The Rasina District is located in the southern region of Serbia and houses a population of approximately 241,999 residents. Covering an area of around 2,667 square kilometers, this district is centered around Krusevac, which serves as both its administrative hub and the largest city. Geographically, the Rasina District is predominantly characterized by mountainous terrain, with the presence of Gledić, Jastrebac, Juhor, and Kopaonik mountains throughout the region. The highest point within the district is Pančićev Vrh, standing at an elevation of 2,017 meters. The only lowland areas in this district are situated along the West and Great Morava rivers, which encompass the towns of Ćićevac, Krusevac, and Varvarin.[4] The capital city, Krusevac, was established by Prince Lazar in the 14th century. To this day, several historical and cultural landmarks can be spotted throughout the city.[7] Surrounding the city are various places people tend to visit, such as the Jastrebac mountains for hiking or Ribarska Banja for spa retreat.[8] In the southwestern corner of the region lies the Kopaonik National Park, protecting numerous animal and plant species. Apart from walking, hiking, and cycling, Kopaonik also represents a skiing destination during the winter months.[5] Presumably, the best time to visit Rasina District would be in May and September, when the average temperatures move between 20°C to 26°C.[6]
The city of Krusevac, the capital city of the Rasina District, provides historical and cultural attractions to its visitors. It is encircled by eight monasteries, six dating back to the late Middle Ages and two from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Krusevac Center showcases the 14th-century Lazarica church and the Temple of Saint George from the early 20th century. Nearby, medieval fortresses Maglič and Koznik stand as remnants of ancient times.
The city's founder, Prince Lazar, initiated the construction of Kruševac in 1371. Today, "Lazar's City", as it is nicknamed, attracts visitors with its preserved Donžon tower and the Lazarica church, an architectural landmark blending Byzantine and Moravian styles featuring Baroque frescoes. Additionally, the National Museum, founded in 1951, houses several collections spanning from ancient history to the Middle Ages, with a focus on the era of Prince Lazar and Despot Stefan. Krusevac is also home to the Monument to Kosovo's Fallen Heroes, an art piece by sculptor Đordje Jovanović. Moreover, the city houses a legacy of over 120 paintings by Serbian artist Milić of Mačva, covering motifs from Serbian history, including the Battle of Kosovo. These works are displayed in a gallery overlooking "Lazar's City."[7]
Nevertheless, Krusevac isn't the only point of interest in the Rasinski Okrug. Near the city lies Jastrebac, one of Serbia's most densely forested mountains, offering hiking and cycling trails and sports facilities for active holiday enthusiasts. For those seeking aquatic adventures, the artificial lake on Ravnište, a spacious plateau on the Jastrebac, awaits. Ribarska Banja is a spa located at the base of Jastrebac and can offer visitors a spa retreat. There, tourists can find mineral water springs, a salt room, caves, saunas, massage rooms, and an old Turkish bath as part of the wellness program. Furthermore, Aleksandrovačka Municipality is known for its vineyards and wine production.
In close proximity to Krusevac, the remnants of two medieval towns can be found. Stalać, perched on a hill overlooking the South Morava River, features a preserved tower known as Todor of Stalać's Tower. Nearby, the fortified town of Koznik reveals the remains of its walls and towers on a plateau near Aleksandrovac.[8]
Kopaonik National Park, stretching into the southwestern part of the Rasinski Okrug, offers a variety of attractions and activities for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Hiking and cycling trails meander through the mountain, catering to various levels of fitness. Mountaineers and cyclists can explore these routes via the Red, Orange, and Green "Borje" Routes, each offering unique scenery and terrain. In winter, Kopaonik transforms into a winter sports haven with ski slopes and evening entertainment. Visitors can also delve into Serbia's cultural and historical heritage by exploring nearby monasteries, such as Studenica, Đurđevi Stupovi, and Gradac. Additionally, Veliko Metođe, a 3rd-century church built within a rock on Kopaonik mountain, presents a cultural landmark that tourists tend to visit.[5]
Rasina District is found in the southern part of Serbia and is inhabited by approximately 241,999 people. The area of the district is circa 2,667 square kilometers. Krusevac is the administrative center and largest city of the Rasinski Okrug, which is also the ninth-largest Serbian city. The second largest city in the circuit is Trstenik. Concerning local geography, the Rasina District is of mountainous character in most parts of its territory, with Gledić, Jastrebac, Juhor, and Kopaonik mountains lying there. Pančićev Vrh, reaching 2,017 meters, is the highest peak within the territory. The only lowland area within the district is represented by the West and Great Morava rivers, hosting the towns of Ćićevac, Krusevac, and Varvarin. A significant river in the circuit is the West Morava, which flows into the Great Morava near the village of Stalać. Other rivers include Derekar, Graševačka, Pepeljuša, and Rasina. The artificial Ćelijska lake is also located on the river Rasina.[4]
In the southwestern part of the Rasinski Okrug protrudes into the district's territory the Kopaonik National Park, known as "the sunshine mountain." The area tends to attract nature enthusiasts with its biodiversity and landscapes. Kopaonik National Park is a botanical haven, providing a home for over a thousand plant species. Among its botanical species are Kopaonik's houseleek, Kopaonik's violet, and Pančić's bittercress. The park's ecosystem extends beyond its flora. Nearly two hundred bird species find refuge there, attracting birdwatchers as well. Additionally, Kopaonik is home to an array of mammal species, adding to the park's ecological diversity. One notable resident is the endangered butterfly species that thrives exclusively in this habitat.
