Zlatiborski Okrug, or Zlatibor District, is one of Serbia's self-governing regions, found in the westernmost part of the country. The Zlatibor area shares its borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and several other administrative districts within Serbia. Covering approximately 6,140 square kilometers, it constitutes 7% of Serbia's total land area. Geographically, Zlatibor is predominantly characterized by hilly and mountainous terrain, with over 55% of the area being designated as agricultural land. Notably, the district features various watercourses, mountain resorts, forests, and cultural landmarks. Additionally, it provides conditions for organic food production. Within the district, the city of Užice and nine municipalities are situated, with Sjenica being the largest both in terms of territory and number of settlements.[4] However, Užice serves as the Zlatbor District's capital city, providing various historical and cultural attractions, such as the National Museum of Užice and the Old Town.[7] Additionally, Zlatiborski Okrug provides a variety of natural destinations. One such example is Uvac Special Nature Reserve, known for its horseshoe bends, panoramic viewpoints, sinkholes, caves, and pits, to name a few. Several hiking and walking trails are also found within the Uvac area.[8] Another protected area within Zlatibor's borders is Tara National Park, located in the westernmost area of the district.[5]
Užice showcases a range of attractions for visitors. For instance, people can explore the Zip Line in the Old Town, which offers panoramic views of ancient ruins and scenic landscapes. Visitors seeking historical attractions can hike through the remnants of the Old Town, a medieval fortress alongside the Đetinja River. There is also the Zabučje Lookout Tower, providing a bird's-eye view of the cityscape. Moreover, Terzića Avlija, an ethno village, offers authentic Serbian cuisine and cultural experiences. The National Museum of Užice delves into the city's history, including the legacy of renowned painter Mihailo Milovanović. Lastly, it is possible to explore the Hydroelectric Power Plant in Cetinje, Europe's first plant built on Tesla's electricity principles, offering a glimpse into Užice's technological heritage amidst nature.[7]
People who prefer natural destinations can venture to the Uvac Special Nature Reserve, located in Serbia along the Uvac River, which represents a haven for endangered bird species and provides a variety of natural landscapes. With its horseshoe bends, towering viewpoints, and forests, the reserve's terrain is abundant in karst, featuring unique formations such as valleys, sinkholes, gorges, caves, and pits. The meandering Uvac River, particularly upstream of the Veljušnica River, showcases formations known as the Lopiža meaders, symbolic of Serbia's nature. Moreover, scattered villages and scenic viewpoints can be found along the canyon's sides. The reserve also hosts caves, including the Ušačka and Ledena caves, known for their stalactites and stalagmites. Due to its varied nature, Uvac Special Nature Reserve is one of the recommended hiking areas. One of the possible hikes is a trail to Molitva Viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the Uvac Canyon and measuring a height of 1,247 meters, accessible via a suspension bridge from Krstac Village. The trail spans approximately six kilometers one way, making it a manageable trek for visitors. Similarly, the Ravni Krst Viewpoint trail, also starting from Krstac Village, leads to Druznice, passing through pine forests along the edge of the lake, with a total length of about 12 kilometers. Another spot, Zlatarsko Lake, features a trail from Pavlovic Bridge, winding to the Stevanetic and Celina viewpoints, covering roughly 5 kilometers. These trails offer views and moderate hiking experiences for nature enthusiasts exploring the Uvac Special Nature Reserve in Serbia.[8]
The Mileseva Monastery, located near Prijepolje, is a significant historical and cultural site within Zlatiborski Okrug. Founded by King Vladislav in the 13th century, it became known for housing the relics of Saint Sava, a revered Serbian saint. The monastery's architecture, blending Byzantine and Romanesque styles, reflects its history. The monastery endured periods of prosperity and destruction, witnessing events such as the coronation of Bosnian rulers and Turkish occupations. Nearby, the Milesevac Fortress stands as a testament to medieval Serbian history. The monastery's surroundings, including the Milesevka River Canyon, offer natural diversity and opportunities for exploration. After recent renovations, visitors can experience the monastery's spiritual ambiance while staying in modern dormitories and enjoying traditional meals.[9]
The Zlatibor District, situated in southwestern Serbia, shares borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and several administrative districts within Serbia. It encompasses an area of approximately 6,140 square kilometers, representing 7% of Serbia's total land area, and includes 438 settlements. The district comprises the city of Užice and nine municipalities, with Sjenica being the largest in terms of territory and number of settlements. Zlatibor District's area is predominantly hilly and mountainous, with over 55% designated as agricultural land. Notably, it features a considerable number of watercourses, mountain resorts, forests, and cultural landmarks. The area has hydrological and tourist potential and favorable conditions for organic food production through organic, integral, and traditional agricultural methods.[4]
The western border of the Zlatiborski Okrug is lined by the Tara National Park, covering circa 24,991.82 hectares. Geographically, Tara is part of the Dinaric extension, specifically the Old Wallachian mountains, bordered by the Drina River between Višegrad and Bajina Bašta. Its landscape is formed by the medium-high mountains, with Kozji Rid at 1,591 meters as the highest peak in the National Park and Zborište at 1,544 meters as Tara's peak. In terms of the local nature, Tara houses diverse forest ecosystems, including relict and endemic species. With over 1,156 vascular flora species, it accounts for one-third of Serbia's flora, including 76 endemics. The park is also home to numerous mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish, with notable species including the brown bear and Pančić grasshopper. Additionally, Tara preserves archaeological sites and cultural monuments, such as the Rača monastery and medieval necropolises with stećci, recognized as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites.[5]
During the months of May, June, and September, Užice's weather typically has average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C. August is the warmest month, providing an average maximum temperature of 27°C. Conversely, January tends to be the coldest month, with an average maximum temperature of 4°C. In terms of rainfall, May is the wettest month, recording 112 millimeters of precipitation, while January is commonly the driest month, with 63 millimeters of rainfall.[6]
Zlatibor area, once part of the medieval Serbian state, was known as Rujno in the Middle Ages. The name "Zlatibor" likely originates from "zlatni" (golden) and "bor" (pine), referring to a subspecies of pine found there. The Ottomans destroyed the Medieval Uvac Monastery but later rebuilt it in the village of Stublo. Nearby, the Dubrava Monastery's ruins were discovered in 2001, revealing treasures such as Venetian gold coins. Zlatibor became a site of treasure hunts and secret operations during World War II. Partisans buried paper and silver money somewhere within the area, later retrieving some but losing considerable amounts to German forces.[1]
The region around Užice, the capital city of the Zlatibor District, has a history dating back to ancient times, with Illyrians and Celts leaving traces of their presence. In the Middle Ages, Užice witnessed the rise and fall of various ruling families, including Serbian dynasties and Ottoman control. Notably, it was part of the medieval Principality of Serbia and later the Ottoman Sanjak of Smederevo. During World War II, the city played a role as the capital of the short-lived Republic of Užice, established by Yugoslav Partisans. In the Yugoslav era, Užice was renamed 'Titovo Užice' and received investment, becoming one of the most developed towns in Yugoslavia. However, during the 1990s, the city faced economic decline exacerbated by war and NATO bombings in 1999 during Operation Allied Force.[2]
Today, Užice is positioned along the Djetinja River and the Sarajevo-Čačak-Belgrade railway line. Presently, the town serves as a hub for the nonferrous metals and machinery industry, as well as for livestock breeding and fruit cultivation. Its copper and aluminum mills produce various rolled and drawn products of copper, aluminum, and alloys.[3]
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