RITAM SRBIJE / RHYTHM OF SERBIA
UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE Lush Golija, and on it Studenica UNESCO was prompted to declare Mount Golija the first biosphere reserve in Serbia due to the level of preservation of nature, with a large number of plant and animal species that include endemic and relict species, as well as the presence of Studenica Monastery, which has been on the World Heritage List since 1986.
sents a synonym for all of its flora: the Balkan Maple (Ac- er heldreichii), which even survived the last ice age. This mountain is renowned for its forests. There is a particu- larly strong presence of Beech trees and some parts are characteristic of rainforests, while its southern slopes are overgrown with vast meadows and pastures. The spe- cies Pimpinella serbica (Pancicia serbica) and Adamović’s thyme (Thymus adamovicii) have locally endemic features and are classed as species of international importance for the conservation of biodiversity. In order to explore Golija fully it is necessary to trav- el through its heights for days, passing through count- less dense deciduous and coniferous forests. And when your long hike culminates with you climbing to the high- est peak of Janko’s Rock, stop and enjoy the unforget- table view that extends all the way to the mountains of Prokletije, Zlatar and Kopaonik. Representing a special cul-
tural and historical treasure of Mount Golija is Studenica Monastery, which was found- ed at the end of the 12 th centu- ry, as the chief endowment of Stefan Nemanja, the initiator of the Nemanjić dynasty, and grad- ually developed to become the most important spiritual cen- tre of the new Serbian medie- val state. It was destroyed and rebuilt on multiple occasions. In the 12 th and 13 th centuries, the monastery complex includ- ed 13 churches and associated structures, two of which have been preserved to this day: the Church of the Virgin and the Church of the King (or the Church of the Holy Mother of God and the Church of Saints Joachim and Anna). It is indis-
T he significant label of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is held in our country by Bačko Po- dunavlje and Mount Golija, both of which are unique locations that are rich in diverse flora and fauna that must be preserved for future generations. Here we are taking the opportu- nity to introduce you to Golija, the tallest mountain in southwest Serbia, topped by the peak of Janko’s Rock at an altitude of 1,833 metres above sea level. It is necessary to spend days touring the heights of this mountainous beauty for a traveller to famil- iarise themselves with Golija even a little. And when we start moving away towards Kopaonik, Pešter or Dragačevo, Golija can be seen rising proudly above the other peaks of the Stari Vlah-Raška Mountain Range, like an island in a rising sea. The tame Mount Golija is rich in many plants and animals. When hik- ing over it you will have the unique opportunity to touch an exceptional natural monument that repre-
putable that Studenica Monastery is among the most val- uable buildings in the creative work of the Serbian nation and was one of the most important centres of medieval happenings. Its significance and values have extended be- yond the borders of the country for more than 30 years and it is included on the UNESCO list of World Herit- age Sites (since 1986). Also in the vicinity is Gradac Monastery, which was built in 1268 as the endowment of Queen Helen of An- jou, a princess of French origin and the wife of King Uroš I. The fact that this educated lady spent her life in the Ser- bian court had a resounding impact on the nation’s ed- ucation and culture. According to legendary tradition and records, King Uroš I ordered that lilacs be planted along the banks of the River Ibar to beautify the landscape of the area in Queen Helen’s honour. This explains the presence of li- lacs in the gorge of the Ibar to this day.
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