The Serbian village is a reliable guardian of tradition. It safeguards the identity of a nation, preserves the memory of life in the past, and upholds the customs of the climate in which it is located. Each village has its own special story, spirit, warmth, heritage, and identity. For its inhabitants and those whose origin and roots are tied to the village, it is more than just a geographical location. It is the silent guardian of the cult of the “home threshold”, a hidden feeling of warmth and tranquillity that never disappears. Life in the village is entwined with meadows, springs, furrows, the aroma of rosemary and autumn roses, homemade brandy, wine, scones, warm milk, and much more.

The municipality of Ćuprija is truly unique in that it is home to many villages that are both similar and different in their own ways. These villages include Batinac, Bigrenica, Staro selo, Vlaška, Virine, Ivankovac, Isakovo, Jovac, Dvorica, Krušar, Kovanica, Mijatovac, Ostrikovac, Paljane, Dobričevo, Senje, and Supska. Each village is welcoming and friendly, and you’re sure to create unforgettable memories when you visit them. The villages of the Ćuprija municipality offer a range of attractions, including organic food, plenty of activities, religious buildings, and breathtaking nature. These are just some of the reasons why the tourist offer in these villages is so appealing.

A long time ago, our elders used to say, “The richest person is the one who has one house, two orchards, and three children.” Based on this saying, the inhabitants of Batinac can be considered millionaires because almost every household in the village has dozens of hectares of arable land and at least two impressive houses on their property. A few decades ago, agriculture and livestock were the primary activities in this village. However, most of the inhabitants of Batinac are now working abroad temporarily, mostly in Western European countries. As a result, this village is increasingly being referred to as “little Switzerland” in the heart of Serbia. According to tradition, the village was once part of the Paraćinska nahija. Due to the swampy terrain and mud, the settlement was moved to the gentle sides of the Kučaj Mountains, closer to Popovac and Stubica. It is said that the settlement got its name Batinac because of the mud. In the census books from the early 19th century, it was recorded as the village of Batinac. Batinac has exceptional potential for the development of all branches of agriculture due to the terrain’s configuration. In the past, the people of Batinac achieved remarkable results in agricultural production, and their capacities were multiplied by the consolidation of individual holdings. Every household in the village has state-of-the-art machinery and large-scale modern agricultural facilities. Some of the most successful beekeepers, record holders in milk production, breeders of purebred specimens of large livestock, and winners of prestigious awards from domestic and international agricultural fairs come from Batinac. The areas surrounding the village are perfect for short trips for lovers of untouched nature and clean air. The potential for the development of rural and hunting tourism is enormous, and the fertile arable land is an excellent base for the development of organic production. The beautiful nature of Batinac is ideal for outdoor activities like camping. The first camp on the territory of the municipality of Ćuprija, “Camp Plum,” is located on the outskirts of the village of Batinac and is only 2 kilometers away from the exit for Ćuprija from the E75 Belgrade-Niš highway. The camp offers services for staying outdoors and in apartments, conceived as a well-organized rural household. In a natural environment next to the Ravanica River, visitors can enjoy a safe and secure vacation through a unique combination of comfort and nature. The camp provides arranged pitches for campers, equipped with water and electricity connections, separate men’s and women’s bathrooms and toilets with hot and cold water, unlimited internet, a common room with a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, outdoor grill, children’s playground, separate tent area, and more. Visit camps web page “Camp Plum” and find out more.

Bigrenica is a village located in the easternmost part of the Čuprije municipality in Serbia. The village can be reached by several routes, with the easiest being via the asphalt road next to Ivankovac, the site of one of the biggest battlefields of the First Serbian Uprising. An alternative route, although more challenging, is to turn left past the Ravanica monastery and drive uphill, through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. However, this route is not recommended for those who don’t have access to a car. Bigrenica covers an area of about 5,000 hectares, making it the largest village in Serbia. However, despite its vast size, it has the fewest houses and households in the area. The village’s name is derived from the word “bigar,” which means “colorful.”

Originally, the village was called “New Village,” and was established when the “Old Village” became too small to accommodate all the inhabitants. Bigrenica is made up of several hamlets, including Staro selo, Novo selo, Zubrova, Ravno, and Bučje. These areas have always been inhabited by nomadic herders, who were attracted to the endless meadows that provide excellent pasture for their herds. Over time, the estates expanded, until they reached their present size. Jovan Kodžomanović was a postman in Bigrenica between the two world wars. He was known for walking to Ćuprija every day to pick up the mail and deliver it to his neighbors in Bigrenica. He did this for 40 years and walked several hundreds of thousands of kilometers, according to an American newspaper. Bigrenica is an excellent destination for those who want to experience rural life and be a part of nature. Its vast area and beautiful landscapes make it an ideal location for rural tourism.

