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Mountain Beauties 6 Miraculous Gifts of Nature 7 Faster, Stronger, Better! 8 Take It Easy! Take A Rest! 9 Your Strength Enters Through Your Mouth 10 Ethno Corner 11 The Cradle of Folk Spirituality 12 The Battle for Freedom 13
Contents
Welcome to the Green County 4 Why is Zlatibor more than just a mountain? 5
Folk Treasure Chest 14 The Leader of the Industrialization 15 Experience More! Get to Know us Better! 16 Information 19
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Welcome to the Green County!
Borivoje Šišović - Medicinal herbs collector
I greet you in the name of Zlatibor, Tara, Zlatar and Golija, in the name of medicinal plants and herbs from these green mountains, in the name of forests and rivers, hills and valleys, in the name of people known as Ere. I would like to invite you to visit us, to take deep breaths of mountain air, to walk along the health trails, to go rafting on our rivers, to see where griffon vultures land and to hear the River Drina roaring. I would like to invite you to visit our villages and meet local people, have a glass of rakija with them and try the best cheese and kaymak while listening to their stories and legends so that you can learn who we really are and what we do. Feel free to ask them how to make the best wooden buckets and vessels, how to spin wool and carve wood. Take with you a sweater and socks from the village of Sirogojno so that they keep you warm if the winter is severe, take some loin sausage and prosciutto from the village of Mačkat and don’t forget the teas, medicinal herbs and honey – for health is the greatest wealth, and there is enough health for everyone here. Pay a visit to our monasteries and wooden churches, take a look at the most beautiful frescoes and hear the old time stories on how history made us meet challenges and how we handled them, what accomplishments we have made and what delusions we have had. Learn about what treasure we have been given by our ancestors to keep and multiply, and to build our future on. Stay in our hotels, take a rest there, and then take a panoramic sightseeing tour of the region and see all the beauty from the air. Take a romantic ride on the vintage steam train “Ćira” on the railroad over Šargan through the fairytale landscapes of Mokra Gora. Visit Mećavnik and famous Wooden Town and go down to the River Drina and the Rača Monastery via the National Park Tara. You can take another road if you wish and go to the village of Zlakusa to have lunch at Terzića avlija and visit Potpeć cave. The village craftsmen can teach you the art of pottery craft. On the way back you can visit either the Railway Museum in Požega or the first hydroelectric power plant on the Balkans located in the town of Užice, on the River Djetinja at the foot of the Old Town. You can also travel down the holy waters of the River Lim visiting one monastery after the other and take a break to admire the White Angel fresco, which will make you realize you are not visiting just another natural beauty spot but the place that reached the highest peaks of spiritual heights long ago. Step by step and day by day you will realize that the heaven on earth, if there is such a thing, is situated right here in our green county. Borivoje Šišović Medicinal herbs collector
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Why is Zlatibor more than just a mountain? Crisp air to refresh your body and spirit
A variety of activities to burn calories
When you get to Zlatibor, take in the scenery and fill your lungs with healthy, clean, fresh air that refreshes your body and revives your soul, makes you eager to work, socialize and enjoy life to the fullest. An ideal geographical location and the combination of different climatic zones make this region a unique air spa. Zlatibor will give you a good night’s sleep and relaxing moments you’ve been waiting for. It is the best place to escape the city noise and crowd and to take a break from stressful days at the office. Almost all the activities and lecture breaks can take place outdoors, so the fresh mountain air represents an added value for all meeting participants. The inspiring Zlatibor environment guarantees good results, successful conferences and satisfied participants, who are getting back to their daily routine feeling rested and rejuvenated.
Zlatibor offers plenty of opportunities for activity holidays and various team building programs that will satisfy not only those who are eager to spend some relaxing time walking but also the adrenaline junkies. You will find a wide variety of options for trail walking that is the best morning activity you can get. If you are ready for greater challenges, take a walk to Tornik. The Rivers Uvac and Drina rafting represents an ideal employee motivation program. Jeep tours through the rugged terrain, downhill mountain biking, paragliding, tubing and other similar activities are intended for younger guests who want to run off some of their excess energy. If you want to spend some quiet time, enjoy a ride on the Šargan Eight train or take a boat cruise along the River Uvac.
Nourishing food to regain your energy Local specialties that make this region a unique oasis of tasty flavours represent an unforgetable experience for the majority of Zlatibor visitors. Pristine nature and traditional ways of food preparation provide the most delicious organic food and dishes that Serbia is famous for. Make sure to visit national cuisine restaurants and plunge into gastronomic ecstasy. You should start by ordering local Užice brandy (rakija) and Zlatibor kaymak, cheese, buckwheat pie and homemade prosciutto. Spit roasted spring lamb is inevitably served as the main course. Its taste and quality are indications whether or not a restaurant is good. Try to learn how to make the famous Užice flat bread bun. We recommend you have it for breakfast since it will give you stregth and make you ready for numerous outdoor activities in the Zlatibor fresh air.
An “ethno corner” where we can learn more about ourselves In a pleasant ambience of ethno villages and unique open air museums we will find out how people used to live in the past. We will rediscover old, almost forgotten crafts and traditional food recipes. Get involved by taking part in these activities and you will understand a specific mentality of people from this region even better. Master the old crafts skills. Find out how pottery is made in the village of Zlakusa, or how prosciutto is made in Mačkat, or even how the best kaymak is made. You can collect herbs and forest fruits on the mountain paths of health. Taking wildflower honey or pine honey as first thing in the morning will easily become a part of your daily routine. Everything you try in the Zlatibor region is either fresh, strong, delicious, joyful or full of energy and everything contains the most important ingredient a contemporary person could ask for. Health.
Nourishing food and crisp mountain air represent a winning combination that replenishes your energy and encourages your body to take part in numerous activities and have the adrenaline rush experiences.
