Šipovo: Nature, Rivers and Medieval Culture

The source of the Janj River is suitable for picnics and walks and can only be reached on foot. Four kilometres downstream from the source of the Janj lie the Janjske otoke beside the main road from Šipovo to Kupres. They comprise several cascades and waterfalls and form a karst valley about one kilometre long and approximately 300 metres wide.

The Janj Canyon is a protected nature reserve with a hiking trail. The Sokočnica River also flows through a ten-kilometre-long canyon. The Sokočnica River Canyon is a route for photo safaris and hikes. Šipovo also has numerous cycling and hiking trails through characteristic landscapes.

In the western part of the Šipovo municipality, the Pliva River rises from three springs 8.5 kilometres from the town centre at an elevation of 481 metres. Along an accessible stretch of 33 kilometres, the Pliva offers diverse fish stocks and opportunities for fly-fishing. May is considered the preferred month for fly-fishing on the Pliva because large mayflies and stoneflies are common then.

Ada Sokočnica is a developed recreation area on the Pliva River, suitable for excursions and summer outdoor activities. A hiking trail begins at Ada Sokočnica. Vagana Cave is located 19 kilometres from Šipovo, near the village of Vagan on the road to Kupres.

Soko Grad is a medieval fortress known as the last refuge of the Bosnian king Stjepan Tomašević. The historic salt road also passed through Šipovo; its remains are still visible today.

Glogovac Monastery is a medieval Serbian Orthodox monastery dedicated to Saint George the Great Martyr. It is located in Janj, in the canyon of the Glogovac stream between the hills of the Gorice mountain range. The monastery was established in the first half of the 14th century during the reign of Kings Dragutin and Milutin.

The Janjski Sabor cultural event has been held every year on All Saints’ Sunday at Glogovac Monastery since the time of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The traditional costume from Janj is preserved by members of the “Janj” Cultural and Artistic Society from Strojice. The “Svetosavska Exhibition” showcases works of art and folk handicrafts.

Dani Šipova is a traditional event held every year in July, offering a sports, cultural and entertainment programme. The Janjski višeboj, a traditional sports and cultural event, is also held in Strojice in July.

At Pitijada, participants compete in quickly rolling out dough and preparing pita. Janj is known for its braided Janj cheese, Gužvaš cheese and Janj kajmak.

More destinations: Vučja Luka, Novi Grad, Karanovac, Ljubina, Staro Rudo, Modriča, Derventa, Foča.

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