PIROT CITY OF PLEASURES AND TRADITIONS PIROTANDTHESURROUND- ING AREA BELONG TO THE region of Southeast Serbia, and folk danc- es are among the most important characteristics of the inhabitants of this region, marking the specificity of this area in a special way. The city of Pirot has found itself among the 15 Serbian cities included in filming for the documentary film and series Srpsko Kolo [Serbian Circle], which will present the Pirot Cultural Cen- tre’s folklore ensemble to the Serbi- an and international public through three Pirot kolo dances that are au- thentic to the area. And Pirot is a city that’s also proud of its cultural heritage and the widely renowned Pirot rug. The tradition of weaving these rugs has been passed down from generation to generation in this city over five centuries. And, to this day, the dili- gent fingers of weavers still use ver- tical looms to make rugs from finely spun Balkan Mountain wool accord- ing to strictly established rules. The Pirot rug is also unique in that it has no front and reverse sides, can last for a hundred years and is said to possess miraculous powers: to clear negative energy, preserve family uni- ty and protect its owner. But Pirot is much more than that. It is a city of pleasures and traditions, culture, customs and hospitality, sur- rounded by the most beautiful natu- ral landscapes of the Balkan Moun- From the wild and beautiful Balkan Mountain, via a rich folklore heritage, to the wonderful people and exceptional cuisine, the Pirot district has everything!
out that period. Here you will find large, sprawling mountain slopes and pastures that resemble some- thing out of a fairy tale, and wher- ever you turn you’ll spot mountain streams and magnificent waterfalls. That’s because almost a third of all waterfalls in Serbia are located on this mountain, one of the most acces- sible and commonly photographed of which is the Tupavica Waterfall near the village of Dojkinci. Locat- ed at an elevation of 1,050 metres above sea-level, it is exceptionally beautiful and falls from a height of up to 25 metres, making it one of Ser- bia’s most beautiful waterfalls. And when you head from Pirot towards Knjaževac, you will also encounter the Bigar Waterfall to the left of the road, which was named after the hol- low rock over which it flows, from a height as high as 35 metres. You also shouldn’t miss out on a trip to the Jerma River Canyon, representing an imposing gorge with steep cliffs that are 600-700 metres high. Located 30 kilometers from Pirot, it is home to as much as 27 per cent of all flora in Serbia and features a large number of en- demic and rare species. Home also to the golden eagle, it is the narrowest canyon in Serbia and across Europe. The fact that it is just a metre and a half wide has led to it earning an- other nickname: Cediljka (Strainer), in the section where it is at its nar- rowest. Also located in the vicinity of Pirot is the beautiful Zavoj Lake, and all of these represent just tiny parts of the overall beauty, tradition, culture and history of the unforget- table Pirot district.
tain. The local cuisine of Pirot and the nearby mountain, which form part of the tourist offer, represent one of the special experiences and the reason you shouldn’t miss out on sampling the famous Pirot cheese and ironed sausage. While you’re in the city itself, en- joy a stroll along the famous Pirot quayside, a favourite spot for relax- ation and recreation among all Pirot natives. There is also the Museum of Ponišavlje, an important monu- ment of traditional Serbian architec- ture, and the vantage point of Sar- lah, which offers an incredible view of the city. Don't miss the Pirot For- tress, Momčilo’s Town, which dates back to the 14 th century and was re- cently reconstructed and declared one of Serbia’s seven most beautiful for- tresses. The city fortification, locat- ed beside the river Nišava, marks the entrance to the city. Built by Duke Momčilo during the reign of Prince Lazar, it remained in military use all the way up to the first half of the 20 th century. The beauty of Pirot’s surrounding area is known far and wide, thanks mostly to the beautiful Balkan Moun- tain, which represents Serbia’s larg- est protected natural asset and boasts more than 300 km of marked trails for hiking, walking, cross-country running, cycling and horseback rid- ing... Known locally as the Old Moun- tain (Stara Planina), the entire pen- insula is actually named after the Balkan Mountain, which is Eastern Serbia’s largest mountain. It is un- der snow cover for five months of the year, offering good conditions for skiers and lovers of snow through-
Lepota okoline Pirota je nadaleko poznata, najviše zahvaljujući prelepoj Staroj planini The beauty of Pirot’s surrounding area is known far and wide, thanks mostly to the beautiful Balkan Mountain
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