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Mountain Beauties
DEPENDING ON THE SEASON, MOUNTAIN RANGES IN THIS PART OF SERBIA WILL ENCHANT YOU WITH THE GREEN, GOLD OR WHITE AREAS HIDING NUMEROUS NATURAL MIRACLES AND TREASURES. THESE MOUNTAINS ARE PRAISED IN MANY SONGS. EACH OF THEM HAS ITS OWN CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY. PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS CONSIDERED THEM A PART OF THEMSELVES, A PART OF THEIR HERITAGE THEY SHOULD KEEP ALIVE AND PASS DOWN TO THE NEXT GENERATION.
Zlatibor Mount Zlatibor represents a start point of your journey around this part of Serbia. Great hotels and villas hidden in the pine forests offer you a wide variety of accommodation and relaxation facilities. In the winter time, the ski centre Tornik is the main meeting point since it is one of the most popular ski resorts in Serbia with its 7 km well maintained ski trails. During the summer months, you can go on a panoramic cable car ride that will take you to the mountain top. To come back down you can walk or take a mountain bike ride. The natural miracles you can explore here as well as new discoveries and experiences are countless. You can choose from adrenaline-pumping activities and relaxing options and you can visit ethno villages or search for monuments, which will reveal much about the history, culture and spirituality in the region. www.zlatibor.org.rs
Tara Experts say this is the most beautiful mountain in Serbia and nature lovers claim that this is how they imagine paradise. Come here and see for yourselves. Enjoy the views from many of the scenic lookouts - you can see mountain passes and plateaus as well as the River Drina winding through the rocks and bringing towns and people together. Mount Tara was proclaimed a national park for its remarkable natural features. There are rare plant species including the queen of the forest - Pančić spruce. There are also animals such as chamois and brown bear and many other protected species that make the natural treasure of Serbia. Take a walk along the marked trail from the Rača monastery to the Ladjevac springs and have lunch in the restaurant located near a beautiful waterfall where the river Vrelo (one year long) tumbles into the Drina River. Set sail on Perućac Lake and go on a romantic river cruise through nature and history, through landscapes where imagination meets reality. www.tara-bajinabasta.com
Zlatar Fresh air on Mount Zlatar strengthens your organism and invigorates your soul and body. It stimulates your cardiovascular system as well. This is the place where the mountain climate meets the Mediterranean one making this region a real air spa. By being here you will get relaxed and stronger and you will be able to relieve stress. You should visit the village of Štitkovo, the authentic Vlah village located near the crystal clear brook in a bay under a huge cliff. The village architecture of the highland communities has been preserved here, so you can see the ancient houses built out of stone and wooden posts. Take a deep breath and go for a walk along the trails of health; take a boat ride on Zlatar and Radoinja Lakes and then indulge yourself with luxurious spa treatments in the “Eco Ethno Village Vraneša”. You will be given the golden gifts by Mount Zlatar (Goldsmith) so don’t hesitate to join us as soon as possible. www.zlatar.org.rs
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GET TO KNOW MIRACULOUS GIFTS OF NATURE THAT THIS REGION HAS BEEN BLESSED WITH. GET TO KNOW THE RIVERS CUTTING THROUGH THE MOUNTAIN CLIFFS, LAKES CLEAR AS MOUNTAIN EYES, RARE MEDICINAL PLANTS, ENDEMIC AND PROTECTED SPECIES, CAVES RICH IN SPELEOLOGICAL TREASURES. LET THESE AND MANY OTHER WONDERS AWAKE LOVE AND RESPECT IN YOU FOR NATURE YOU WILL FIND BOTH HERE AND AT ANY OTHER PLACE.
Miraculous Gifts of Nature
The Uvac River - The Special Nature Reserve The nature was playful here, so you can see the Uvac River Canyon cut through the high cliffs and the ensnared meanders winding through the landscape. People built dams here thus creating wonderful lakes - Radoinja, Zlatar and Uvac Lakes with boats and catamatans sailing on them. In this karst region there is the more than 6 km long Ušac cave system consisting of numerous cavelets and caves, which boast a wealth of natural cave ornaments. Such natural environment deserves a respectable ruler, and it has one - a huge eagle, the powerful king of the sky with wing span of up to three metres, His Majesty Griffon Vulture. Get on a catamaran and and go for a ride on the lake with ensnared meanders of the Uvac River all the way to the entrance to the Ice cave. On your way back, visit the special lookout where you can watch Griffon Vultures and their victorious flight. www.uvac.org.rs
Mount Golija - The Biosphere Reserve Mount Golija is a home to rich fauna and flora, it is covered with dense forests with trees up to 50 metres tall. Its jewel is mountain maple and maple forests are the most beautiful and best preserved ones here. Rare medicinal herbs and many types of mushrooms both edible and poisonous ones can be found in species-rich pastures. Mount Golija is rich in wild animals so it is a real hunters’ paradise during roe deer, hare and wild boar hunting season. However, wolves, weasels, dormouse and other species are under permanent protection system. For its natural diversity, Golija was declared the first UNESCO - MAB registered biosphere reserve, while the state declared it the Nature Park. Go for a mountain adventure, search for rare medicinal herbs, visit churches and monasteries here where the Medieval Serbian State was founded. Find out why the highest peak got its name - Janko’s Stone and take a walk down to Rajko’s brook. www.golija.rs
Mokra Gora - Nature Park Between mountains of Zlatibor and Tara, on the road from Užice to Višegrad, there is Mokra Gora, the region of exceptional natural characteristics and beauty. Mountain passes, plateaus and dense forests are home to many rare plants. This region is also abundantly rich in healing and mineral waters springs. The trustee of the Nature Park is the celebrated film director Emir Kusturica, who also built the famous ethno settlement Wooden Town in the region. In order for the vernacular architecture of the region to be preserved, the houses built in the style of Old Vlah were used and turned into authentic, yet modern accommodation facilities. The best way to see beautiful landscapes is to get on the famous train “Ćira“ and take a ride on the narrow gauge railroad well known as the Šargan Eight. If you visit us in winter, don’t miss the “Kustendorf” Film Festival and skiing down the runs of the new “Iver” resort. www.parkprirodemokragora.org
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Faster, Stronger, Better! THIS REGION OFFERS THE ADVENTURERS AND ACTIVE HOLIDAY LOVERS A GREAT NUMBER OF CHALLENGES AND PLEASURES. SEE VAST MOUNTAIN RANGES COVERED IN THICK FORESTS, SLOT CANYONS AND CAVES, PEARL LAKES, RIVERS AND RAPIDS AS PART OF YOUR STAY AT MOUNT ZLATIBOR. TAKE A DEEP BREATH, BESTIR YOURSELF, REGAIN YOUR ENERGY AND CREATE A HEALTHY SPIRIT IN A HEALTHY BODY.
