Ritam Srbije / Rhythm of Serbia
Welcome to Valjevo The heroic spirit of the Kolubara Valley Desanka's Wreath, with the monument and Živojin Mišic Square, alongside the Kneza Miloša shopping street, comprise a beautiful pedestrian zone in the city centre V aljevo is a historical city of defiance and tragedy, but its modern heart is located in the street that bears the name of its most famous general: Duke Mišić. Nes- tled in the valley of the river Kolubara, this attractive city in Western Serbia has produced a large number of famous personalities: archpriest Mate- ja Nenadović, writer Milovan Glišić, renowned military leader Živojin Mišić, poet Desanka Maksimović and painter Ljuba Popović are just a few of those whose fates were entwined with the spirit of Valjevo. Follow in their footsteps and discover the items, works and legends that they left behind throughout the city. All visitors first head to Tešnjar, the old quarter of the city that still preserves the aesthetics of the Otto- man period. This was once the city centre area, a bus- tling centre of crafts and open-air trade. Tešnjar is among the few bazaars anywhere in Serbia that remain com- pletely authentic and preserved, having succeeded in maintaining the spirit of the 18 th century. Many street- side establishments have long since closed their doors, but Tešnjar remains the city’s most striking and im- pressive attraction. Interestingly, Valjevo has the un- usual nickname of “The City with two bazaars”. Op- posing one another are two faces on either side of the Kolubara. The old core, in the form of the aforemen- tioned Tešnjar, which preserves the spirit of the Ori- ent, stands opposite the modern city centre that was built in an appealing European style, with expansive squares and flower beds. Don’t miss out on a visit to Kneza Miloša Street, which today represents the downtown area’s main hub
of shopping, and also head to Karađorđeva Street, which is home to numerous gems of Valjevo: the main square, the building of the City Administration, a library and a park complete with a beautiful fountain. Represent- ing a distinctive offer of the city is the National Mu- seum in Valjevo, which is considered one of the coun- try’s most complex and best equipped institutions of its kind. The cathedral church located at the confluence of the Gradac and Kolubara rivers is Valjevo’s largest and most important temple, while it is also another must-see landmark. This monumental edifice is Ser- bia’s second largest place of worship, outdone only by Belgrade’s St. Sava Temple. Valjevo has also been the scene of dramatic histor- ical events, including some that led to the First Serbi- an Uprising. In an attempt to quell a growing sense of discontent, the Ottoman janissaries launched a cam- paign against the dukes and magnates, which led to the event known as the Slaughter of the Knezes. The city’s oldest preserved building is also the place where two of the most important dukes were held hostage prior to being executed. Aleksa Nenadović and Ilija Birčanin spent their final hours in the basement of Muselim’s Lodgings, which today houses a permanent exhibition on the two Serbian uprisings. Rising above Valjevo is Vidrak Hill, which is home to a large memorial park that’s packed with sculptures and monuments. It also boasts one of the country’s most impressive statues, which itself represents a trib- ute to the defiance of one man, but also one nation. It was on this spot, back in 1942, that the occupying Nazi army executed one Stevan Filipović, who was later de- clared a national hero in the struggle against fascism from the very outbreak of the war. Before being sent to his death, he raised his hands in the air and shout- ed “death to fascism, freedom to the people”. A famous monument was erected on the spot as a permanent re- minder of the libertarian spirit of this part of the world. The area surrounding Valjevo hides numerous treas- ures of nature. There are the clean air of the Valjevo Mountains, pristine forests of Maljen, healing waters and lush vegetation, as well as valuable cultural treas- ures like four precious monasteries that we will leave for you to discover for yourself. For this article we will only take you to Divčibare... Fresh air and an always pleasant climate entice large numbers of tourists to return to this magical plateau to enjoy its charms time and again. Divčibare is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations and is par- ticularly popular among tourists seeking an active holi- day with children. With the arrival of the first snowfall, the plateau transforms into a true mini winter wonder- land that is adored by children. The area is perfect for sleigh rides and all other wintry activities, but also for enjoying all the charms that winter brings. Skiing, as the most popular winter sport, isn’t overlooked here either. The Divčibare tourist centre is located approxi- mately 40 kilometres from Valjevo.
Banja Vrujci poznata je po svojim toplim lekovitim vodama i blatu, a nalazi se u dolini reke Toplice, 30 kilometara od Valjeva Banja Vrujci, famous for the healing properties of its warm waters and mud, is located in the Toplica river valley, 30 kilometres from Valjevo
Sleva nadesno: spomenik Stevanu Filipoviću, vodopad na reci Gradac, vidikovac na Divčibarama, spomenik Desanki Maksimović i centar Valjeva From left to right: Monument to Stevan Filipović, waterfall on the river Gradac, Divčibare observation deck, monument to Desanka Maksimović and Valjevo city centre
92 | Srbija » Serbia
Serbia » Srbija | 93
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