Moreover, over two hundred mushroom species, including rare and endemic varieties, can be found in the park. Kopaonik National Park is formed by numerous natural landmarks and preserves that have been placed under state protection. Notable sites include the Bele Stene, once a nesting ground for grey falcons, and the Duboka Nature Reserve nestled along the riverbank. Other natural wonders include Lisičja Stena, Pajino Presto, Suvi Vrh, Visoki Deo, and Karaman-Vučak. In order to see Kopaonik from the bird's perspective, it is recommended to visit the peaks and viewpoints of Velika Stena, where tourists can observe a panoramic view of Jastrebac, Velika Šiljača, Jelica, Gvozdac, and Oštri Krš mountain ranges.[5]
Concerning the weather in Rasinski Okrug, the months of May and September typically offer weather conditions characterized by average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C.
Usually August stands out as the warmest, reaching an average maximum temperature of 30°C.
Conversely, the coldest month in Krusevac is January, with an average maximum temperature of 5°C.
For those concerned about rainfall, May tends to be the wettest month, receiving an average of 85 mm of precipitation. On the other hand, August is the driest month.[6]
In 1371, Prince Lazar established Krusevac as his capital, which gained historical mention in 1387 when he confirmed trading privileges for Dubrovnik's people in his fortified capital. Krusevac evolved into an economic and cultural hub in Serbia, functioning as the seat of governance and providing impetus for state organization. Following the Battle of Kosovo, Krusevac became the capital of the vassal Serbian state of Lazarevic, initially ruled by Princess Milica and later by their son, Despot Stefan. Turkish attacks on Krusevac led to its conquest in 1426. The city was under Ottoman control from 1454 onwards, known as Aladža Hisar. During periods of peace under the Ottomans, Krusevac saw several brief liberations, notably during the Great Vienna War in 1689, 1737-1739, and in 1789 during Kočina Krajina. Krusevac returned to Ottoman rule in 1791 but was finally liberated in 1833, after which it developed into a regional center in the Principality of Serbia.[1]
During the early stages of the German occupation of Yugoslavia, the Yugoslav Army launched an attack on the German garrison in Krusevac. Despite a four-day battle, they failed to liberate the town. In World War II, mass executions of patriots and antifascists took place on Bagdala Hill, with the largest occurring in the summer of 1943. A monument called Slobodište (meaning 'freedom' in Serbian) now stands at the execution site. Krusevac was eventually liberated on October 14, 1944, when the Germans left the city together. However, after the communist regime took control, a commission reported that 493 people were killed, and 11 went missing in post-war communist purges in Krusevac.
Later, the city experienced industrial growth during the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, becoming an industrial center. However, a considerable number of Krusevac industries did not survive the post-Milošević transition, with several factory closures and significant job losses between 2002 and 2014.[2]
One of the predominant historical sights in the Rasinski Okrug is the Ljubostinja Monastery, which was founded in 1388. According to lore, it was erected on the spot where Princess Milica first encountered Prince Lazar. This meeting occurred on the feast day of St. Archdeacon Stefan, to whom an earlier chapel on the same site was dedicated. From the architectural point of view, the monastery belongs to the Morava School, known for its exterior decorations, featuring sculpted windows, lunettes, and rosettes. However, a fire ignited by the Turks during the 17th and 18th centuries partially damaged the frescoes, but some sections still remain. The monastery's historical significance is further underscored by the presence of graves, including those of Queen Milica and nun Jefimija.[3]
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