Walking along the Health Trails You come to Zlatibor to rest, and the best way to rest is to have an active holiday. Walking is, they say, the healthiest human activity and also a chance to get to know the landscape you will be charmed by. Kilometres of marked hiking trails will take you on a journey across the natural attractions, the jewels of the region. Those who are in good physical condition can go mountaineering, while beginners can take a walk on the easy and accessible trails. Cycling through the mountain tracks is a fantastic and unforgettable experience. There are numerous marked cycling routes and you should hop on the bike and explore one of them depending on how much time you have and how many attractions you want to visit. www.ciklon.uzice.rs, www.pdkamenagora.net
A breath of wind will take you to the mountain peaks To the most daring ones who would like to free themselves from fear, who do not lack inspiration and who have always been leaders, we recommend paragliding – the autonomous flights for the experienced and tandem paraglider flights with instructors for those who have yet to experience the real challenge and a unique adventure. Let the wind take you on a journey across the mountain ranges so that you can see the villages scattered between the serpentine rivers and mountain lakes and let the endless silence and vast skies of freedom enchant you. www.pk-cirus.org
On the waters which give life The rivers in this region provide the opportunities for unforeseen thrills. Go white water rafting on the River Drina with your friends or colleagues. You will enjoy cool, fresh and invigorating water and mood-lifting rapids. Since the team work is absolutely crucial for the successful rafting tour, you will learn what it looks like when the team effort pays off. After the fun tour, the refreshment prepared by your hosts will give you strength for further thrills. You may decide to go rafting down the River Lim or take a quiet boat ride down the serpentine meanders of the River Uvac and nearby lakes. Whatever you decide to do one thing is certain – the surrounding nature will simply take your breath away. www.skiart.rs, www.tifran.org
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EVEN THOUGH IT IS WELL KNOWN AS A PLACE PREFERRED BY THRILLSEEKERS, MOUNT ZLATIBOR IS ALSO AN IDEAL PLACE FOR ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO ESCAPE FROM THE NOISE, CROWDS AND NEEDLESS EFFORTS, TO TAKE TIME TO WIND DOWN AND REST THEIR BODY AND SPIRIT. SWIMMING, BEACHES, VARIOUS TREATMENTS, MEDICINAL HERBS AND TEAS WILL UPLIFT YOUR MOOD AND MAINTAIN YOUR YOUTH AND BEAUTY.
Take It Easy! Take A Rest!
How to maintain your youth and beauty Everyone who enjoys cosy life, all the hedonists, every single person who takes care of their body will certainly find numerous opportunities at Zlatibor to afford themselves various types of massage, treatments and moments of joy and pleasure. The swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre, Turkish baths, massage and treatments are waiting for you at the Spa and Wellness Centre at the Hotel Mona. The Hotel Idila and Club Satelit Spa Centre are also very popular spots. Those who love the culture of the Far East will enjoy themselves at the Thai Spa Centre at Zlatibor. We would like to emphasize that you should schedule your appointments well in advance. If you are overweight or just want to burn excess fat, we recommend the famous dieteticrecreational program “Čigota” and adapted program for children “Čigotica” (“Little Čigota”) which will free children of excess weight and teach them how to live a healthy life.
Refreshment for hot summer days Summer days can be hot even in this mountain region so that guests feel the need to abandon themselves to the enjoyment of spending time on the beaches of the surrounding bathing spots. Visiting the ethno complex “Boško’s Waters” in the village of Ljubiš will provide you with unique experience. You will find a wonderfully arranged bathing spot there as well as comfortable accommodation in the village cottages. On the road to Mokra Gora, pay a visit to “Jokino Vrelo”, where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming and the afternoon barbequing. If you like fishing, here you will find a beautiful fish pond with designated pond fishing areas. Bathing spots at Zlatibor lakes and outdoor pools at the hotels Olimp and Zlatiborska Noć are well known and worth visiting.
Heal your body, feed your soul Zlatibor region is well known for medicinal herbs and teas which protect your organism from stress and anxiety. Yarrow, common marshmallow, St John’s wort, plantain, mint and evening primrose are just few nature’s gifts this region offers and prepares. Beneficial properties of these herbs are well known and they can be used in teas or as medicaments but also as cosmetic products. Take the opportunity to learn something about the beneficial and healing properties of the herbs and find old recipes for making teas and herbal balms. Sit on the balcony with a wonderful view, relax and enjoy a warm drink sweetened with a teaspoon of pine honey.
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Your Strength Enters through Your Mouth
EVERY BITE OF THE LOCAL FOOD IN THIS REGION HELPS YOU REGAIN YOUR STRENGTH, FEED YOUR SOUL AND GIVES YOU ENERGY TO START A NEW DAY. PREPARED BY HANDS OF SKILLFUL HOSTS, THE LOCAL FOOD KEEPS SECRETS PASSED FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION. PAY A VISIT TO VILLAGES AND TOWNS, RESTAURANTS AND BBQ AND GRILL RESTAURANTS AND ENJOY THE UNFORESEEN GASTRONOMIC PLEASURES.
