The underground city of the Karađorđević dynasty combines an unusual scale with a clear historical purpose: King Aleksandar I had it built in the early 1930s as a shelter for the dynasty and government in the event of war. Its 75 rooms and passageways extend over a total of around 1.5 kilometres. Visitors can walk through the underground halls and visit the royal apartment. This makes it possible to discover the history not only through the site’s original purpose, but also through its sheer size.
Memorial Sites and History
An ossuary on Mount Gučevo commemorates the battles of the First World War. The remains of Serbian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers are buried there together. Next to the monument is a viewpoint overlooking Podrinje, Pocerina, Semberija and Majevica. The combination of a memorial site and a viewpoint also makes Gučevo appealing to visitors who want to experience landscape and history together.
Another ossuary stands on Mačkov Kamen, a First World War battlefield. Built from granite blocks, the structure is modelled on a chapel with a bell tower. The area around the ossuary is designated as a day-trip destination. A museum exhibition about the Battle of Cer has been set up at the Tekeriš memorial complex, which also includes an ossuary. The decisive battle took place there from 15 to 19 August.
Monasteries, Churches and Traditions
The Tronoša monastery complex includes a church, a new konak with a spacious refectory, an exhibition room and a museum about Vuk’s early school years. According to tradition, the monastery’s completion in 1317 is associated with King Dragutin and his wife Katarina. The custom of the Ratarske sveće is also part of Tronoša: two neighbouring villages bring beeswax candles, cast on Maundy Thursday, to the monastery.
Not far from the monastery stands a ten-spout concrete fountain with cold spring water. Tradition attributes it to the nine Jugović brothers and old Jug-Bogdan; a chapel dedicated to the Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon rises above the fountain. Another distinctive church is Mali Ostrog, also known as the Church of the Holy Cross: it was carved into a cave in Mali Zvornik and was probably built between 1932 and 1934.
Landscape, Water and Activities
Mačva is described as a fertile, expansive plain. Vajats, Hajdučke večeri and weddings are associated with its traditional culture. Regional foods are also part of this picture: roasted peppers, ajvar and turšija feature among the local food products. A painting colony has been held in the Ethnopark in Sovljak since 1998. Every summer, Serbian children from the diaspora gather at the Moba event in Soko, taking part in activities including archaeological research and cultural exchange, and learning about the language, customs and traditions. The Vukov sabor is regarded as Serbia’s oldest cultural event at national level; it has been held since 1933.
Gučevo is a popular picnic area with hikers and people seeking relaxation; paragliding takes place from its peaks. Recreational fishing is popular on Lake Zvornik, which has abundant fish stocks. The fishing competition Somovijada has been held there every summer since 1998. In spring, the fish ladder at the Zvornik hydroelectric power plant opens during the spawning season, allowing fish to travel from the lower reaches of the Drina to the lake to spawn. It is considered the country’s only fish ladder.
Banja Koviljača also brings together different features: a modern wellness centre is located in an old sulphur bath dating from 1908, and Kursalon Castle was built in 1932. On the right bank of the Sava stands the Stari Grad fortress. A town beach is right next to it, and the area includes a recreation centre. Contrasts like these—between historic buildings, waterside spots and cultural traditions—offer a reason to choose what to explore according to your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Ljubovija, Mali Zvornik, Bogatić, Slepčević, Šabac, Banja Koviljača, Loznica, Radalj, Krupanj, Voljevci.
Return to the main travel overview: Central Serbia.
