Moravicki Okrug, also known as Moravica District, is one of Serbia's self-governing regions—located in the central part of the country. The area is located in the western-central part of Serbia, while its capital city, Cacak, is found in the northern part of its territory. The city is situated in the West Morava Valley, specifically within the geographic area known as Šumadija. According to the census conducted in 2022, the city is home to a population of 105,612 residents.[11] Reportedly, Cacak has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as archaeological sites were found within its territory dating back to the Neolithic or Younger Stone Age.[1] Thus, there are several historical and cultural landmarks located within the city that tourists tend to visit. However, the city is presumably best known for its cultural scene.[7] Moreover, there's an Ovcar-Kablar Gorge in close proximity to the city, which features over 30 monasteries built since the 14th century.[2] In terms of geography, the northeastern borders of Moravica District are lined by the Rudnik mountain area, providing walking and hiking opportunities.[4] On the opposite side of the district, in its southernmost corner, stretches the Golija Nature Park, protecting a considerable number of plant and animal species. Additionally, the nature park houses several historical landmarks, such as Studenica Monastery and Gradac Monastery.[5] Presumably, the best time to visit Moravicki Okrug would be in May, June, and September, when the temperatures move between 20°C and 26°C.[6]
Cacak, the capital city of Moravicki Okrug, is known for its cultural scene and a multitude of events, namely the "Pitijada" (Pie Fair), "Kupusijada" (Cabbage Show), "Zlatni kotlić" (Golden Fish Pot – Fish Soup Show), "Disovo proleće" (Poetry Fair), and the "Ovčar-Kablar regatta." Cacak's origins can be traced back to 1408, as documented in a manuscript from Dubrovnik. The city has preserved its original architecture, showcasing Baroque, Classicism, and Neorenaissance buildings. Monuments pay tribute to some of the local historical figures, and remnants of the Roman Empire from the 4th century, including ancient Roman baths, can be found in the city center.[7]
Near Cacak, tourists can discover a considerable number of attractions. For instance, the West Morava River, flowing between the Ovcar and Kablar mountains, offers views and provides an opportunity for boating, kayaking, or rafting. Positioned between Ovčar and Kablar, the Ovčar-Kablar gorge houses a unique cluster of monasteries constructed by Serbian monks escaping Turkish invaders. Twelve monasteries built in the 14th and 16th centuries are located near each other, allowing for a day of exploration. For a spa weekend, people can venture to Atomska Banja Spa or Ovčar Banja Spa, known for their mineral-rich hot springs and wellness programs. Music enthusiasts may opt to visit the Dragačevo Trumpet Festival, an event drawing numerous visitors from around the world.[8]
The aforementioned Ovcar-Kablar Gorge, located near the city of Cacak, is a protected natural reserve, providing habitat for circa 150 bird species, 30 fish species, and over 600 types of plants. This area is characterized by its steep limestone cliffs and several caves. Nestled between the 985-meter-high Ovcar Mountain to the south and the 889-meter-high Kablar Mountain to the north, the gorge derives its name from this distinctive geography. Thus, tourists seeking walking and hiking opportunities can reach the summit of Ovcar Mountain, offering a lookout point with views of the meandering West Morava River.[12] Moreover, the Ovcar-Kablar Gorge also provides a Via Ferrata Kablar, an adventure trail adjacent to the Turčinovac cave. Via Ferrata, also known as "steel roads," comprises pathways carved into rocky terrains featuring steel ladders for climbing. The inaugural Via Ferrata in Serbia was established on the Kablar Mountain.[10]
Another nature area in the Moravicki Okrug is the Golija Nature Park, which features a landscape of dense forests and grasslands, making it a destination for hiking and exploration. Some local hikes include Jankov Kamen, reaching a height of 1,833 meters. Reportedly, the most popular route to this peak is the Golijski Put or "Golija Trail," spanning 24 kilometers. From there, people can continue to Nebeska Suza, or Okruglica, nestled below Jankov Kamen, at an elevation of 1,495 meters, also known as Circle Lake. The Velike Livade area surrounding it is the source of the Jastrebovacka River and features a natural waterfall, a popular tourist attraction. One of the easily accessible destinations within the nature park is Dajićko Jezero, with an asphalt road from Ivanjica-Bele Vode.[5]
Moravica District is located in the central part of Serbia. The capital city, Cacak, lies in the heart of the district, in a lowland area. The southern part of the district is covered by hills and mountainous terrain, with the southernmost part of the region being part of the Golija Nature Park. To the north, mountainous terrain also lies, with Rudnik Mountain dominating central Serbia. It features several peaks, including Cvijic Peak at 1,132 meters, Srednji, Mali Šturac, Molitve, Paljevine, and Marijanac, all surpassing 1,000 meters above sea level, making it a destination for mountaineering and hiking. In the vicinity of the mountain, people can find the ruins of the old Ostrovica fortress, which was destroyed in 1454 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, along with other ancient fortresses such as Kula Orlovića Pavla and Treska.[4]