Top rated specialty dish: Roast Lamb The most important main dish for all the holiday celebrations in Zlatibor region is lamb, either spit roasted or roast baked under the iron pan. It is served in all the restaurants and numerous BBQ and Grill restaurants specialized in making roast lamb the supreme pleasure. It is prepared in the same way as our forefathers did it, and it is the most delicious when eaten with Zlatibor kaymak and a glass of good wine. Ask the local people to recommend you a good restaurant, and they will first tell you if the restaurant serves good roast lamb. Trust them and you will not be sorry. After such a meal you will have enough energy to reveal all the secrets and experience all the possible adventures.
The Queen of all the dishes: Zlatibor prosciutto Centuries-old tradition and a unique manufacturing technique make the flavour and scent of Zlatibor prosciutto both unique and recognizable. Apart from the traditional knowledge and skillful hands the real prosciutto requires other necessary ingredients – crisp and fresh Zlatibor air, medicinal herbs from the mountain pastures and lots of patience during the smoking process. Cut into thin slices it is perfect for breakfast, even better as an appetizer and it gives every dish its distinct flavour. Make sure to visit the Prosciutto Festival in the village of Mačkat. Every year after Christmas, the Festival attracts a large number of the best prosciutto lovers who want to buy and store enough superb meat products to last all winter.
The most delicious secrets of our tradition: Homemade kaymak and cheese A stay at Mount Zlatibor has always included a perfect gastronomic pleasure most of all for the best homemade kaymak and various excellent types of cheese – Zlatar, Zlatibor and Sjenica cheeses. Let your hosts reveal you the secrets of making local specialties. Provide the assistance to help the artisan roast meat. Help the hard working hostess to make the buckwheat flour pie. Slice the prosciutto and cheese and take a snack with a glass of homemade rakija while you are waiting for the main dish to be served. Going back home also means getting some of this mountain treasure for both you and your closest friends and family. You can purchase it either at the open green market in the very centre of the tourist destination or in the surrounding villages.
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THERE ARE MARVELOUS SITES IN THIS REGION. THEY PRESERVE THE CENTURIES-OLD VALUES OF OUR TRADITION AND PREVENT THE HECTIC RHYTHM OF CONTEMPORARY LIFE TO DETACH US FROM OUR ROOTS AND THE HARMONY WITH NATURE. EXPLORE THE ETHNO VILLAGES AND PARKS, THE VILLAGE HOUSEHOLDS, ECOLOGICAL OASES, REALMS OF LOCAL CUISINE AND FOLK CRAFTS.
Ethno Corner
The Open air Museum “Old Village” – Sirogojno The right place for you to meet the material and spiritual culture of Zlatibor region is the Open air Museum “Old Village” in Sirogojno. You will find a stable and a barn, a bakery and a dairy house, a storage house (“vajat”) and a grange, lodges and huts there. Coopers, carpenters, blacksmiths, tailors and many other craftsmen will wait for you there to teach you how to make a wooden bucket, folk costumes, popular sweaters and mittens. This is a unique place where you will have an opportunity to see the traditional way of life and learn the skills of our ancestors. You can be a part of the old customs reconstruction program for Christmas Eve and Day, wedding and engagement ceremonies. www.sirogojno.rs
Fairy Tale Wooden Town – Mećavnik Imagination of the famous film director and timeless artist, Emir Kusturica, made a fairy tale site in the middle of pristine nature of Mokra Gora real. You will find the square, church and the hotel with the swimming pool and gymnasium in the wooden town as well as the restaurant and confectionary, the cinema and bookstore. You will enjoy the natural foods and ecological fruit juices; you will watch the best films and be amazed at how beautiful life can be and how well we can live in harmony with nature only if you realize that life is a miracle. You will come here on a holiday, ski vacation or to visit the “Kustendorf” Film Festival, and you will leave as brave fighters for natural treasure, history, culture and tradition protection and preservation. www.mecavnik.info
Miraculous Villages, Gazebos, Chambers The villages in this region are scattered along the mountain slopes and valleys and you can find all kinds of miracles there. Visit the village of Štitkovo which, as if frozen in time, witnesses the way of life, architecture and the arrangement of the village communities in centuries past. Demanding guests should visit the “Eco Ethno Village Vraneša” on the slopes of Mount Zlatar or “Green Gazebos” on Mount Tara so that they can relax in luxurious atmosphere surrounded with nature and greenery. If you want to feel domestic atmosphere, visit the village of Kačer and “Lazar’s Chambers” or the village of Zlakusa and “Terzića avlija“, the most beautiful village courtyard in Serbia according to many, and learn something about the old crafts and good local homemade cuisine. www.etnopoint.rs, www.zelenicardaci.net www.lazarevikonaci.com, www.zlakusa.com
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The Cradle of Folk Spirituality
THIS PART OF SERBIA IS THE CRADLE OF CULTURE AND SPIRITUALITY OF OUR PEOPLE. THAT IS WHY YOUR STAY AT ZLATIBOR REPRESENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT SURROUNDING CHURCHES AND MONASTERIES, WHICH ARE WITNESSES TO HISTORY, OUR TRADITION AND ORIGIN. PROTECTED BY NATURAL BEAUTIES, AMONG THE FORESTS AND GLADES, THESE MONASTERIES RESIST ALL THE CHALLENGES, PARTICULARLY THE HARDEST, CENTURIES-OLD ONES OF KEEPING THE HERITAGE, EDUCATE THE GENERATIONS OF OUR PEOPLE AND SPREAD THE SPIRIT OF PEACE AND TOLERANCE.
