Summary
Kruševac, the medieval capital of Serbia, is situated in the Rasina Region at the heart of the country. This contemporary urban center is rich in both new and historical evidence pointing to its former prominence.
At the center lies the Archaeological Park, encompassing what once was Prince Lazar’s city during the 14th century. Although not much remains into the modern era, the Church of Lazarica is a notable original structure and a Serbian national treasure. Visitors can delve deeper into Prince Lazar’s history at the adjacent National Museum, while many stunning examples of Neoclassical architecture from the early 1900s, such as the opulent City Hall, also grace the city.
Now, let us investigate the top attractions in Kruševac:
1. Church of Lazarica
The significance of this medieval church, located within the city’s Archaeological Park, is immense: It was established in the 1370s, concurrently with Prince Lazar’s fortified city, to commemorate the birth of his first son.
This Serbo-Byzantine structure would later serve as a prototype for the medieval Morava School of architecture, influencing constructions throughout the Rasina region for the following century.
During Ottoman rule, Lazarica fell into disrepair but was restored in the 19th century.
The edifice features a trefoil layout (similar to a condensed cross) surrounding a central dome, along with a five-sided apse.
The masonry exemplifies the classic Byzantine style, alternating layers of pale sandstone with bricks, creating a striking two-tone appearance.
2. National Museum
The National Museum operates several locations within Kruševac, with the primary exhibition housed in a large Neoclassical hall positioned in front of the Lazarica Church.
This venue was formerly the city’s Gymnasium (Grammar School) and dates back to 1863. In its galleries, one can explore Kruševac’s intricate 6,000-year human history, spanning from Neolithic times to the rejuvenation of the Serbian State in the 19th and 20th centuries.
If time permits, you will find many fascinating artifacts, including the family legacy of the notable Kruševac-born composer Stanislav Binički.
The collection also features a replica of Prince Lazar’s tunic, Bronze Age gold earrings, and a collection of medieval weaponry and ceramics.
3. Donžon of Lazar
A prominent feature of the Archaeological Park is Kusčevac’s ancient castle keep, which represents the last remnants of Lazar’s fortifications.
Despite its dilapidated state, it is relatively easy to visualize its grandeur during medieval times.
The five-story structure originally reached over 20 meters high and was fortified at the corners with blocks of ashlar sandstone.
At the base of the tower, remnants of the historic defensive earthworks and outer walls can still be discerned.
This keep would have served as a final stronghold against invaders who breached the city walls.
4. City Hall
The heart of Kruševac underwent a significant transformation at the dawn of the 20th century due to extensive construction projects.
Arguably the most grandiose of these was the Neoclassical City Hall, completed in 1904, featuring an imposing central facade with three arched windows, elegantly framed by Ionic columns.
However, the true highlight lies within: On the mezzanine level, a hall adorned with mosaics crafted by 20th-century artist Mladen Srbinović awaits visitors.
These mosaics draw inspiration from medieval Moravian art, incorporating symbols and imagery reflecting historical events, epic poems, folklore, and mythology.
5. Monument to Kosovo’s Fallen Heroes
This monument, located in Pionirski Park, is another impressive artifact from the early 1900s.
Crafted by sculptor Đorđe Jovanović, it earned him the prestigious gold medal at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1900. The monument was transported to Kruševac and inaugurated in 1904 to commemorate the centenary of the First Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Empire.
Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, it is rich in symbolism related to Serbian nationalism and the liberation from Ottoman rule.
One of the scenes depicted in the plinth’s bas-reliefs represents the infamous Battle of Kosovo in 1389, which caused significant casualties to both Serbs and Turks, including the death of Prince Lazar.
6. Galerija Milića od Mačve
Milić Stanković, known by his pseudonym Milić od Mačve, was a renowned Serbian painter active in the 20th century.
His surrealist work has drawn comparisons to that of Salvador Dalí.
Upon his passing in 2000, he bequeathed 120 paintings to the city of Kruševac.
These artworks are imbued with medieval themes, referencing the reign of Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja in the 12th century, Prince Lazar, and events from Kruševac’s medieval history.
Stanković’s only condition for the donation was that the permanent collection be displayed with a view of the Lazarica Church.
7. The Simić House
One of the city’s oldest structures, the Simić House, is believed to date back to the early 19th century, possibly even earlier.
The first feature to attract attention is the elegant wooden gallery on the first floor, supported by five wooden columns, with extended eaves covering the entrance.
The home’s first occupants were members of the Turkish Vrenčević family, who governed the city as “Beys” during the latter part of Kruševac’s Ottoman era.
