Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Čačak, Serbia

Upon visiting Čačak, nestled in the picturesque mountainous region of Western Serbia, travelers will discover that many of the trip’s highlights lie outside the city limits. This charming city, home to around 73,000 residents, is surrounded by remarkable natural beauty, with the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge being its most treasured attraction, renowned for its striking landscape and rich cultural heritage.

Within the embrace of two prominent mountain peaks lies a karst limestone canyon, housing numerous medieval monasteries that remain active today. This magnificent environment invites moments of serene contemplation, evidenced by the inclusion of several monasteries on this itinerary, alongside relaxing spas, mountainous terrains, and captivating sites within Čačak itself.

Let us delve into the most notable attractions in Čačak:

1. Ovčar-Kablar Gorge

Located west of Čačak, this area is a breathtaking blend of nature and an array of historical monasteries dating back to the 1300s.

More than 30 monasteries were established around the gorge, earning comparisons to Mount Athos in Greece.

This rugged karst canyon lies along the West Morava River, named after the two prominent mountains that dominate the view: Ovčar to the north and Kablar to the south.

As you ascend the mountain trails and take in the vistas of the winding river and steep cliffs, you will appreciate why this gorge is regarded as a sacred site for meditation and spirituality.

2. Tour Ovčar-Kablar’s Monasteries

Of the 30 monasteries established along the gorge, ten are still standing, with nine remaining active.

The earliest ones were established in the 14th century by religious communities migrating from Mount Athos to Serbia to escape pirate attacks.

Most of these monasteries were constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries, subsequently falling into disrepair before being restored post-Ottoman rule.

A highlight is the Monastery of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, located on the left bank of the Morava River, featuring frescoes that date back to the early 17th century.

Do not miss the extraordinary Kađenica cave-church, which holds the remains of locals who sought refuge from the Ottomans, interred in two sarcophaguses beneath the altar.

3. Monastery of St Nicholas (Manastir Nikolje Kablarsko)

The oldest and arguably the most significant of the remaining monasteries is situated at the base of Mount Kablar.

While its exact origins are uncertain, architectural evidence suggests it was built in the 1300s.

However, much is known about the monastery and its monks during the 14th and 15th centuries, particularly due to the Nikoljsko jevanđelje, a collection of illuminated manuscripts created at this site, now housed in Ireland after disappearing during World War II.

During the Second Serbian Uprising, Miloš Obrenović sought refuge at St Nicholas, with frescoes adorning the walls dating from 1567 to 1637.

4. Monastery of the Visitation (Manastir Sretenje)

Located on the right bank of the Morava, the origins of this monastery remain uncertain.

Its first recorded mention dates back to 1571, just half a century before it was destroyed.

Thanks to the efforts of Nikifor Maksimović, who later became Bishop of Žiča, it was restored, although it faced further destruction during German bombardment in 1941.

The 19th-century Čačak artist Živko Pavlović created exquisite murals here, and the church tower, set against the backdrop of Mount Ovčar, provides an exceptional photo opportunity.

5. Gradsko Šetalište

The most vibrant urban street in Čačak is this promenade that stretches from east to west.

Gradsko Šetalište features grand historical townhouses adorned with stucco decorations, juxtaposed with more modern architecture.

This street serves as the city’s central hub for shopping and dining, lined with restaurants, boutiques, and ice cream shops.

During warm and sunny days, Gradsko Šetalište becomes lively, with families enjoying leisurely strolls or consuming coffee in outdoor seating areas.

6. National Museum

This esteemed institution encompasses various departments throughout Čačak, with its primary exhibition located within the palace of Jovan Obrenović.

The building, constructed in 1835, was commissioned by a brother of the first monarch of modern Serbia, Miloš Obrenović.

Čačak has a storied history characterized by conflict, and this museum allows visitors to explore Serbia’s turbulent journey towards independence.

A range of fascinating artifacts is on display, chronicling periods from prehistory through the medieval era.

Visitors can expect to find impressive collections of jewelry, ceramics, statuettes, architectural remnants, Roman glassware, and ancient coins.

7. Umetnička Galerija “Nadežda Petrović”

Nadežda Petrović, Serbia’s celebrated impressionist and fauvist painter, was born in Čačak in 1873. Despite her untimely death while serving as a nurse during the First World War, her legacy is profound, as she appears on Serbia’s 200 Dinar banknote.

The gallery honoring her name is dedicated to modern and contemporary art.

It includes a significant collection of Nadežda Petrović’s works, as well as pieces from other artists she encountered while studying in Munich.

The exhibition also features Yugoslav paintings from the latter half of the 20th century, along with contemporary Serbian art.

A biennial exhibition held from September to November invites numerous artists from across Serbia to contribute a themed display, with its 29th iteration set to occur in 2018.

8. Church of the Ascension of Christ

Perched at the highest point of the city, this church dates back to the late 12th century.