Monastery Mileševa – priceless cultural treasure of Serbia Monastery Mileševa was built in 1219 by Prince Vladislav Nemanjić, son of the King Stefan Prvovenčani (the First-crowned) and it has represented the most significant cultural and religious centre of the region. Frescoes in this monastery represent the top world cultural heritage and a testimony to the strong Serbian culture built on a foundation of a thousand years old Byzantine civilization. The White Angel fresco, a symbol of the overall peace which represents the highest point of the medieval art in Europe will leave you speechless. This is the place where St. Sava, the First Archbishop of Serbia, Saint, physician, the founder of the Serbian Church and state was buried. The King Tvrtko I Kotromanić was crowned here and Herzog (Duke) Stefan Vukčić was proclaimed Herzog of Saint Sava, so that the regions he was the ruler of were named Herzegovina. When you come here, you will feel and understand the centuries past and centuries ahead.
Monasteries – our keepers and healers Visit the monastery Rača located at the foot of Mount Tara near the River Drina built in the XIII century by King Dragutin. It used to be the cultural centre where the church books were kept and rewritten. During the World War II it was the place where Miroslav’s Gospel, the oldest and the most valuable Serbian literature document was kept and preserved. Visit the famous Uvac monastery built on the foundations of the old church Janja, pay a visit to Klisura near Arilje, Kovilje near Ivanjica and the White Church of Karan and you will realize that it was these places which helped you fully understand the secret of our existence. On the holy waters of the River Lim there is the monastery Mažići where the remains of a medieval hospital and surgical instruments of the past were found. Visit Davidovica, endowment of Vukan Nemanjić’s son, who became a monk taking up the name David. It is believed that his grandson’s castle was here. County prefect Vratko, his grandson, was actually the famous Jug Bogdan, the father of Princess Milica and nine Jugovic brothers. Monastery Kumanica, overseeing the river and carved into a rocky hill on inaccessible terrain keeps a secret of the healing “holy rock”. Visit it if you want to reveal the secret.
Wooden Churches – witnesses to faith at hard times In the time of Ottoman rule, when children were separated from their families and taken away as Janicari (Christian children brought up by Turks who would later become Turkish soldiers), when it was hard to be Christian and when this region was deserted, our people kept their faith by building wooden churches in the hidden mountain places. Some of them have remained even today to testify about hard times and strong faith as an important part of the local people morality. Visit the villages of Jablanica, Dobroselica, Kućani, Dubnica and see for yourself all the strength and spirituality that overcame the centuries of suffering. Become part of the tradition, learn about the monastic life, attend the school of fresco painting and reveal the secrets of the superb art, which represents a priceless world cultural heritage. Enrich your knowledge, strengthen your faith, find out about local history and only then will you be ready to understand and love others who are different from you.
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THIS REGION AS WELL AS THE WHOLE BALKANS HAS BEEN WHIPPED BY THE WINDS OF HISTORY THROUGH CENTURIES. IDEOLOGY AND IDEOLOGISTS HAVE BEEN CHANGING BUT THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN BUT ONE IDEA – TO FIGHT FOR FREEDOM AND TO CARRY THE FLAG OF FREEDOM. FREEDOM IS THE HIGHEST VALUE THAT MANY GENERATIONS HAVE SACRIFICED THEMSELVES FOR. THE MEMORY OF THEM IS STILL ALIVE AMONG THEIR DESCENDANTS AS WELL AS THEIR LESSON THAT YOU GIVE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE FOR FREEDOM AND YOU NEVER GIVE IT UP.
The Battle for Freedom
The Legend of Republic of Užice This region showed its free spirit in the hardest of times in the world history when in the autumn of 1941, the first large territory in Europe was liberated here. It was called Republic of Užice. Even though it was in existence for only 67 days, the partisan movement formed numerous institutions here including the arms factory and the daily paper Borba (Fight). Opposing forces broke into the territory of Republic of Užice through Kadinjača, where the Workers Battalion with only 320 fighters waited for them and defended free Užice showing the Spartanian courage. Almost all of them were killed but they enabled their comrades retreat and left memorable deeds to their descendants. After the offensive, the opposing forces made reprisal when they shot one hundred Serbs for each killed Nazi, and fifty Serbs for each Nazi who was wounded.
Under the strong winds of history The famous duke, the winner at the Thessaloniki front line, the man whose contribution led to the end of the World War I and to the Serbian Army return to their homeland was born in the village of Miševići near Nova Varoš, where you can see his monument today. Visit this place and hear the story about great victories of the big commander and about his death caused by the new communist authorities after his victory in the World War II. Ivanjica, the birthplace of General Draža Mihajlović, built the monument to the first guerrilla fighter in enslaved Europe during the World War II. There is the Memorial Complex next to it with the museum and library of the Ravna Gora Movement. The visit to this town should help you learn more about the historical hard times the people of this region went through, so try to make your conclusions out of any ideological frameworks.
The Birthplace of Miloš Obrenović Near the town of Požega there is the village of Gornja Dobrinja, the birthplace of Prince Miloš Obrenović, the founder of modern Serbian state and the first ruler in our modern history who used to spend his free time on Mount Zlatibor slopes. Even though he was uneducated, he was an excellent statesman and able to obtain statehood for his people in hard times. He used his local “Era” mentality, characteristic for the people of this region, in the best possible way to achieve his goals. Pay a visit to this village and see the monument dedicated to the Prince, the church he built in 1822 in memory of his father and the gazebo with the fountain, all being parts of the Memorial Complex. He also built a school in 1854 as his endowment, thus showing that the great leader, soldier and peasant was well aware of the fact that knowledge and science represent the only weapon that will ensure freedom of his people.
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Folk Treasure Chest
ZLATIBOR REGION IS THE REAL TREASURE CHEST OF FOLK TRADITION AND OLD CRAFTS, WHERE PRODUCTS REPRESENTING SYNONYMS FOR TOP QUALITY HAVE BEEN KEPT IN THE COURSE OF HISTORY. IF YOU REALLY WANT TO UNDERSTAND THE SOUL AND CUSTOMS OF THE LOCAL PEOPLE, TRY TO LEARN SKILLS PRESERVED BY THE HARD WORKING HOSTS FOR THE GENERATIONS TO COME.