If you travel from Ćuprija on the road to Despotovac, through the gently undulating areas of the Resava region, you’ll come across the mystical village of Virine after a 14 kilometer drive. There are hardly any written records of its past, but there are traditions. The Ravanica monastery was mentioned as a populated place for the first time in the famous Ravanica Charter of Prince Lazar in historical documents. It was referred to as the village of Donji and Gornji Okopac and spread within the boundaries of the Toplik atar. The 14th century saw the existence of a small settlement in this area, which was recorded in Turkish notebooks under the name Selište in 1714. The current name of the village was recorded towards the end of the 19th century. There are several legends and stories about how the village got its name. One tale speaks of the deep whirlpools that spread over the original site of the village, while another tells of how those same whirlpools took the life of a beautiful girl. The third legend was inspired by the location of the valley in which the village is situated. It’s interesting to note that the atar of the village has several sources of drinking water. In the past, the locals collected water for their livestock and houses from these wells, and often gathered for a glass of conversation. Today, travelers can refresh themselves with cold spring water. Few villages today can boast of having preserved buildings that have nurtured generations. Mills and watermills were once an integral part of the landscape and village architecture, and the Virinski mill is one of the oldest in the area. It’s estimated to be about a century old, and once, only the flour that came out from under the mill wheel of the Virinski mill was used in the surrounding villages. At the entrance to the renovated House of Culture, there is a preserved pre-war Austro-Hungarian safe with three different locks. Layers of several different colors are visible on it, and the locals shake their heads enigmatically when asked about what’s inside and where the key is. The church dedicated to the Holy Trinity is one of the most beautiful Orthodox places of worship in the region, located in Virin on a hill above the village. The view from the church is breathtaking. It’s the only church that was built, frescoed, and consecrated in just six months. The hunting area managed by the hunting section of Virina covers more than 20,000 hectares and borders all the hunting grounds of the Pomeranian Hunting Associations. Protection and care of the hunting ground is a constant activity of Virin hunters, so they can boast of an enviable stock of both large and small game.

Located on the eastern shore of Velika Morava, eight kilometers from Ćuprija, you’ll find the village of Vlaška. There is little known about the history of this village, but like most Moravian villages, it is situated near the river and its fertile land. The river has provided Vlaška and the nearby villages with hectares of rich arable land, making it ideal for growing most agricultural crops. Most of the inhabitants of this village pursue better opportunities across the border, while the few remaining villagers, mostly pensioners, tend to family properties and spend their pensions on their grandfathers.

Back in the middle of the last century, Vlaška was a village with no two-story houses, but today, modest single-story houses built in the “Moravian style” can be counted on one hand. Magnificent family homes now line every yard. Vlaška’s inhabitants are mainly involved in agriculture, and in recent years, many returnees from abroad have decided to establish fruit plantations and greenhouse production.

Vlaška is the only village whose church is named “Church of All Saints.” The church was built using local donations and resembles the Church of St. Sava in Belgrade. The natural and geographical characteristics of the region have influenced the hunting potential, and the hunting ground managed by the hunters of the Hunting Section from Wallachia and Supska is rich in a variety of hunting game. Pheasants and rabbits can be found in the area of the hunting grounds of the village of Vlaška, as well as predators such as jackals. In order to prevent their overpopulation, a collective hunt for predators is organized every year, which local hunters and hunters from numerous hunting associations from all over the country participate in.

Dvorica is a small village that is often connected to the nearby Jovac. Although it may be classified as a small village, it has many specifics and offers travelers the conditions for a restful and pleasant vacation. Dvorica was first mentioned in Knez Lazar’s Hrisovulja as Pridvorica, on the left bank of the Great Morava. Like most places, whose territorial distribution was determined by the course of the timid Morava, the village was moved twice. The original name of the village was Praskavica, due to the “prasak” that was widespread in the area and stretched along the path known as Kostino Duvanište. The village has been known as Dvorica since 1822. Until the Second Serbian Uprising, Dvorica was part of the Ottoman Empire and had the status of a small kasaba or small town. After liberation, it became part of the principality.

