Belanovce – Valley History and a Forest Excursion

• Belanovce lies on the left side of the Cernica Valley at an elevation of 270 to 320 meters above sea level.
• The Cernica is a left-bank tributary of the Jablanica and runs along the southern edge of Belanovce’s cadastral area.
• Belanovce was first mentioned in 1516, when the name Belanovci was used.
• Above the village, Pašina (Partizanska) Česma is set in oak and coniferous forest at an elevation of about 320 meters. The excursion destination includes sports fields and a hotel.
• An asphalt regional road runs south of Belanovce, connecting Leskovac with Prokuplje via Bojnik.

Belanovce’s location is closely connected with the Cernica Valley. The Cernica itself runs along the southern edge of the cadastral area; it is a left-bank tributary of the Jablanica. This makes it possible to distinguish the village’s location in the valley from the river’s location.

Pašina (Partizanska) Česma is above Belanovce, amid oak and coniferous forest. The excursion destination is listed at an elevation of about 320 meters, roughly corresponding to the upper end of the elevation range given for Belanovce. Thus, the valley location and a forested destination above the village are distinct aspects of the surrounding area. Pašina includes sports fields. Check their condition before visiting.

On February 18, 1942, Bulgarian occupying forces killed 45 residents of Belanovce and neighboring villages in Belanovce. A memorial in Belanovce commemorates the victims of this wartime event. The village thus preserves a specific memory of the occupation, alongside other historical accounts that reach back to different periods.

Belanovce was first mentioned in 1516 under the name Belanovci. According to local tradition, an ancient settlement also stood on the site of present-day Belanovce. The church of this settlement is said to have stood south of Gornja Mahala, at the place still known as Crkvište. Remains of an old “Latin” cemetery are said to have been discovered while working the fields near the former church site.

Belanovce is also believed to have existed earlier, during the medieval Serbian state. For the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods, accounts describe a route that, with a high degree of probability, ran from Cornje Brijanje through Podrimce to Skunae, present-day Leskovac, passing through Belanovce. The 1516 mention is a dated point of reference; the claims about ancient and medieval settlement and the route are phrased more cautiously.

Belanovce once had many vineyards. Residents also skillfully made cheese that was in great demand at the Leskovac market. These details tell of different aspects of the village’s former economy: viticulture shaped agriculture, while the cheese was sought after at a market outside the village.

The asphalt regional road runs south of Belanovce and connects Leskovac with Prokuplje via Bojnik. If you plan your journey along this route, check current road conditions in advance. The road provides regional orientation without specifying a travel time or access to individual destinations.

Pašina includes a hotel. If you are considering this particular accommodation, check before your trip whether it is currently operating and available to book. This keeps the specific hotel information tied to the excursion destination and avoids confusing it with a statement about other accommodation in the village.

Discover more destinations: Leskovac, Predejane, Lebane, Brod, Sijarinska Banja and Bojnik.

Where is Belanovce?

Belanovce lies on the left side of the Cernica Valley at an elevation of 270 to 320 meters above sea level. The Cernica runs along the southern edge of the cadastral area.

What does the Pašina excursion destination include?

Pašina (Partizanska) Česma is above Belanovce, amid oak and coniferous forest at an elevation of about 320 meters. The excursion destination includes sports fields and a hotel; check the condition of the sports fields and the hotel’s operating status and availability before your visit.

What historical themes are associated with Belanovce?

A memorial commemorates the 45 residents of Belanovce and neighboring villages who were killed on February 18, 1942. Local accounts also concern an ancient settlement, possible earlier settlement during the medieval Serbian state, and a reconstructed route through the village.

For the broader travel overview: Jablanica District.