Tradition holds that it was commissioned by Stracimir Zavidović, the sibling of the influential ruler Stefan Nemanja.

Notably, the church remained standing during Ottoman rule, having been converted into a mosque instead of being demolished.

It sustained damage during the First Serbian Uprising in the early 19th century, prompting restoration efforts led by Prince Miloš later in the century, with the artist Živko Pavlović tasked to create the 48 images displayed in the iconostasis during the 1840s.

9. Spomenik Stepi Stepanoviću

Throughout a history marred by foreign occupation, Čačak has gained notoriety for its steadfast resistance.

It is consequently fitting that one of the city’s most distinguished figures was a general.

Stepa Stepanović, who spent much of his life in Čačak, played a significant role in both the First and Second Balkan Wars, as well as the First World War.

He served in a remarkable number of conflicts, successfully advancing through the military ranks along the way.

A monument stands before the general’s former residence, where plaques detail each battle he fought, highlighting the extensive list of his military engagements.

10. Banja Gornja Trepča

Nestled between the Bukovik and Vujan mountains lies Banja Gornja Trepča, a spa resort enveloped in lush beech and oak forests.

Located merely 18 kilometers from Čačak, the area is known for its geological activity, as evidenced by the numerous igneous rock formations present.

Three springs exist in the vicinity, all sharing the same chemical composition due to a common subterranean source.

Among them, a prominent tap in the town dispenses water at 26°C, rich in magnesium, sodium, potassium, and calcium content.

The presence of radon adds a mildly radioactive quality to the water, attracting health tourists seeking treatment for gastrointestinal and rheumatic ailments.

11. Vujan Monastery (Manastir Vujan)

Adjacent to these springs is the Vujan Monastery, located six kilometers outside Čačak.

Situated on a tranquil wooded slope, this monastery is dedicated to the Archangel Michael.

According to tradition, a hermit who herded cattle on Mount Vujan founded the monastery in the 1300s, and it is believed that his remains are interred in the church.

However, by 1597, the monastery had been destroyed and remained abandoned for over 200 years until it was revitalized during the First Serbian Uprising in the early 18th century by national hero Nikola Lunjevica, a companion of Prince Miloš, whose tomb can be found in the narthex of the newly built church.

12. Ovčar Banja

Nestled in stunning scenery alongside the Morava River, this spa resort boasts a rich history spanning centuries.

In medieval times, it was renowned as Serbia’s largest and most famous spa and attracted thousands of visitors seeking its therapeutic waters during the Ottoman era.

The baths were renovated in 2011 and are replenished with water sourced from a spring at 38°C, optimally suited for treating a variety of health concerns, ranging from sports injuries to rheumatic disorders.

The wellness center provides a diverse array of hydrotherapy treatments and massage services.

13. Drvengrad (Küstendorf)

Some mountain villages possess such charm that they appear to be constructed for film sets, and Drvengrad is no exception.

This village was developed from scratch in the early 2000s for Emir Kusturica’s film “Life Is a Miracle,” which stands as the most expensive Serbian film production to date.

More than 600 residents inhabit the village, famous for its chalet-style homes situated along streets named after notable figures like Ingmar Bergman, Federico Fellini, Maradona, and Novak Djokovic.

The village hosts a library, art gallery, church, narrow-gauge steam railway (integral to the plot of “Life Is a Miracle”), and a cinema.

Each January, it holds the Küstendorf Film Festival, attracting prominent actors globally, including Johnny Depp and Gael García Bernal since its inception in 2008.

14. Zlatibor

Before reaching Drvengrad, travelers will encounter Zlatibor, one of Serbia’s premier mountain resorts.

The plateau offers breathtaking vistas, characterized by seven towering mountain peaks that culminate just shy of 1,500 meters in height, providing Zlatibor with a refreshing Alpine climate that boasts crisp air and clear skies during summer and consistent snowfall in winter.

The Tornikski resort ranks among the three most frequented in the country, with lift systems capable of accommodating over 5,000 skiers per hour.

If you found Ovčar-Kablar captivating, you will certainly be intrigued by the Uvac Gorge, where an emerald river gracefully winds around slender karst promontories.

15. Cuisine

No visit to a Serbian city is complete without experiencing a meal at a traditional kafana.

These establishments serve as typical Balkan taverns where dining involves an extensive multi-course affair, complemented by rakija (a strong brandy) and live folk music.

For meat lovers, pljeskavica is a must-try; this Serbian burger blends lamb, beef, and pork into a single patty.

Served in a bun with kajmak—a creamy cheese—the dish is a local favorite.

Freshwater fish such as trout, carp, and catfish sourced from the Sava River also feature prominently on local menus.

Moreover, a summertime staple consists of a feast featuring grilled meats like kebabs and sausages, often served with shopska salad (cucumber, feta, onion, pepper, and tomato).