Mosque, named after the precious stone of alem. The mosque was built in the 16th Century by Muslihiddin Abdülgani, known also as Muyezin-Haji al Medini, one of the greatest scholarly minds of his time. The mosque is exceptionally well preserved and together with the old town transports visitors back to the time when Novi Pazar enjoyed the status of a şehir (city).

The Đurđevi Stupovi monastery, perched atop a hill above Novi Pazar, is one of the most exquisite examples of 12th-Century Orthodox Christian monasteries. Its importance has been recognised by UNESCO, which included it in the World Cultural Heritage List together with Sopoćani monastery, the Church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul and the remains of Ras and Gradina fortresses, under the common name of Stari Ras and Sopoćani.

The Sopoćani monastery is where Serbian king Stefan Uroš I was interned. The monastery also keeps fragments of holy relics of Saint Cosmas and Damian. The monastery is also known for its frescoes, most notably the Dormition of the Mother of God, declared the most beautiful medieval fresco at the 1961 world exhibition in Paris. Built on the foundations of an early Christian church and expanded many times over the centuries, the Church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul is one of the oldest churches in the Balkans and is an eclectic mix of architectural influences from different epochs. On the outside, the church is surrounded by necropolises, while its interior will entice you with fragments of frescoes of unparalleled beauty, dating back to three different periods: the 9th and 10th Centuries, the late 12th Century and the last decade of the 13th Century.

The city fortress on the banks of the river Raška was used in the defence of the city from enemy attacks. A relatively well-preserved watchtower built in the early 17th Century, known as Kula izvidnica or Kula motrilja, today stands along the northern wall.

When in Novi Pazar be sure to visit Amir-Aga’s Han, built in the 18th Century, which welcomed countless merchants to its inn who sought a place of respite while transporting goods from Skopje to Dubrovnik.

 

Wider Area
Just 32 kilometres away from Novi Pazar lies Golija, a nature park included in UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme together with the nearby Studenica monastery. As you traverse the mountain on maintained trails, you will be surrounded by more than 1,000 plant and animal species that inhabit the area.

Nestled between Jadovnik, Zlatar, Ozren, Giljeva, Zilidar, Javor and Golija mountains lies the Pešter Plateau, a true paradise for the lovers of pristine nature. Whether you choose to go alpine or Nordic skiing, mountain cycling or on a motorcycle adventure, the Pešter Plateau caters to all visitors, providing ample opportunity for a rich and eventful holiday.

The town of Sjenica, called the coldest town in Serbia because of its unique microclimate, is also near Novi Pazar. Sjenica Lake is ideal for bathing, rafting, kayaking or simply enjoying the view of the winding river Uvac.

After an active holiday in the mountains, spend a relaxing weekend at Novopazarska banja spa, which has been used as a medical resort since ancient Roman times. Today, it is a modern wellness centre with pools, mineral springs, an old Turkish bath and a large, well-kept park ideal for walks.

 

Food
Turkish influence is visible both in architecture and in the gastronomy of Novi Pazar. Be sure not to miss tasting the famous kebabs and manti, delicacies that have all but become an emblem of this region.
Beef kebabs used to be made in the streets. Today each kebab shop has its own family recipe, so you can taste the kebabs of Jonuz, Sak, Bek, Rile and others.

Individual pies made of small pieces of filo dough, known as manti, have been recorded as Serbia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage because of their age-old recipe. Originally, manti used to be filled with beef; however, you can also taste the more “modern” versions made with cheese and greens.

Serbia is known as a country with an intrinsic coffee-drinking culture and nowhere is coffee enjoyed more than in the region of Novi Pazar. Prepared in a copper coffee pot with bubbles on top, the coffee of Novi Pazar possesses a flavour that cannot be replicated by any other coffeemaker. Your enjoyment of the coffee will be complemented by the unique way in which it is served – with a small cup (filjan) for sipping, a separate jug with sugar and only made complete with a serving of Turkish delight.

Coffee is perfectly complemented by traditional sugary desserts: tufahije, baklava, kalburabasti, keten halva, tahan halva and sweet suji balls will sweeten your life like no dessert you have tasted before!

The villages around Sjenica, where cows and sheep graze every day, produce milk of superb quality, which is used when cooking local delicacies. Here you can also enjoy the flavours of lamb, as well as suji, various filo pies and buckwheat breads.