Okrug Moravica: Gorges, Monasteries and Nature

The Ovčar-Kablar Gorge encompasses 14 kilometres of the course of the West Morava River as well as the Međuvršje and Ovčar reservoirs. Because of its ten monasteries and two holy sites, it is also known as the “Serbian Mount Athos”.

The Ovčar-Kablar Gorge is an Important Bird Area where 160 bird species have been recorded to date. Golija Nature Park covers 75,183 ha and is classified in protection category I as a natural asset of exceptional importance. Together, Golija and Tara form a refuge for Tertiary flora in Serbia and a centre of genetic, species and ecosystem diversity in the Balkans and Europe.

The Moravica, Studenica and Nošnica rivers are clear, fast-flowing mountain rivers. They wind through limestone beds and form narrow, steep gorges in the area around Ivanjica.

The stone bridge in Ivanjica over the Moravica has a single arch with a span of 25 metres. An old bridge over the upper reaches of the river is located on an old path that once led from Ivanjica via Međurečje and Bratljevo towards Sandžak and is now passable only for pedestrians and pack horses.

Nikolje Monastery is considered the oldest church among the monasteries of the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge and is situated on the slopes of Kablar. Blagoveštenje Monastery preserves the Blagoveštenje Gospel, created in 1372.

Takovski Grm is a cultural asset of exceptional importance and a historical complex with buildings and monuments connected with the beginning of the Second Serbian Uprising. The wooden church in Takovo was built in 1795 on the site of an older church dating from 1724 and is considered one of the oldest structures of this type of ecclesiastical architecture in Serbia.

The museum in Takovo is housed in a school building and preserves numerous exhibits relating to the Second Serbian Uprising. The Konak of Prince Miloš Obrenović in Gornja Crnuća features a permanent exhibition with copies of photographs, documents and paintings, as well as several original exhibits relating to the Second Serbian Uprising.

Norveška kuća combines the traditions of Norway and Serbia and is at the same time a museum, restaurant, concert hall and screening room. Norveška kuća in Gornji Milanovac is considered a permanent monument to the friendship between the peoples of Serbia and Norway.

The Dragačevski Sabor trubača in Guča was first held in 1961 and has taken place annually ever since. The Trumpet Museum in Guča preserves the history of trumpet playing as well as the memory of individuals and events that contributed to the development of the Dragačevski Sabor trubača. At the Dragačevski Sabor trubača in Guča, svadbarski kupus, good roasted meat and homemade rakija are recommended as food and drinks; svadbarski kupus is one of the specialities from Dragačevo.

The Javor Assembly of double-flute players and old Serbian instruments takes place every year on the Sunday before Vidovdan and brings together musicians from all parts of Serbia. The Javor Assembly of double-flute players and old Serbian instruments serves to preserve tradition, original folk art and cultural identity.

The National Museum in Čačak has permanent exhibition sections covering history from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages, the monasteries and churches of the Ovčar-Kablar region, and the Čačak region during the uprisings and wars from 1804 to 1941. The Roman Baths archaeological site in Čačak is protected as a cultural monument.

Other places in Okrug Moravica: Ivanjica, Vučkovica, Guča, Grab, Gornja Trepča, Lozanj, Gornji Banjani, Konjevići, Gornji Milanovac, Riđage, Kušići, Rudnik, Majdan, Koštunići, Trudelj, Mrčajevci, Ozrem, Leušići, Ovcar Banja, Čačak

To the higher-level travel overview: Central Serbia.