The village is divided into the Upper and Lower parts, and the houses are quite scattered and distributed in the direction of the Jagodina-Varvarin regional road. Many of the houses have kept their original forms, although many of them are not used for living today. The luxurious plant ornamentation around the windows and doors attract lovers of the old Moravian style of construction. The Janković family house stands out, which has been completely renovated and adapted for the life of a modern family. The central part of the house is occupied by a spacious fireplace, and on the shelves are displayed dishes and tools that were once in use. The Janković family treasures a wooden box that has been handed down for generations from the hands of the male descendants of Janković. When going to war, they carried a part of their grandfather’s money, woolen socks, a šajkača, an apple, and the cult of the doorstep. The hospitable hosts will serve you homemade brandy, fruits from their orchard, and their plans are to make a small ethnic village with all the accompanying facilities for the enjoyment of lovers of rural idyll.

Dobričevo is the youngest settlement in the municipality of Ćuprija, located closest to the city and therefore not officially recognized as a village. Originally built to serve the needs of the Agricultural Estate “Dobričevo”, this settlement was once known as a flagship of equestrian sports in Serbia.

It was first mentioned in the Ravanica Charter under the name Dobrotesi, like most settlements in the area. According to legend, Dobričevo was named after Dobrila from Paljane, who was loved by Knez Miloš. He named the stud farm and the newly founded farm after her. However, it is more likely that the settlement was named after the fertile land it sits on.

In 1852, during the reign of Prince Aleksandar Karađorđević, the “Zavedenie praviteljstvene ergele” (government stud farm) was established, which later became Dobričevo. The primary purpose of the Dobričevo stud farm was to breed horses for agriculture and national defense. The establishment of the horse stable had a significant impact on the development of equestrian sports in Ćuprija. In 1874, the “Knjaz Mihajlo” branch of the riders’ cart was founded. As Ćuprija has always been known as a military station, and later a military garrison, horses from the Dobričevo stable were used by the army. Military elders were the managers of the stable at that time. The oldest stable in Serbia was transformed into the State Livestock Fund in 1892. Since then, cattle, pigs, and sheep have been raised in Dobričevo in addition to horses.

In 1899, the Ministry of Trade purchased an additional 1,000 hectares of land near Ćuprije for Dobričevo, which became the Central Institute for State Studs and Animal Husbandry.

Nowadays, Dobričevo no longer hears the sound of hooves and neighing horses. Instead, the sound of ultralight aircraft can be heard flying over the fertile land of Dobričevo at dusk. At the entrance to the settlement, next to the regional road to Senje, there is a sports airport, the Aero Club Ćuprija. It is one of the most trophy-winning Aero Clubs in Serbia. The club hosts an “Open fly-in” flying day in early August, where flying enthusiasts gather to enjoy the panorama of the city and its surroundings. Tourists can also ride motorized kites as a special attraction to “see the sky under the clouds” and enjoy the beautiful view from above.

Some places, no matter how small they may be, can outgrow themselves in terms of their historical significance. This can be due to significant names, events, legends, and myths, or, as in the case of Ivankovac, being the site of heavy and historically significant clashes between enemy and domestic armies. These places remain forever written in red letters in the historical genealogy of our countries. In the summer of 1805, Turkish units led by Hafis Pasha and Serbian insurgents under the leadership of Karađorđe, Duke Milenko Stojković, and Petar Dobrnjac clashed at the Transfiguration on Ivankovac Field. The battle ended with the victory of the Serbian insurgents over the numerically and armed superior enemy. This victory is recorded as the first official victory of the Serbian insurgents over the regular Turkish army in the First Serbian Uprising. Some historical sources mention the wounding and death of the Turkish commander Hafis Pasha, who was wounded by Stevo Pisar with a shot from a cherry cannon. In honor of the fallen insurgents, the historical complex “Šančevi-Ivankovac” was built on the scene of the former battle to remember and remind people of the glorious days of Serbian history. It is interesting to note that the initiative to mark this area with a memorial came from King Peter the First Karađorđević, who ordered the first placement of an oak cross on this place during one of his visits in 1907. The construction of the monument waited for a better time, and after the end of the First World War, a committee was appointed to erect the monument, fulfilling the ancient wish of the heir to the throne. The initiative to categorize this place came from Igor Parfjonov, the founder, and long-time manager of the Čuprije Museum. In the 1950s, in agreement with the Institute for the Protection of Monuments, the complex on Ivankovac was declared a famous place and classified as a cultural asset of exceptional importance, which is an old “Horeum Margi Ravno” museum in Čuprije. Every August 18, at the “Sančevi Ivankovac” locality, the anniversary of the Colors on Ivankovac is celebrated with state and military honors to honor the insurgents. Visitors have the opportunity to see and hear a shot from an authentic replica of a cherry cannon. The entire complex exudes peace and tranquility, and the hilly landscape is overshadowed by the church dedicated to the Holy Prophet Jeremiah, which was built on the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Ivankovac. The memorial church and its iconostasis pay tribute to famous heroes. The village of Ivankovac is gifted with fertile land, and its good connection with the city makes it accessible to all tourists who would like to visit the scene of one of the biggest battles in Serbian history. For those who are fans of a good bite and local specialties, we suggest visiting and participating in the culinary and gastronomic event “Goulash.” This event is organized by the Hunting Association “Morava” from Ćuprije in Ivankovac at the beginning of September.

