Belanovce lies on the left side of the Cernica Valley, at an elevation of 270 to 320 metres above sea level. The Cernica is a left-bank tributary of the Jablanica and runs along the southern edge of Belanovce’s cadastral area. South of the village, a paved regional road runs from Leskovac via Bojnik to Prokuplje. The river and the road describe different spatial relationships: the Cernica marks the boundary of the cadastral area, while the road runs south of the village. This places Belanovce in context both through its valley location and its regional connection.

The Cernica Valley and a woodland excursion destination

Above Belanovce, the Pašina (Partizanska) Česma excursion destination is set in oak and coniferous forest at an elevation of about 320 metres. This is approximately the upper limit of the elevation range given for Belanovce. The excursion destination has sports fields; check their condition before your visit. When planning, you can consider the village’s valley location and the woodland excursion destination as distinct points of interest.

The history of the name and earlier accounts

Belanovce was first mentioned in 1516 under the name Belanovci. An ancient settlement is said to have already existed at the present-day site. The settlement’s church is said to have stood south of Gornja Mahala, at a place still known as Crkvište. Near the former church site, remains of an old “Latin” cemetery are said to have been discovered while fields were being cultivated. Belanovce is also said to have existed during the time of the medieval Serbian state.

In all likelihood, a route ran through Belanovce in the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods, from Cornje Brijanje via Podrimce to Skunae, present-day Leskovac. Thus, the name recorded in 1516 sits alongside much older historical references, some of which are worded cautiously. Those interested in the village’s history will encounter different eras and varying degrees of historical certainty.

Remembrance and the village’s former economy

A memorial in Belanovce commemorates the victims of 18 February 1942. On that day, 45 residents of Belanovce and neighbouring villages were killed by Bulgarian occupying forces. The memorial keeps the memory of this event rooted in the village.

Viticulture and cheese-making were part of the village’s former economy. Belanovce once had many vineyards. Its residents were skilled at making cheese, which was in high demand at the Leskovac market. The two traditions point to different connections: the vineyards reflect cultivation in the village in the past, while the demand for cheese reflects its ties to the Leskovac market.

Plan your stay

When planning your stay, you can first decide what you want to focus on: Belanovce, with its valley location and local history, or Pašina as a woodland excursion destination. There is also a hotel in Pašina. If you are considering staying there, check in advance whether it is currently operating and available. When looking for a holiday apartment, compare the location given in each listing with your plans.

Discover more destinations: Lebane, Predejane, Leskovac, Sijarinska Banja, Brod, Bojnik

Return to the regional travel overview: Jablanica District.