Knić – Nature, Culture and Rural Agrotourism

Documented points of interest include ten marked hiking trails in the Kotlenik area, a rowing course on Gružansko Lake near Knić, and protected natural and cultural sites. These include Borački Krš, the medieval town of Borač, Kamenac Monastery, and several monuments in the surrounding area. Traditional events take place in May, August and September.

A marked and signposted hiking trail leads from the village of Leskovac via Kotlenik to Knić. It is 26.5 km long and therefore forms a clearly described connection between the village, the mountain and the destination. In the Kotlenik area, ten marked hiking trails also lead from the surrounding villages of Pajsijević, Leskovac, Guberevac, Guncati, Sirča, Trgovište and Miločaj. For trip planning, this means distinguishing between the explicitly named 26.5-km trail and additional marked trails with different starting directions.

The annual hiking event “Gledićka transverzala” takes place in the Gledićke planine mountains. Another way to experience the landscape is the two-day “Gruža-Borač-Knić” Photo Safari Festival. It has been organized in the municipality of Knić for almost a decade and invites photography enthusiasts to capture landscapes, cultural and historical monuments, and ethnographic motifs. Nearby Gružansko Lake has a rowing course and complements the hiking themes with a documented water-sports opportunity.

Borački Krš is protected as a Category I natural monument because of its geological and geomorphological characteristics and its distinctive flora and fauna. The remains of the medieval town of Borač lie on its summit, 7.5 km north of Knić. The town is protected as a cultural asset of great importance. In the village of Borač near Knić, there is also an old cemetery protected as a cultural monument.

In the surroundings of Knić, the Boračka Church is mentioned in written records from 1346 and 1350. Next to the church is a medieval cemetery with characteristic Kapačara monuments; the oldest of these monuments date from the 16th century. According to tradition, the founding of Kamenac Monastery at the beginning of the 15th century is attributed to Despot Stefan Lazarević. However, the earliest history of the monastery is unknown. The sisterhood produces herbal balms, teas and tinctures from plants gathered in the surrounding area and from its own cultivation.

Other protected sites include the Memorial House in Toponica and Čestin Gradina. The Memorial House is protected as immovable cultural heritage and a cultural monument, and in 1941 served as the headquarters of the Kragujevac Partisan detachment. Čestin Gradina is protected as a cultural asset and archaeological site.

“Gružansko proleće” is a traditional May event in Knić dedicated to young people and the development of their talents. The “Gruža-Borač-Knić” Photo Safari Festival is also a two-day event held in May. It is followed by the art exhibition “Knić i Gruža kroz objektiv”, organized under the patronage of and according to the rules of the Photo Association of Serbia.

“Knićansko leto” traditionally takes place in Knić on 2 August and 19 August. A cultural and artistic program is held outdoors in front of the Knić Cultural Center. The “Dani Stevana Knićanina” event takes place every September in Knić. The dates and recurrence details stated describe the traditional event schedule and do not automatically constitute a specific program for every upcoming year.

Authentic rural households continue to form one of the defining foundations of agrotourism in the Knić area. Tourism development began in the 1970s, when the first guests discovered the appeal of rural life and the hospitality of the hosts.

If you would like to compare additional destinations, you can also find Mladenovac, Kragujevac, Dragolj, Kijevo, Bukorovac, Aranđelovac, Stojnik and Topola.

How long is the signposted hiking trail to Knić?

The marked and signposted trail from the village of Leskovac via Kotlenik to Knić is 26.5 km long.

On which days does Knićansko leto traditionally take place?

Knićansko leto traditionally takes place in Knić on 2 August. The program includes a cultural and artistic program held outdoors in front of the Cultural Center.

What is known about the Boračka Church?

The Boračka Church in the surroundings of Knić is mentioned in written records from 1346 and 1350. Next to it is a medieval cemetery with Kapačara monuments, the oldest of which date from the 16th century.

How is the founding of Kamenac Monastery traditionally described?

According to tradition, Kamenac Monastery in the surroundings of Knić was founded at the beginning of the 15th century by Despot Stefan Lazarević. The earliest history of the monastery is unknown.

For the general travel overview: Šumadija District.