The Nišava District lies in southeastern Serbia. It includes Aleksinac, Svrljig, Merošina, Ražanj, Niš, Doljevac and Gadžin Han. The region offers different ways to explore its history: in Niš, the themes range from Roman finds to memorial sites from more recent periods. Gorges, peaks and regional cuisine add other points of interest; in Svrljig, the Belmuzijada is one of the annual events.

Ancient Finds and History in Niš

Timacum Maius, a city founded by the Romans, stood between the villages of Niševac and Svrljig. The site is considered an important testament to ancient heritage. Mediana also offers insight into the Roman past: numerous mosaics and frescoes were discovered at the archaeological site in more than 80 luxurious buildings.

The Niš Fortress covers 22 hectares. Its stone walls are 2,100 metres long, eight metres high and three metres wide. The area figure complements the wall measurements by indicating the total space occupied by the complex. In summer, the fortress also serves as a venue for the Nišvil and Nisomnija music festivals.

The memorial sites in Niš tell of other historical contexts. After the Battle of Čegar, the Turks built Ćele-kula on the outskirts of the city, on the road to Constantinople, from the skulls of fallen Serbian soldiers. The Monument to the Liberators of Niš was erected in 1937 in memory of the struggle to liberate the city. The Red Cross Camp in Niš was a Nazi concentration camp. At the beginning of the First World War, the Officers’ Club became the seat of Serbia’s parliamentary and political life. The historical range therefore extends from Roman antiquity to the 20th century.

Gorges, Peaks and Nature

The Sićevačka Gorge lies 14 kilometres east of Niš, in the valley of the Nišava River. Rugged cliffs rise in its Gradištanski Canyon, where rare golden eagles nest. The precise location provides a clear point of reference, while the canyon and its cliff faces offer a different natural attraction from the archaeological sites.

A 116-hectare section of the Jelašnička Gorge is protected as a special nature reserve. Along with the Sićevačka Gorge, it is one of the few places in the Balkans with a contact zone between Serbian ramonda and Natalie’s ramonda. Several waterfalls, including Ripaljka, add to the landscape.

Suva Planina offers opportunities for hiking and mountaineering; one of its highest peaks is Trem, at 1,810 metres. The Sokolov kamen ski slope is also located there, with a 772-metre-long ski lift. If you are planning a day of skiing, check current operations in advance, as seasonal availability may vary.

Healing Waters, Sports and Local Cuisine

In Niška Banja, healing water springs from four main springs at temperatures of 36 to 38 °C. The town also has facilities for paragliding, outdoor rock climbing and motocross. Check in advance whether each activity is available.

In Svrljig, the Belmuzijada has been held every year since 2006 at the Pastirište sports centre. During the festival, visitors can try belmuz, a traditional shepherd’s dish made from full-fat homemade young cheese and cornmeal. If you are interested in regional cuisine, the event brings together a distinctive dish and a recurring local festival.

You can discover a different natural feature at Pandiralo. The spot where the river disappears lies right beside the regional road between Svrljig and Bela Palanka and is accessible by car. A short, unpaved nature trail leads there from the main road. For planning purposes, this transition from the road to the footpath is a useful point of reference.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Donje Vlase, Niš, Čukurovac, Niška Banja, Jovanovac, Berbatovo, Prosek, Braljina.

Back to the regional travel overview: Central Serbia.