Gastronomy worth remembering
One of Western Serbia’s main char- acteristics is its rich and varied cui- sine. Almost every town has at least one unique dish representing its main gastronomic feature. Thus, Čačak can boast of having the best meat roasters in Serbia, while you also shouldn’t miss its boiled cab- bage – a speciality that has earned its own annual event in the nearby village of Mrčajevci. The Valjevo ar- ea can boast of being home to one of the entire country’s most rec- ognisable specialties: duvan čvar- ci [tobacco crackling, so named be- cause this type of pork crackling resembles cut tobacco]. The Duvan Čvaraka Festival is held every year beside the river Kolubara and rep- resents another great gastronom- ic holiday. One thing for which the town of Užice is renowned far and wide is undoubtedly the speciality known as komplet lepinja. The rec- ipe is quite simple: flatbread bun, kajmak milk curd, egg and meat dripping – unforgettable! And Sjen- ica cheese will become an obliga- tory ingredient for all lovers of full- fat, full-flavoured cheeses. Made by hand in mountain households, it is produced in thin slices that are stacked on top of each other…
one of our country’s top natural wonders. Zlatar also provides an opportunity to get to know the tradition of this area, particularly during the summer months. Zlatar Fest is held in July and includes the presenting of products made by the “golden hands of Zlatar”, the proper thick and chunky soup that is Zlatarska čorba and fun with a folklore programme, while August is the month of the great Village Olympics… The area of Golo Brdo [Naked Hill] at the top of Zlatar provides a won- derful view, and one must while you’re here is definite- ly Zlatar Lake, which has a surreal turquoise, green col- our and resembles some exotic location when seen in person. It formed in the 1960s following the construc- tion of a dam that blocked the river Uvac near the settle-
ment of Kokin Brod and is today the third largest dam in Serbia, after those in Đerdap and Perućac. This lake is largely navigable and exploring it by rowing boat is a unique experience. A favourite daytrip destination for young people from nearby towns, this lake offers salva- tion from the summer heat on its pontoon beach and in its clear water. Divčibare The Valjevo Mountains represent a highland area with huge tourist potential, while Divčibare is the most famous area in those mountains. Located near Valjevo, this range hides stunning scenes that remain insufficiently explored. Exciting canyons, waterfalls that impress dur-
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