Čačak – Museums, Monuments and Events

Čačak lies between the Jelica Mountains to the south, Ovčar and Kablar to the west, and Vujan to the north. The city beach on the West Morava is used for recreation and also serves as a venue for entertainment and sporting events. The city centre is home to the Cultural Centre, a hub for cultural events in a building with an area of approximately 4,000 m². The cityscape also includes well-preserved, architecturally harmonious neighbourhoods that combine traditional building techniques with elements of modern architecture.

An important starting point for exploring the city's history is the Master Jovan Konak, built in 1835. The permanent exhibition of the National Museum of Čačak is housed in this building. It covers three subject areas: the Čačak region from prehistory to the end of the Middle Ages; the monasteries and churches of Ovčar-Kablar and the Čačak region; and the Čačak region during the uprisings and wars from 1804 to 1941. The art collections also offer different points of access. The Risim Gallery in Čačak holds a memorial exhibition twice a year featuring 23 paintings by Risim from the years 1952 to 1983. One admission ticket provides access to both exhibition areas: the exhibition area of the “Nadežda Petrović” Gallery at 6 Cara Dušana Street and the exhibition area of the Risim Gallery at 11 Gospodar Jovanova Street in Čačak. One gallery presents five collections: “Nadežda and contemporaries”, Yugoslav painting from the second half of the 20th century, contemporary art, the memorial collection of Bogić Risimović Risim, and drawings and caricatures by Pjer Križanić. The collection of 20th-century paintings comprises more than 500 works.

The Intermunicipal Historical Archive in Čačak is housed in the former building of the District Administration of Čačak, which was built between 1875 and 1877. The building has been classified as a cultural asset of great importance. The archival holdings are publicly accessible in the reading room, subject to the stated restrictions. The entrance area also houses the Salon of Photography, which organises solo and group photography exhibitions. Among the older historical sites is the Roman bath in the centre of Čačak. It dates from late antiquity and has been declared a cultural monument. The Ossuary Monument of the Four Religions was built and consecrated in 1934. It preserves the mortal remains of 918 soldiers, including 652 Serbian fighters. On Ljubić Hill, a memorial commemorates the fighters and events of the Serbian wars of liberation in the 19th and 20th centuries. The oldest monument in the complex is dedicated to the Battle of Ljubić in 1815 and the deed of Tanasko Rajić; it was partially erected in 1938. Religious heritage also forms part of the historical picture: the treasury of the Čačak Church preserves several old manuscripts, including the four-Gospel manuscript known as the “Čačak Gospels”. A temple was built between 1180 and 1190, and one bell is among the oldest in Serbia.

The protected landscape of outstanding importance, the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge, is partly located within the territory of the city of Čačak. The gorge therefore complements the city's museums and monuments with a landscape area possessing its own natural and cultural profile. For a summer programme, the Sports Centre in Čačak organises activities at the city beach and in the swimming pools. Events also set different accents. “Dis' Spring” is a poetry event that has been held without interruption since 1964. DUK is an international youth festival that combines extreme sports, mural painting, hip-hop culture and music. Depending on your interests, Čačak can therefore be viewed as a destination for a cultural and historical stay, for events or as a combination of city and landscape. For further comparisons, you can also consult Riđage, Mrčajevci, Vučkovica, Ozrem, Gornji Banjani, Trudelj, Gornja Trepča and Ivanjica.

How extensive is the collection of 20th-century art?

The collection of 20th-century paintings comprises more than 500 works.

Which building houses the Intermunicipal Historical Archive?

The archive is located in the former building of the District Administration of Čačak, dating from 1875 to 1877. It has been classified as a cultural asset of great importance.

When does “Dis' Spring” take place?

The event takes place every year from 10 March, Dis's birthday, until the end of May in Čačak and the surrounding area. It also promotes the creativity of young authors.

What nature experiences are available in the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge?

Nineteen species of wild-growing orchids are known in the gorge. Marked hiking trails lead to monasteries and viewpoints overlooking the surrounding nature, the forested mountain ranges and the West Morava.

To the higher-level travel overview: Moravica District.