Sirogojno sweaters and garments In the mountain region where winters are severe and cold, it is a must to have wool sweaters, scarves, caps and mittens. Women of Zlatibor villages have been knitting those garments for centuries now so that they could protect their families from the severe mountain winters. Their extraordinary artistic gift is visible in creating the most beautiful knitting patterns and sweaters of the utmost quality, which now represent an obligatory winter outfit not only in Serbia but in the world as well. Visit the Knitters Museum in the village of Sirogojno, purchase the most beautiful sweaters, caps and mittens for your family and learn something about the knitting skills in order to understand how much love, patience and hard work is interwoven into these garments. www.sirogojno-style.rs
Pottery skills from Zlakusa For more than four centuries the village of Zlakusa has been preserving the traditional technique of making the high quality ceramic pottery made from clay and special white stone from fading into oblivion. Ceramic pots from this region are well known worldwide. They give the food prepared in them distinct flavour but they can also be used as decorative items. The international fine art colony of ceramics organized every year in the village has contributed a great deal to the popularity of this craft. It also represents an ideal opportunity for you to ask old craftsmen to teach you the skills and patience needed for making the ceramic pots. Each craft is a priceless skill, says the old folk saying. www.zlakusa.com
Ro탑anstvo, the capital of cooper craft In the house where hosts serve cheese and kaymak to guests as well as good rakija, there must be well made wooden barrels, buckets and vessels. In the centuries past the cooper craft was best learned and preserved by the inhabitants of the village of Ro탑anstvo. They are famous craftsmen who make these products. You will find them either in workshops or at the open market in the centre of Mount Zlatibor. Barrels and buckets of different sizes represent a great gift to your friends and family, especially if they are filled with rakija or Zlatibor kaymak. Try to find them and help preservation of this craftsmanship. Let the hard working hands of the artisans teach you yet another craft and remember their wise words that hard work and love are behind any kind of success. www.zlatibor.org.rs
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WESTERN SERBIA IS NOT FAMOUS ONLY FOR RURAL AND ETHNO MOTIFS, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE PRIME MOVER AND LEADER OF THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY. WE HAVE NUMEROUS ACHIVEMENTS THAT CONSTITUTE A RICH INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE AND REPRESENT A BASIS OF THE EXTRAORDINARY TOURIST EXPERIENCES, WHICH NOW LIE AHEAD OF YOU.
The Leader of the Industrialization
Miraculous Šargan Eight ... At the beginning of the 20 century a plan was made for Serbia to be connected by railway with Sarajevo and Dubrovnik via Užice and Višegrad, but the huge altitude difference was to be surmounted across a few kilometres of Šargan pass. During the occupation, the Austrians tried to do that but they stopped at the “ninth kilometre” since the train tunnel collapsed and caused a huge accident. The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes continued building the railroad in the 1920s and the high passages were surmounted skillfully by the extraordinary, attractive and unique loop in the shape of number 8. For the next 50 years the famous vintage train Ćira was passing through Šargan and then the railway faded into oblivion. www.sarganskaosmica.rs th
... and the prophecy came true And then the words of Mitar Tarabić, the famous prophet from the village of Kremna came true: “Many years will pass before people remember the iron road and this road will be rebuilt all over again. However, people will not travel down this road to Višegrad for business or because they need to, but for fun, careless rest and enjoyment”. Today, the famous “Ćira” heads through Šargan on the narrow gauge railroad powered by the steam engine and makes thousands of tourists happy. It takes them through fairytale landscapes of Mokra Gora, where nature played with colours and shapes. Get on the train and start a journey through numerous bridges and tunnels to the railway stations and hear the unbelievable stories, prophecies and legends that all these places are wrapped in. www.zelturist.rs
The place where electric power first appeared…and stayed At the foot of the Old Town in Užice, on the River Djetinja, King Aleksandar Obrenović put in operation the first hydroelectric power plant on the Balkans and the second one in Europe in 1900. It was based on Tesla’s principles of alternating current, and built only five years after the plant on the Niagara Falls. It is the witness of the times when the Kingdom of Serbia was hurriedly catching up with the world modern societies. There, near the city river beach and a lovely promenade, you can now find the Museum of Technical Devices with the monument of Nikola Tesla, the world science genius, in front of it. In Ivanjica on the River Moravica behind the Hotel Park, there is the hydroelectric power plant built in 1911, which is still operating. It was turned into a museum and its old Siemens machines represent the relics of priceless value. www.turizamuzica.rs, www.ivatourism.rs
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Experience More! Get to Know us Better! Half-Day Excursion:
Morning Magic You have finally arrived to Zlatibor and you set off on your first morning walk. The freshness of the crisp mountain air intoxicates you. You have been up since the crack of dawn. Famous medicinal herb collectors from Zlatibor lead you down their trails and reveal the secrets of nature and medicinal herbs to you. They use them fresh, sometimes they dry them and they often combine them with other natural ingredients. These herbs and teas will help you build up your immune system, your face will truly glow and your day will always be stress-free. We will take a break during a long walk and serve breakfast on a nearby lawn. Everything is natural and homemade - from buckwheat pie, kaymak and corn bread to natural honey made from pine needles and forest bilberry juice. Everything that nature creates has beneficial effects on the organism. After the morning magic, you can breathe deeply ready for everything Zlatibor has to offer.