The village of Isakovo is a beautiful place to visit, with glades, forests, clean air, and welcoming hosts. Legend has it that the village was named after King Isaac, the lord of the Karavlaška region and emperor of Wallachia. Originally, the village was a Roman-era settlement for shepherds and pečalbara, which later became a castle with military crews and a stopover for travelers. Today, over 70 percent of the village’s population works abroad on a temporary basis. Most of the inhabitants of the village of Isakovo are Vlachs, a people with a unique culture, traditions, and customs. They have preserved their historical heritage for centuries, passing on their culture through language, customs, songs, and musical melodies. The village is particularly proud of its beautiful place of worship, dedicated to Saint Petka, which the locals financed and painted themselves. Agriculture, animal husbandry, and fruit growing are the most common branches of agriculture practiced in Isakovo. The hills above the village have organic fruit plantations, mainly apples, and are suitable for planting plums, apricots, and pears. The traditional specialties of the region are Homolje cheese, kačamak, and homemade brandy. The hospitable hosts will ensure that visitors enjoy the ambiance of a rural household that reflects the spirit of old times after long walks in the untouched nature. Isakovo is a paradise for adventurers and active vacation lovers. Riding quads is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the region. The village hosts a traditional gathering of adrenaline sport fans, including participants from abroad. Compared to other types of tourism, Virine has exceptional potential for the development of hunting tourism. In the area of the village, there are various low game species, such as rabbit, pheasant, and field partridge, and high game species, including deer, roe deer, and wild boar. The area has several tall checks where hunters can find game, including Dragana Trujić, the only lady among the hunters in the area, who has proved herself to be a good shooter more than once, especially when hunting big game. Preserving tradition through folklore dances and songs is essential for maintaining the identity and integrity of each nation. When this is done by those who do not live in their home country, it becomes even more important. That is why, on the eve of the Easter holidays, KUD “Horeum Margi” from Isakovo organizes a Festival of Folklore and Folk Art. Many folklore ensembles from the country and the surrounding area participate in this event, making it a great opportunity to experience the rich culture and traditions of the region.

The village of Kovanica is a beautiful place in Serbia with clear water, clean air and untouched nature. It was first mentioned in written documents in 1376 in the charter of Prince Lazar to the Ravanica monastery, as the villages of Donja and Gornja Okovanica. Kovanica is interesting because it is one of the few villages that has never disappeared. There are two legends about the name of the village. One says that it was named after the forge of armor and shields, while the other says that there was a mint in this area where money and coins were made. It is said that a coin cannot exist without a mint, and the only blacksmith in the area lives in Kovanica. Locals still use his services today. The blacksmith’s forge is located in a century-old house, and objects inherited by the family remind us of the time when blacksmithing was a good source of income. Even today, in the small workshop, you can hear the sounds of anvils and hammers, under which agricultural tools are made. It is easy to get around Kovanica, as everything is within sight. In the center of the village, there is a small church dedicated to the Venerable Mother Paraskeva – Saint Petka. The current place of worship was built with the involvement of all the locals, and it stands in the place where a blacksmith’s shop used to be. On the hill above the village, there are the remains of an old church, but there is no precise information about the age of this complex. Kovanica has ideal conditions and untapped potential for the development of hunting tourism. Along the road that passes through the village, high hills covered with deciduous forest rise. The hunting ground that extends over several tens of hectares is managed by the Hunting Association “Morava” from Ćuprija, and the care of the village’s environment is taken care of by the hunters of the hunting section “Vrelo” from Kovanica. During the hunting season, pheasant, rabbit, roe deer, wild boar, raptors, wolves and jackals are hunted. Although many inhabitants of the village have left in various migrations in the past decades, the attractive nature is one of the reasons why this village is starting to live again.

