Michaelmas, the Patron saint day of Velika Hoča, one of the most beautiful villages, cultural and wine pearl of Metohija, was celebrated with holy liturgy in the Church of St. Stephen, on October.
At the same time, the end of the grape harvest was marked and that is why a large number of Kosovo Serbs visited that Serbian enclave on this day.
Velika Hoča is located at a distance of 6 km southeast of Orahovac and about 25 km from Prizren. It is one of the oldest villages in Metohija, which is mentioned even in charters Nemanjića. Serbian Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja donated this village as a gift to the monastery Hilandar in 1198-99.
The mentions of this little village were mainly related to wine. Because of the fertile climate suitable for growing grapes, many sunny days, the population of this area engaged in viticulture even at the time of the Roman Empire. This was confirmed when the ceramic stein capacity of 300 to 400 liters was discovered here.
Today, residents of this small village living from viticulture, also. The most famous winery in this region is Winery of Dečani (Dečanska vinica), where monks of Dečani make wine. The village has a private wine cellars, too. There you can taste and buy the best Metohija’s wines.
Apart from the rich vineyards, the village is famous for its vast cultural heritage. Specifically, the 13 churches from the Middle Ages are located here. Therefore Velika Hoča is often called the “village museum”.
