Fairytale-like ethno village Latkovac consists of four traditional houses made of mud, straw and beams. The oldest of them was built 200 years ago and was once used as a courthouse.
There aren’t many places around the world that give you the opportunity to actually enjoy what was previously a prison or a courtroom. That’s why you shouldn’t miss a chance to do just so in a fabulous ethno village named Latkovac near the city of Aleksandrovac.
The village arose on a more than two centuries old hearth that belonged to the ancestors of Knežević family. Today it is comprised of four houses that were built of mud, straw and timber more than a hundred years ago.
One of those houses is around two centuries old and was originally a courtroom that became private property on the beginning of the 20th century.
The village itself was mentioned under the name Vlatkovac even 500 hundred years ago in a XVI century land registry during Ottoman rule. It was so small at that time that only one fence was enough to enclose it. But, its good position, especially its distance from dangerous roads, encouraged more and more people to settle there.
Its residents were well known craftsmen, farmers and vintners, and that part of Serbia is a famous wine producing region even nowadays. A great number of wineries and wine cellars offer their guests an exceptional “wine adventure” that includes legends about fairies and gods from Slavic myths and legends, and certainly – some wine tasting.
Ethno village Latkovac is situated in the very heart of Serbia. It is 220 km far from Belgrade at the altitude of 430 meters, at the foot of mountains Kopaonik, Goč and Željin.
Beside those four houses, an old courtroom and three more buildings dating from the beginning of the 20th century, there is a barn and a stable in the village. Three houses are painted in vivid colors – blue, red and green – and in what was originally a wine cellar and afterwards a courthouse and a prison, today there is a large dining room.
Beside its numerous legends and turbulent history, Latkovac is also unique in its unspoiled nature, fresh air and water from mountain springs, homemade food and wines. And what could make a stay in the village even more interesting is its location very close to four archaeological sites of the medieval city of Koznik.
On the other hand, visitors of Latkovac can try out some old crafts or, at the satisfaction of their hosts, try helping them in some of the activities of everyday country life.
Also, various workshops are frequently organized in the village so those interested can learn more about painting, ethno music, calligraphy, ceramics, history and archaeology but also about weaving, embroidering, knitting, sewing, wool spinning, carpentry, basketry, coppersmithing, blacksmithing…
In memory of their experience in Latkovac, visitors can buy some souvenirs and handicrafts in the village’s ethno shop, or get some homemade specialties of Serbian cuisine.
How to get to the Latkovac ethno village?
If you head to the ethno village of Latkovac in the municipality of Aleksandrovac you can decide to travel in the comfort your own vehicle or you can decide to relax during the journey and go by bus.
The fastest way to get to Aleksandrovac and Latkovac traveling from Belgrade is to take the road via Jagodina, Ćuprija, Paraćin and Kruševac.
Also it is possible to come using the regional roads from the direction of Niš and Prokuplje, Brus and Kopaonik, Kraljevo…
The ethno village is on the road that leads to Aleksandrovac in the direction of Kožetina.
When you are already here, don’t miss…
A glass of the best wine the Župa winemakers have to offer from the sunny vineyards of Župa. If you find yourself in Latkovac in mid September there is the unavoidable event “Župska Berba” (Župa harvest) and during that time a special program is organized in the village.
After a rest and specialties of local cuisine in the ethno village, head for Mt. Kopaonik, Mt. Goč or Mt. Željin where a real mountain idyll awaits you.
If you would rather enjoy the benefits of mineral wells and healing therapy, visit Jošanička banja (eng. Jošanica spa) which is only 42km from Latkovac.
Photo: www.ethno.co.rs
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