Elevate December 2022 | Air Serbia

Ritam Srbije / Rhythm of Serbia

for liberation, home to famous artists and a place of ref- uge for pilgrims, Čačak and its surroundings represent places where nature and culture intertwine in their great diversity and beauty. The West Morava, with its distinc- tive meandering course and complex of lakes, represents the most important water system in the Čačak area. This area presents the best of Serbia in one place, and whole- heartedly opens its doors to everyone: families, adven- turers, art lovers, fans of urban events and good cuisine, as well as those seeking peace of mind. Ovčar-Kablar Gorge The Ovčar-Kablar Gorge is a jewel of nature that’s located just 18 kilometres from Čačak. The gorge, which has carved itself a home between the sheer rock faces of Ovčar and Kablar, is a place that invigorates both body and soul. Here history and nature have fused on the for- ested slopes, representing a unique treasure. Anyone who sets out along the Ibar national road, in the shadow of the sloping fringes of the mountains, is enticed by the gorge itself to stop and enjoy the scenes of the meander- ing river, or to visit the Ovčar Spa and regenerate and re- invigorate themselves in its thermal waters. There are few gorges in Serbia that are adorned by such prominent river meanders or thermal springs as this one. The gorge is under state protection, as a Cat- egory I area of exceptional natural characteristics, and provides a habitat for many species of plant and animal. Combining perfectly in the embrace of the gorge are the shady beaches of the Morava and the sunny Međuvrš- je Lake, but also strolls beside the river and a catama- ran ride on it. Serbian Holy Mountain Apart from stunning natural beauty, the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge is also decorated with Orthodox monasteries that date back centuries. Thanks to its numerous monaster- ies and holy sites, this part of the Čačak area is known as the Serbian Holy Mountain. The mountain ridges and rises above the Morava provide a haven for as many as 10 Orthodox monasteries and two holy sites. It was at the Annunciation Monastery that popular Serbian Pa- triarch Pavle first became a monk. Jovanje Monastery [named after John the Baptist] is situated on the left bank of the West Morava, overlook- ing the river’s largest meander, while on the right bank is the Kađenica Cave, the Smoke Cave, which is also a sacred site with a monumental cave church. Nikolje Monastery [named after St. Nicholas], which boasts the oldest church among the Ovčar-Kablar mon- asteries, was erected on the slopes of Kablar. Its treasury preserves the Karan Gospel, the most important hand- written book in Serbian culture, which was penned early in the 17 th century. Uspenje, Assumption Monastery, is the only monastery that can be observed from all sides of the gorge. Hiking trails and the paths of clergymen make this gorge an ideal place for both recreational hik- ers and pilgrims.

Program je koncipiran kroz četiri podteme „Na slobodi“, „Na raskršću“, „Na Moravi“ i „Na kaldrmi / The programme has been conceived through four sub-themes: On Freedom, On the intersection, On the Morava, On the Cobblestones

Famous Petrović family Čačak was also home to the famous Petrović family, which gave us the likes of painter Nadežda Petrović and poet Rastko Petrović. Another great of the Čačak area is Serbian poet Vladislav Petković Dis, after whom the annual literary event that’s a trademark of Čačak cul- ture is named, Disovo proleće (Dis’s Spring). And these are all more than adequate reasons for you to include a visit to this magnificent region in your travel schedule for the year ahead.

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