WE’RE TAKING YOU TO ČAČAK
Between trumpets and monastic serenity Rivers, mountains, art, folk crafts, sporting greats and big-hearted locals... It can all be found in Čačak and the surrounding area, which combine everything that’s best about Serbia I n the foothills around the Ovčar- Kablar Gorge, on the banks of the River Zapadna Morava, ris- es a city that combines Šumadia’s temperamental spirit with the gentle soul of Western Serbia. It is al- so renowned as the hometown of many famous artists, athletes and sci- entists. From poet Vojislav Ilić, paint- er Nadežda Petrović and musician Bora Đorđević, via legendary basketball aces like Dragan Kićanović and Željko Obra- dović, to stars of contemporary music – this city has long since proved that its residents have talent in their genes. At the very heart of the city, the Na- tional Museum of Čačak preserves the story of the city from prehistoric times to the present day, while the city gal- lery proudly bears the name of Nadež- da Petrović and boasts an impressive collection of contemporary Serbi- an paintings. And just a stone’s throw away is a mural of Željko Obradović that testifies to the city’s passion for basketball – a sport that isn’t merely played here, but lived for. Ovčar-Kablar Gorge Just 15 kilometres from the city cen- tre, nature takes centre stage. The Ovčar-Kablar Gorge, representing one of Serbia’s most beautiful are- as, is the spot where the Morava has carved its way between the Ovčar and Kablar mountains, creating a breath- taking scene for anyone who climbs up
to one of the observation points. And the panoramic view from the top is something you’ll never forget, thanks to the majestic meanders of the Mora- va far below and the mist that spreads through the valley, while monastery bells ring somewhere in the distance. This area is also known as the Serbian Holy Mountain, as it is home to nine medieval monasteries, each of which has its own story and legend. There are also the hot springs of Ovčar Spa, which offers respite, healing waters and the kind of serenity that isn’t pro- vided at even the most expensive spa centres. Flavours that tell stories Food is part of the identity of Čačak and the surrounding area. People here eat slowly, with pleasure, and always ac- companied by stories. Among indispen- sable traditional specialities are the lo- cal Čačak cheese and milk curd and, of course, the roast. Guests are still wel- comed to rural households around the Dragačevo and Jelica districts with warm cornbread, pogača breadcakes and plum rakia. For those with a sweet tooth, there are Čačak’s famous plum varieties, which have fed the people and their poetry for centuries.
val. Adventurers can enjoy paragliding from Mount Kablar or kayaking on the Morava. The Monastery of St. Nicholas of Roš- ci, located in the placid Ovčar-Kablar Gorge, is among the most important and beautiful monasteries anywhere in the Balkans. This holy site that’s in close proximity to Ovčar Spa is sur rounded by the beauty of the mountains and the serenity of nature. And it is not only a spiritual sanctuary, but also represents a genuine jewel of culture and history. One of the most important symbols of this monastery is the sacred pine that grows in its courtyard. According to lo- cal belief, this pine possesses healing powers that have led to it spontane- ously becoming the central element of the monastery’s courtyard, with believ- ers often seen praying around it. Apart from this miraculous pine tree, Nikol- je Monastery is also proud of its unique frescoes, which date back to the 16 th and 17 th centuries. City with a soul Despite attracting ever-more tourists, Čačak has preserved its unique charm and forthrightness. The city centre is vibrant and crowded in the evening hours, with people walking along the pedestrian street, while live music can be heard emanating from the taverns. As such, if you’re seeking a place where nature, tradition, art and the warmth of welcoming hosts intertwine in per- fect rhythm – come to Čačak. Not be- cause of its attractions, but because of the feeling that you’ll take away with you. That’s because this city doesn’t win you over at first sight – but rather forever and always.
From trumpets to a miraculous pine tree
Those wanting to explore more than the city can easily discover the hid- den treasures of the Čačak area. Just half an hour’s drive away are the dis- trict of Dragačevo and the village of Guča, which has become a global sym- bol of Serbian music, joy and tradition thanks to its annual trumpet festi-
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