Later, Stojan Simić, one of the city’s liberators, received this house as a gift from his godfather, Prince Miloš Obrenović.
This historical building now serves as the setting for the National Museum’s ethnographic collections, showcasing life in Kruševac at the turn of the 20th century.
8. Umetnička Galerija
This elegant property encapsulates an intriguing chapter in the city’s interwar history.
Constructed in the 1920s as a residence for the affluent Ljotić family, Umetnička Galerija is now utilized for temporary art exhibitions.
The National Museum manages the house, and both its architecture and interior design reflect the classical aesthetic favored by the city’s elite during the 1920s.
Notably, the balustrade features unique reliefs depicting four boys flanking two sculpted windows.
9. Bagdala
Located on the southern outskirts of the city, Mount Bagdala offers a tranquil escape from urban life.
This destination is popular for strolls and summer picnics, acclaimed for its meadows, forests, and expansive vistas.
Interestingly, the hill’s name “Bagdala,” with Turkish origins, translates to “divine view.” At the summit, visitors can enter the Church of St John, which showcases a chapel adorned with frescos, including the image of Christ Pantocrator on its ceiling.
10. Slobodište Memorial Park
In a more somber vein, the area is home to a monument commemorating the Second World War.
Located to the south of the city, on the slopes of Mount Bagdala, this site was once the location of the city’s concentration camp during the conflict.
A memorial park was founded in the 1960s to honor the 1,642 Partisans, Chetniks, and Romanis who were executed here.
The monument comprises a series of sculptural installations, including burial mounds, an amphitheater, a cenotaph, and 12 stone birds.
Designed by modern architect Bogdan Bogdanović at the request of politician Dobrica Ćosić, who would later become Yugoslavia’s president in 1992, this site serves as a poignant tribute to the victims.
11. Monument to Prince Lazar
Visitors can encounter a representation of Lazar on the eastern side of the Lazarev Grad archaeological park.
This statue was inaugurated in 1971 to mark the 600th anniversary of Kruševac’s establishment.
Belgradian sculptor Nebojša Mitrić crafted the statue in the style reminiscent of Serbian coins from the medieval period, depicting Lazar seated on a throne, sword resting across his lap.
Lazar’s likeness is derived from a contemporary fresco located within Ravanica Monastery, situated about an hour from Kruševac, while his garments are inspired by a replica displayed at the National Museum.
12. Naupara Monastery
A short distance from Kruševac lies a 14th-century monastic church, recognized as a quintessential example of the Morava School architecture.
The style is evident in the elegant paired rose windows on the western facade, which exhibit incredibly intricate masonry within their frames, with the higher window featuring three ornate borders.
Noteworthy remnants of 14th and 15th-century frescoes can be found within the narthex and the vaults beneath the dome and side chapels.
These frescoes depict the Virgin and Child, as well as Christ Pantocrator.
13. Bela Voda
This picturesque village is nestled amidst the banks of the Zapadna Morava River and the southern slopes of the Gledić mountains.
Bela Voda has long been recognized as a center of excellence for stonemasonry, attributed to the village’s abundant ashlar sandstone deposits.
This high-quality material has been utilized in constructing numerous monuments across the country, while in the 20th century, the Ministry of Trade and Industry established a school to teach the craft of stonework.
This school was later transformed into a museum in 2009, documenting notable structures built with Bela Voda sandstone, including St Mark’s Church in Belgrade.
14. Koznik
Arguably, the most rewarding excursion from Kruševac is the majestic 14th-century castle, perched at an elevation of 920 meters.
This landmark is historically connected to Prince Lazar, with his widow, Princess Milica, residing here at the start of the 15th century.
The castle witnessed extensive conflict for several decades before succumbing to the Ottomans alongside Kruševac in 1455. While the castle has been abandoned for centuries, substantial sections of the walls and towers remain intact.
From this vantage point, the breathtaking views of the Kampaonik Range and the Rasina Valley are truly remarkable.
15. Jastrebac
As one travels south from Kruševac, the landscape transforms into rugged terrain, culminating at Jastrebac, the highest mountain in the region.
Situated just 20 kilometers from the city, there exists an activity center located on a plateau 650 meters above sea level.
In summer, guests can enjoy the artificial lake, while winter brings along a generous coating of snow, ideal for skiing activities.
The remainder of the year is perfect for hiking and cycling ventures through tranquil silver birch forests.
Your journey can also lead you to Ribarska Banja, a charming spa resort noted for its thermal springs.