One-Day Tour:
Zlatibor Bids You a Good Day 9:00 - 10:00 Stopić Cave, Rožanstvo - After half an hour drive we come to this miraculous place famous for its fascinating cave ornaments and sinter pools created by the neverending dance of stone and water. Hear the stories about romantic adventures and lost treasure mysteries. 10:30 - 12:30 Open air Museum “Old Village”, Sirogojno - At this unique place you will experience the way people at the end of the 19th century used to live and work. Join the reconstruction of the old crafts or customs. Visit the selling exhibition of famous wool sweaters and get the warm winter clothing for your friends and family. 13:00 - 14:00 Gostilje and Ljubiš - We will visit the waterfall in the village of Gostilje and in the Ljubiš village we will see the cave a poet Ljubivoje Ršumović wrote about in his famous poem. We will also visit the ethno complex “Boško’s Waters” where we can go for a refreshing swim at a wonderfully arranged bathing spot during the hot summer days. Lunch: There is a famous brook trout pond here as well as the restaurant serving the best fish specialties. Enjoy your meal in the fresh air in the most beautiful natural ambiance. 14:30 - 20:00 Tornik - Our next stop is the highest peak of Mount Zlatibor with the ski centre Tornik at almost 1.500 metres above sea level. During the winter months, this is the place to be so it is clear you should put your skis on or maybe take the sledge and spend the rest of the day enjoying the beautiful white trails. In the summer, you can go tubing or rent a bike and enjoy the mountain ranges while taking a tour along the marked cycling trails. If you want to enjoy the nature and divine landscapes without getting tired, we recommend taking a panoramic ride on the cable car. Dinner: Plenty of calories have been burned so we recommend Zlatibor specialties - the appetizer consisting of cheese, kaymak and prosciutto along with corn bread and hot bread. Then you must have lamb - either spit roasted lamb or roast baked under the iron pan. After such specialties you will have enough energy for yet another day of nature activities and visiting the local attractions. In order to enjoy the magic and experience many other activities, to afford yourself a great excursion, trip or team building program, feel free to contact the following travel agencies: • • • •
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Amigo Travel, www.amigotravel.rs Zlateks, www.zlateks.rs San - Tours, www.san-tours.rs Taratours, www.taratours.rs
One-Day Tour:
A Rich Spirit in A Healthy Body 9:00 - 10:30 Monastery Mileševa - We start our trip to Mileševa early in the morning. It is the spiritual centre of the whole region built by King Vladislav Nemanjić in the 13th century. He buried the remains of his uncle St. Sava there. You will see the White Angel fresco, a symbol of the overall peace which represents the highest point of the medieval art in Europe. After this extraordinary experience we will have some water from the St. Sava spring and go to see ruins of the fortress Mileševac with the village of Hisardžik under it. There is a mosque in the village with the hand written Quran 400 years old. 11:30 - 12:30 Monasteries Kumanica and Davidovica on the River Lim We continue our trip to Monastery Kumanica with the remains of St. Grigorije Kumanički. It is believed by all religious practitioners that they have a healing power. The Lim is the holy river and it is also confirmed by Davidovica, the monastery of Dmitar Nemanjić, the son of Vuksan. It is also believed that the castle of the county prefect Vratko, old Jug Bogdan from the folk poem, was here. 13:00 - 14:00 Sopotnica - We come to Sopotnica and the Mountaineering Club with the ice cold springs and beautiful waterfalls in its vicinity. Freshness that can be felt in the surroundings is a good introduction to what is waiting for us. Lunch: We will have a light lunch here since we will be active for the rest of the day. So, there is a buckwheat pie on the table made from the flour ground in water mills of Sopotnica. 14:30 - 18:00 The River Lim rafting - We will meet the instructors at the river and after a short training session we will put the life jackets and helmets on, take the oars and get on the boats. We are about to have a several hours long exciting whitewater rafting trip on the river in which fast rapids are alternated by stretches of calm water thus making the trip unforgettable. We arrive to the Petrovac beach where we take a swim before it is time for dinner. Dinner: We will visit local village hosts who prepared a hot homemade bread, cheese, kaymak and steamed veal for us.
One-Day Tour:
Ethno - Eco Experiences 9:00 - 10:30 Štitkovo - The Sun is already up and we are on our way to Štitkovo, a village where the authentic houses built in the style of Old Vlah from the end of the 19th century are preserved. They are built from stone and wood and represent the reminder of the vernacular architecture from the centuries past. Hear the stories and legends on how the place got its name, on Duke Rašković, on uprisings and rebellions. 11:00 - 12:00 Monastery Dubnica - We continue our journey through the landscapes of Javor and Zlatar and we arrive at Dubnica, the monastery built by Patriarch Gavrilo Rašković in the middle of the 17th century, in hard times just before Great Migrations. 12:30 - 15:00 Sailing down the Uvac canyon and lake to the Ice cave - We go down to the Uvac River canyon famous for its sharp meanders and miraculous natural ambiance. Our hosts are waiting for us at the appointed place. They are the Nature Reserve rangers. Sailing down the river canyon will enable you see the unbelievable landscape. Nemanja’s Town, the suspension bridge, cliffs and caves will tell you stories and legends before we reach the Ice cave where we will see fascinating cave ornaments hanging down from its cold ceilings. Lunch: We will have the best Zlatar cheese, buckwheat pie and bell pepper dipped in sour cream while we are taking the river cruise and having a light conversation. 15:00 - 17:00 Griffon Vulture watching on Mount Zlatar - When we get off the boat, the rangers will lead us along the narrow paths so that we can see the Griffon Vulture habitat. We will visit scenic lookouts overseeing the river canyon, mountain slopes and feeding sites with the rulers of the region – the eagles flying above them. The crisp air is intoxicating and Zlatar makes us strong, healthy and jovial. 18:00 - 20:00 The “Eco Ethno Village Vraneša” - On our way back we will visit the village of Vraneša, where we will take a break and maybe spend some time in the Spa Centre or by the pool and we will difinitely have something to eat. Dinner: Local specialties are on the menu again. The main dish is the claypot cabbage.
