Nisava District, or Nisavski Okrug in Serbian, can be found in the eastern part of the country, in close proximity to Serbia's state borders with Bulgaria to the east. The local landscapes are predominantly hilly, with the capital city, Nis, located in the central, lowland area. The city of Nis is not only the district's capital but also the third most extensive city in Serbia. It is possible that the initial establishment of the present-day Nis was initiated by the Celts around the conclusion of the 3rd century BC.[2] In terms of the history of the Nisava District in general, the southern parts of the region, covered by Suva Planina, have been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the Pešturina Cave have been found archeological artifacts dating approximately 102,000 BP, reportedly making it one of the longest surviving Neanderthal habitations. Apart from its historical heritage, Suva Planina also serves as a haven for various plant and animal species.[1] Another natural area is the Jelašnica Gorge, attracting mainly climbers as the area provides over 200 free climbing routes.[8] Tourists seeking historical and cultural monuments can stroll through the old town of Nis and visit local landmarks, including the Nis Fortress and the Skull Tower.[6]
Nis, a Serbian city, has served as a gateway connecting the East and the West. Its significance continues today, as it remains a route for travel between Europe and the Middle East, as well as cities such as Sofia and Istanbul from Vienna, Budapest, or Prague. Known as the "Road to the Emperor's City," Nis showcases a blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Visitors can explore its historical landmarks during the day, such as the Mediana archaeological site, Nis Fortress, and the Skull Tower, built from the skulls of Serbian soldiers. By night, some of the cultural events include the Nisville Jazz Festival and Filmski Sureti Film Festival.[6]
The aforementioned Nis Fortress is a preserved Turkish stronghold dating back to the 18th century, located at the heart of Nis city along the Nisava River. This fortress, an example of Turkish medieval architecture in Serbia, also incorporates elements of Arabic design. In close proximity to the fortress lies a 15th-century Turkish bathhouse known as a hammam.
Constructed with stone sourced from the nearby Hum quarry, the fortress stands upon the foundations of earlier Roman, Byzantine, and Serbian medieval forts, incorporating some remnants of these structures. Four gates, namely the Stambol Gate, Belgrade Gate, Vidin Gate, and Large Gate, provide access to the fortress.
For enhanced security against potential threats, a defensive moat encircled the fortress, drawing water from the nearby river. Sections of this moat still exist in the northern portion of the fortress, serving as a historical testament.
Within the fortress walls, a settlement once thrived, featuring amenities such as a library, shops, barracks, and other military facilities. Presently, visitors can explore a conserved Bali-Bey mosque, several gunpowder storage buildings, and the arsenal.
The former mosque, characterized by its square base and dome, has been repurposed as an art gallery, while the fortress's summer stage hosts various cultural events.[9]
People seeking natural attractions can visit Jelašnica Gorge, situated in the southwestern part of Suva Mountain, approximately 15 kilometers away from Nis. This natural area was formed as the Jelašnica River carved its way through the limestone rocks of Suva Mountain. Within a two-kilometer stretch, visitors can witness a diverse range of morphological features and discover numerous endemic and relict species. Notable geological formations include the stone windows known as "St. Ilija" and "Kupina," as well as cavelets such as "Latin Church" and "Skrivnica."
One of the gorge's iconic features is the presence of Serbian Ramonda and Natalie's Ramonda, which are plant species of global significance and are considered living fossils from the Tertiary period.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Jelašnica Gorge offers an opportunity for free climbing, making it the first climbing destination in Serbia exclusively designated for sports climbers. The area features over 200 free climbing routes equipped with certified gear for climbers to enjoy.[8]
Nisavski Okrug, or Nisava District, is situated in the southern part of Serbia, in close proximity to the state border with Bulgaria to the east. The district features predominantly hilly landscapes, with lowland areas being found mostly around the district's capital, Nis, in the central part of the region. One such mountainous area is Suva Planina, which extends from the northwest to the southeast, dividing the Sićevo and Zaplanje valleys. It features karst relief and sediments from various ages containing fossil flora and fauna. The highest peak, Trem, stands at 1,810 meters, with Golemo Stražište at 1,714 meters and Litica at 1,683 meters. Few springs are found on the mountain, with Bojanine Vode and Rakoš Česma being the largest, providing water for wild horses.
