Vrelo: Church, Wetland and Local History

• The Church of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas was built in 1848.
• The 15-hectare Ždralovica wetland lies near Vrelo and Sovljak and is fed by springs from Vrelo.
• The settlement’s parts branch off from the main spring area of Rašća; Staro Vrelo is considered the oldest part of the settlement.

The Church of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas was built by master builder Todor Todorović. A cultural heritage report dated December 29, 2022, identifies it as a cultural monument. Two distinct aspects of its furnishings are worth highlighting: the iconostasis is considered one of the finest works by painter Lazar Krdžalić. The church also houses a gold-embroidered ecclesiastical pall that received an award at the World’s Fair in Paris. The artistic work on the iconostasis and the history of an award-winning textile therefore stand as separate topics.

There are also remains of demolished churches in Vrelo. Together with the named Church of St. Nicholas, they point to different traces of the area’s ecclesiastical architectural history: an existing church building and the remains of former churches. If you are interested in the cultural character of the place, it is worth distinguishing between these two kinds of traces.

Ždralovica is a wetland near Vrelo and Sovljak. It covers 15 hectares, is fed by springs from Vrelo, and is covered with marsh plants. Its area, water source and vegetation describe different characteristics of the wetland: its size indicates its extent, while the springs and plants give a clearer sense of its landscape character.

In the area of Vrelo and Sovljak, Jezava refers to an oxbow channel through which water flows during floods. This distinguishes two different types of water feature: Ždralovica is a spring-fed wetland, while Jezava is a watercourse that carries off floodwater. This distinction is useful if you want to understand Vrelo’s landscape not only by its water features’ names, but also by their different functions.

Vrelo lies in the central Tamnava area. The parts of the settlement branch off from the main spring area of Rašća, while local historical interpretation considers Staro Vrelo to be the oldest part of the settlement. The two names offer different points of reference: Rašća is connected with the layout of the settlement, while Staro Vrelo is connected with its recorded history. Together, these details help you consider the place’s geographical setting and historical interpretation separately.

Discover more destinations: Mionica, Osečina, Berkovac, Ljig, Valjevo, Ćelije, Rakari, Slavkovica.

Which patron saint’s day does the church in Vrelo celebrate?

It is the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas. The patron saint’s day was celebrated on May 23, 2026.

Does Ždralovica freeze over in winter?

No. Ždralovica remains lukewarm in winter and does not freeze over.

Where was the first football match in Vrelo held?

The first football match between Vrelo and Brezovica was played in the summer of 1939 in the meadows of Čanić.

Go to the regional travel overview: Kolubara District.