As mentioned before, the southern corner of the Moravicki Okrug is occupied by Golija Nature Park, which encompasses the highest mountain in the region, Golija—also known as Golia or Stari Vlah. This natural area spans approximately 75,183 hectares and is characterized by its rugged mountainous terrain. The Ibar Valley borders the park to the east, the Raska and Ljudska Rivers to the south, Moravica to the west, and the middle part of Studenica Valley to the north and northeast. Golija is known for its considerable biodiversity, making it a designated Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
The mountain is forested, featuring ancient ecosystems and alpine meadows. It offers views of Serbia's mountains, specifically Zlatibor and Tara. In terms of Golija's fauna and flora habitation, the nature park's diverse landscapes are home to nearly 1,000 plant and animal species, including relicts and endemics. The park's vegetation ranges from beech forests on the northern and eastern slopes to oak and mixed forests at lower elevations. Protected nature reserves safeguard habitats and species such as fir, spruce, beech, and common holly.
The park also supports a variety of mammals, namely the lesser mole-rat, alpine shrew, and brown bear, as well as over 100 bird species. With cool summers and snowy winters, Golija provides a distinct climate influenced by the Mediterranean, providing an environment for nature enthusiasts and conservationists to explore.[5]
Concerning the climatic conditions of Cacak, the months of May, June, and September typically offer weather with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C. Among these, May is the wettest month, receiving 99 millimeters of rainfall, while November is the driest, with 57 millimeters of precipitation. Regarding the highest temperatures, August tends to be the warmest month, with an average maximum temperature of 29°C, while January is commonly considered the coldest month, with an average maximum temperature of 5°C based on previously recorded weather data.[6]
The region of Moravica's capital city, Cacak, has archaeological sites dating back to the Neolithic or Younger Stone Age, around 5500 to 3200 BC, indicating ancient human communities. Additionally, Bronze Age sites, particularly mounds, have been identified in the area as well.[1] The town of Cacak has a history dating back to Roman times, with visible remnants of the Roman Thermae built between the 2nd and 4th centuries. Nearby, in the village of Gradina, Roman ruins—a fort, martyrium, and necropolis with three churches—were discovered. One of these churches produced a pentanummion for Emperor Justinian from 526 to 537, and it is believed that Justinian founded the fort in the 530s. In the Middle Ages, Slavs settled the area under Byzantine rule, and it later came under various Serbian states. The town was known as Gradac and featured the Church of Our Lady of Moravian Gradac, which became a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1459 when the town's name changed to Cacak.[2]
The first written mention of Cacak dates back to 1408 when it was mentioned in a court document from the Dubrovnik archives. Its development began around 1815 when it became the center of the Cacak district. In the latter half of the 19th century, the city experienced growth characterized by the construction of various residential, commercial, and administrative buildings. According to the 2011 census, the city had a total population of 115,337 residents, with 73,331 residing within the city itself. Today, Cacak serves as the economic, educational, cultural, and tourist hub of the Moravicki Okrug.[3]
Concerning the history of the district's southern portion, part of the Golija Nature Park, various groups have reportedly inhabited the area, including Illyrians, Romans, and Slavs. During the Middle Ages, Golija's development was influenced by Serbian kings who built several monasteries in the region, such as Studenica Monastery, which became a vital spiritual center. The Nemanjic dynasty constructed Studenica Monastery, which has stood as a symbol of the region's culture and history for centuries.
Gradac Monastery, built in 1268, is another historical sight of Golija. It was gifted to Queen Jelena by King Uroš during their marriage. The Annunciation Church at Gradac Monastery combines Western Gothic and Eastern Byzantine architectural styles.
King Uroš I also contributed to Golija's nature by planting lilacs along the Ibar River's banks, a landscape enhancement still observed today. Queen Jelena furthered Golija's historical significance by establishing a girls' school for Serbian noblewomen after the monastery's construction.[5]
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