Suva Planina showcases diverse vegetation, hosting 1,261 plant species, including endemics such as the Serbian rose and Pančić's columbine. The mountain also features deciduous and coniferous forests and various ecosystems supporting a wide range of wildlife, from insects and amphibians to birds and mammals. Wild horses, historically kept by locals, now roam freely as the human population has decreased over time.[1]
The Nisava River, Serbia's longest and largest right tributary of the north Morava River, originates in Bulgaria and flows through Dimitrovgrad, Pirot, Bela Palanka, and Nis River basins over a length of 151 kilometers. One of its features is the 17-kilometer Sićevo Canyon, nestled between the Svrljig Mountains and the Suva Planina Mountain, serving as a natural reserve. The canyon comprises two sections—the upper Crncansko-Gradistanska Gorge and the lower Ostrovicka Gorge—with nearly vertical cliffs towering up to 400 meters above the river.
The limestone terrain in the Sićevo Gorge fosters a karst landscape and is home to relict plants, including the northernmost habitat of sage. Covering 7,746 hectares, the Sićevo Gorge Park of Nature offers an array of cultural and historical sites, including medieval monasteries, churches, and the remnants of the Roman road "Via Militaris." The gorge also holds significance for archaeologists and anthropologists due to the discovery of a pre-Neanderthal jaw with three teeth and remains of hominids. Moreover, visitors can indulge in various outdoor activities, such as fishing, hunting, kayaking, rafting, hiking, climbing, and gliding.[4]
In terms of weather, Nis experiences average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C during May and September. Summer, the hottest season, spans from June through September. August is the warmest month, with an average maximum temperature of 31°C. In contrast, January stands as the coldest month, averaging a maximum temperature of 5°C. When it comes to rainfall, April ranks as the wettest month, receiving 65 millimeters of precipitation. On the flip side, August is the driest month, with 34 millimeters of rainfall.[5]
In the southeastern corner of Nisavski Okrug lies the Suva Planina mountain area, which hosts the Pešturina Cave, known as the "Serbian Atapuerca." Archaeological surveys in this cave have revealed artifacts from the Middle and Upper Paleolithic periods associated with the Neanderthal Mousterian culture. These artifacts date from approximately 102,000 to 39,000 years ago, making Pešturina one of the longest continuously inhabited Neanderthal sites. In April 2019, Neanderthal remains were discovered in the cave, marking Serbia's first such discovery.
The mountain also bears traces of the Roman military road connecting modern-day Belgrade and Constantinople.
Over time, the region developed traditional practices such as cattle breeding, fruit cultivation, and wine production.[1]
In terms of the district's capital, the city of Nis in Serbia has a history dating back to the Middle Paleolithic period. Paleolithic remains have been found at the Kremenac site, and Bronze Age tombs and settlements have been discovered in the region. The name Nis is believed to have originated during Celtic rule, and the Romans conquered the city in the 1st century BC, naming it Nais.
Nis played a role during the Roman Empire and was even the birthplace of Emperor Constantine the Great. In the 4th century, it became a religious center with one of the oldest Christian basilicas in the world.
The city faced numerous invasions and destruction, including attacks by Huns and Slavic tribes. In the 9th century, it was under Bulgarian rule but later returned to Byzantine control. In the 12th century, it was a battleground between Byzantium, Hungary, and Serbia.
The Ottomans conquered Nis in 1386, and the city changed hands several times during the Middle Ages. It briefly regained independence in the 15th century during the Long War.[2]
During the Ottoman era, Nis was under Ottoman rule for 241 years and developed its Nis Fortress, built during the 18th century. In 1689, the Austrian army briefly took Nis, but the Ottomans recaptured it the following year. Later, the city played a role in the Serbian Revolution, as Karađorđe and Serbian rebels aimed to liberate it.
In the modern period, Nis was incorporated into Serbia during the Russo-Turkish War. The city developed with advancements such as the introduction of trams, an airport, and cultural institutions.
During World War II, Nis experienced German occupation and Allied bombings. However, in 1945, the city was liberated by the Bulgarian Army and Partisans.[3]
Click a state below to find a Bed and Breakfast near you.
