The small town of Resava county – Despotovac is located in the place where abundant history, culture and fascinating intact nature intertwine.
It lies between Kučaj mountains on the west and stunning plains on the east, which is another thing specific of this place whose interesting past provokes imagination and the unique natural riches awake all senses.
Despite the area’s tumultuous history, which dates back to the prehistoric times and continues with the settlement of Thracian tribes, Romans, Slavs and Turks, today Despotovac is a peaceful town in the east of Serbia, disturbed only by the sounds of Resava river.
The unusual flow of this river has formed one of the most beautiful and most attractive waterfalls in Serbia, and its clear water has become a habitat to several species of trout, that is a culinary specialty of this area.
Despotovac is mentioned for the first time in 1381. as Vojnik village in Prince Lazar’s Charter. During the 5 centuries long reign of Turks, the village was settled in and abandoned several times, only to be named Despotovac in honour of Despot Stefan Lazarević in 1882, by the order of King Miloš Obrenović. With this, Despotovac became a town and the county of Ćuprija got three districts and district centres: Svilajnac, Despotovac and Paraćin.
The natural riches that include not only the plentiful river flows and diverse flora and fauna, but also the favourable geographic location and climate, have always been appealing. Therefore, the county of Resava was the center of spirituality and culture in the Medieval period.These circumstances helped the area abound in cultural and historic heritage, of which monasteries Manasija and Ravanica stand out as most important.
Such a magical combination of nature and culture creates a unique feeling which will leave you with a desire to revisit the place where you can rest, enjoy the nature, hunting and fishing, or visiting some of the most beautiful Serbian monasteries.
Resava cave, the 80-million-year old beauty of Resava
On the fringe of Divljakovac karst field, one of the most beautiful caves in Serbia remained hidden until 1962.
Its beauty consists of numerous halls, canals, galleries, columns, draperies and petrified waterfalls, but what attracts most attention are the stalactites and stalagmites in astonishing red, yellow and white colours, that are estimated to be approximately 45 million years old.
If you decide to visit the Resava cave, prepare yourselves for an unforgettable and exciting experience, but also for bringing warm clothes, since the temperature in the cave is constantly around 7°C, and humidity varies between 80 and 100%.
Manasija Monastery, the beautiful frescoes of medieval painting
On the right bank of Resava river, in the picturesque gorge formed by the slopes of Beljanica mountain, lies one of the most important monuments of the medieval Serbian culture, Manasija Monastery. The construction of this stunning legacy of Despot Stefan Lazarević, which is also his mausoleum, started in the year of 1407, and finished in 1418.
The whole complex is surrounded by high walls which served for defense, and it consisted of 11 towers, the most important one being donjon, better known as Despot’s tower. Throughout the ages, Manasija or Resava was plundered and set on fire many times, resulting in merely a third of the frescoes, which represent the pinnacle of medieval painting, being preserved until today.
“Veliki Buk”, a fascinating beauty of one of the highest waterfalls in Serbia
At the foot of Beljanica mountain, surrounded by verdure of intact nature are Veliko Vrelo spring and Veliki Buk waterfall.
This waterfall presents a unique phenomenon among the accumulative tufa waterfalls of Serbia, and with its power and height of 25m it always takes the breath away from the amazed visitors.
In the vicinity of the waterfall there is a restaurant, where you can rest, enjoy the enchanting view and the specialty of the area, freshly caught trout from Resava.
By the regulation of the Government of The Republic of Serbia from 1995, both the spring and the waterfall are protected as The Natural Monument Lisine, which presents a special sight of Serbia’s geo heritage fund.
The fact that the remains of the first settlements were found nearby Despotovac also speaks of the favourable geographic location, climate and fertile soil. There are also various archaeological materials and objects which present a true fortune, because they provide insight into the prehistoric life that took place on these very grounds.
The beauty and the smell of beech forests, the amazing landscapes of flowery fragrant meadows, green pastures with flocks of sheep, clear and fresh air, but also the hospitality and kindness of the locals leave a strong pleasurable impression of harmony, which will surely make you want to come back to this little place which selflessly preserves so much.
How to get to Despotovac?
Despotovac is located 130 km away from Belgrade, so if you are coming from that direction, it is best to take E-75 highway to Markovac, and then take the regional road to Despotovac and Svilajnac.
If you are coming from Niš, it is also advised to take E-75 highway until the exit at Ćuprija, and then the regional road to Despotovac.
In case you are arriving by public transportation, you can find the information on the bus departures from the most important directions at the bus station info service.
Phone number: 035 613-574
Since you are already here, do not miss…
Senjski Rudnik the museum-town
In the museum which was opened in 1980 and proclaimed a cultural monument of great importance along with the neighbouring grounds in 1983, visitors can see different machines, tools and workshops of miners used throughout the course of history. What is of particular importance for this place is that the industrialization of Serbia started here.
Prskalo waterfall
Through the most imaginative play of water and limestone, nature created Prskalo, the waterfall on south Kučaj. Even though the waterfall is scarce with water, it represents a jewel of intact nature, which attracts numerous tourists due to its unusual look and location.
Despotovac health resort
This health resort with centuries of tradition, whose neighbouring grounds were inhabited even in the prehistoric times, is abundant in thermal and mineral waters and it makes a perfect place for a vacation, healing and enjoying the richness of these healthy waters.
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