GORGES OF OVČAR - KABLAR

Between the Ovčar (985 m) and Kablar (889 m) mountains, the Morava River has formed one of the most beautiful gorges in Serbia. Eight kilometers west of Čačak, on the main road to Užice, it flows in tight loops, forming meanders that wind quietly between valleys and hills. There are many tourist attractions here, as along the gorge there is the Ovčar spa, two artificial lakes and no less than 12 small monasteries, all perched on the hills and mountains above the river. One can enjoy walking on 8 marked trails among streams and water springs, under the forest and in high altitude clearings. On the Medjuvršije lake, you can do sports such as canoeing, fishing and swimming in clear water. The numerous monasteries, real little jewels clinging to the mountains, are of modest size, but always surrounded by a beautiful garden.

Built between the 14th and 17th centuries, these monasteries form the so-called Srpska Sveta Gora. The most important is the St. Nicholas Monastery, for its manuscript workshop and the adjoining Palace of Prince Obrenović. The Vavedenje (or Purification) Monastery, founded by Stefan Nemanja, preserves some precious manuscripts, such as the Belgrade Gospel from 1552. Finally, Blagoveštenje is interesting for its building materials - a mixture of stone, thatch and wood - and for its 17th-century frescoes.