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Two-Day Tour:
From Myths and Legends to Fairy Tales and Magic DAY 1 9:00 - 10:00 Kremna, the village of the Serbian prophet family Tarabić Early in the morning, after a rich meal, we will start our journey to the village of Kremna where, once upon a time, the Tarabić family - the uncle and the nephew foresaw future. It is for you to decide if we knew how to listen to them and how to understand them. Were the terrible events in the 20th century known in advance and what awaits us in the future are the questions you will get the answers to in this mystical village. 10:30 - 14:00 Mokra Gora and riding on the Šargan Eight - Intoxicated by the mountain air we are on our way to Mokra Gora. We come to the famous narrow gauge railroad where we can see the train “Ćira” rumbling through the mountain cliffs on the route in the shape of number eight. We get on and start the slow ride through wild, yet fairy tale landscape enjoying the view of the Šargan Vitasi and Jatare stations, numerous tunnels, bridges and lookouts. The unique engineering solution of surmounting the altitude difference, museum exhibits of old locomotives and carriages make the whole journey an exceptional experience. Lunch: This kind of excitement needs new calories, so we recommend the Mokra Gora snack (prosciutto, cheese and “tobacco” pork crisps) as the appetizer, lamb cooked in milk as the main dish and the dessert made from forest fruits. 14:30 - 20:00 Mećavnik, Wooden Town - In the afternoon we come to Mećavnik, to the miraculous Wooden Town built by Emir Kusturica, the famous film director, who is also known to fight for preserving nature, tradition and authentic human values. Take a walk down the Diego Armando Maradona Street, have a cake at Ćorkan, or just relax by the pool. Wooden houses from this region brought to Mećavnik were used for building the town. One of them will be your home for a night. Dinner: Here, we will eat natural food exclusively and drink blackberry, raspberry and other fruits juices. They are made using the authentic recipes and their name is rather suggestive and provocative - “biorevolution”. DAY 2 Breakfast: Before yet another day full of excitements, we recommend a flat bread bun and water from the nearby healing spring. They say it is good for you to wash your face with it, too. 10:00 - 12:30 National Park Tara - After a short trip we arrive to the National Park Tara where you will get to know the protected flora and fauna, the empress of the endemic plant species, Pančić spruce being one of them. We will visit the “Carpet Meadow”, a place overseeing the most beautiful parts of Serbia and then we will slowly go down towards the Drina. However, we will first visit the Monastery Rača in order to learn how the books of medieval literature were copied and how the monastery has remained the guardian of our culture and literacy despite the hard times it has been through. 13:00 - 14:30 Perućac - We come to the place where the River Vrelo (only 365m long) flows into lake by waterfall at the very spot where the restaurant with the local specialties waiting for us is. Lunch: We recommend fish grilled on a disc harrow. 14:30 - 18:00 The Drina - We set sail and go on a cruise down the river winding between narrow and steep cliffs of one of the largest and certainly most beautiful canyons in Europe. Listening to stories and legends of the regions we go all the way to Višegrad. We invite the brave ones to the rafting - put life jackets and helmets on and take oars in your hands. Red and yellow boats are at your disposal as well as crystal clear water, the mountain river rapids and endless fun. The journey ends at the village of Okletac with gastronomic surprises waiting for you.
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Information Railway Station:
Bus Station:
Užice Mihaila Pupina bb T: +381 31 513 165 T: +381 31 520 521
Užice, 1, Mihaila Pupina T: +381 31 524 518, 521 765 Zlatibor, Tržni centar bb T: + 381 31 845 600, 841 244 www.gaga-turs.rs www.zlatanprevoz.com Belgrade 4, Železnička T: +381 11 26 36 299 For domestic traffic T: +381 11 66 58 759 For international traffic www.bas.rs
Belgrade 2, Savski trg T: +381 11 36 02 899 www.zeleznicesrbije.com
Taxi:
Užice T: +381 31 500 500 T: +381 31 500 600 www.500-600.com Zlatibor M: +381 64 132 80 80 M: +381 63 624 559 M: +381 62 55 01 01
Parking service: Užice, 2, Heroja Luna T: +381 31 520 173 Užice, Public Garage T: +381 31 513 993 www.bioktos.com Zlatibor, 7, I partizanske bolnice T: +381 31 846 389
Information centre Užice: Užice, 52, Dimitrija Tucovića T: + 381 31 500 555 infocentar@neobee.net www.turizamuzica.org.rs
Information centre Zlatibor: Zlatibor, 2, Miladina Pećinara T: + 381 31 845 103 info@zlatibor.org.rs www.zlatibor.org.rs
Emergency numbers: Police 192, Ambulance 194, Fire 193, Roadside Assistance 1987
Decoration:
„Dvorište“ Užice, 13, Dečanska T: +381 31 524 335 E: dvoriste@open.telekom.rs „Anemona“ Užice, 94, Dimitrija Tucovića T: +381 31 523 441
Catering: Restaurant and Pizzeria “Palermo“ Užice, 19, Vuka Karadžića T: +381 31 555 143 „Talija“ Zlatibor, Obudojevica bb T: +381 31 841 573
Conference sound system: Marketing and Design Studio “Pulsar“ Užice, 6, Vidovdanska T: +381 31 510 007 office@pulsar.rs www.pulsar.rs SZR „Jan Audio“ Kisač, 6, Trg J.A. Komenskog T: +381 21 827 999 janaudio@janaudio.rs www.janaudio.rs Studio „Berar“ Novi Sad, 33, Kosovska T: +381 21 4720 556 lazarjosanov@studioberar.com www.studioberar.com
Impressum Publisher: Tourist Organization of Zlatibor Regional Development Agency “Zlatibor“ Užice For the Publisher: Darko Đurović Editor: Marija Pavlović Design and PrePress: Pulsar, Užice
Photo: Archives TO Zlatibor Archives TO Western Serbia Archives RDA “Zlatibor“ Milan Bogojević, Pulsar Dragan Karadarević Milić Simić Text: Tourist Organization of Zlatibor
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ZLATIBOR - Incentives and Traveling Tourist Organization of Zlatibor 2 Miladina Pećinara, 31315 Zlatibor T: +381 31 845 103 F: +381 31 841 646 www.zlatibor.org.rs
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Supported by the Government of Switzerlandvia the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, SDC