Krušar is a village situated on the right bank of the Great Morava, about 12 kilometres from Ćuprija. It has a rich history, a tradition of sports, and successful small businesses. The village was first mentioned in the Ravanica Charter as the village of Donja Bukovica, and later appeared in the first Turkish tribute census under the name Bukovac. Although the legend says that the village was named after the pears grown by the locals, fruit growing has recently become more popular in the area. The village used to be located closer to the river, and it extended to the other side of the Morava River. Many residents still have properties on that stretch, which they used to reach by scaffolding. In 1938, the church of the Holy Prophet Elijah was built in the centre of the village on a plot of land donated by resident Jevrem Pantić. The annals of the church record a story that the foundations of the church of St. Roman are somewhere in the atar of the village, but they have not been found to this day. The foundations of the church of St. Elijah were consecrated on the day of St. Romanus instead. At the entrance of the church, there is a vine that is as old as the church itself. According to the priest, it was planted by Jevrem’s granddaughter. The ancestors of Krušar played an important role in all significant historical events that occurred in Serbia. During the First World War, the Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah served as a memorial ossuary, one of only five of its kind in Serbia. The ossuary holds the remains of the five soldiers who defended the position near the village of Krušara during the retreat of the Serbian army in 1915. Unfortunately, no identification plates or soldier’s matriculation were found during the ossuary’s renovation. A bayonet and a ring were stored with the remains of the warrior. In 1889, Krušar had a primary school, and the first reading room was established in the village in 1909. The village has a rich sports tradition with the Sokol Society “Soko” founded in 1906. Its athletes, mainly gymnasts, participated in numerous competitions, and the sports tradition continues with the “Moravac” Football Club. In recent years, the KUD “Krušarska mladost,” which preserves traditions, customs, and folk dances, has become increasingly active. Meetings of folklore ensembles have revived in the village, where numerous folklore and singing groups represent the original traditions of their regions. The village of Krušar has the potential for the development of rural tourism with its conditions.

Mijatovac is a village that territorially, in its largest part, adjoins Velika Morava and is closest to Ćuprija. The decisive influence on the development of this area and its settlements was undoubtedly the Constantinople road, “Via militaris”, which, in addition to being of military importance, also had great economic importance in peacetime, as it was used for intensive commercial traffic.
According to legend, the village was named after a Mijat who settled in this area in search of a place to graze his cattle. Tradition also says that he had many sheep, so by combining those two words, the current name of the village was created. On the other hand, Mijat was mentioned for his honesty, that the Turkish spahija, to whom he returned the forgotten money, rewarded him with a bigger spahaluk, thus making him by far the richest man in the place and the surrounding area.
Contrary to the legend about its origin, there are several monuments on the territory of the village that belong to the monumental heritage from the liberation wars, and the people of Mijatovac are especially proud of the revolutionary Danilo Dimitrijević, whose birthplace there is also a commemorative plaque. Generations will remember him because the former Sugar Factory in Ćuprija, Medical highschool and one street bore his name.
You won’t see more beautiful examples of oaks in this village than in this village. The Lužnjak oak in Serbia has been revered since ancient times and has mythical symbolism, so it is often the place where locals gather for liturgical celebrations. One of them is located in the yard of the Dimitrijević family and is one of the oldest records in this area. This hillock among the oaks is attractive from a tourist point of view, considering its preservation and longevity, its luxurious crown and the fact that it is recorded as such in the maps as a war elevation. The oak resisted several lightning strikes and a fire, in which a good part of the trunk and branches were damaged, but many years later, this beauty is still leafing.
Traditional Moravian-style houses have withstood the test of time, which, thanks to their owners, have retained their authenticity and beauty, and the rich geometric ornamentation on the edges of the doors and windows is dominated by the symbols of the sun and the river.

The village “managed” its life according to the river, and a large number of residents, in addition to cultivating the land, were also engaged in fishing in the past. Today, many sports fishermen can be seen on the banks of the Morava, and those who need a boat know that they will not find a better boatman than Životije Petrović, better known as Žika bure, in the entire region. This temporary host spent his entire life by the river, catching fish, making boats and weaving nets, and he saved many from certain death from the waves of the capricious Morava. On the gentle hill above the village, there are vineyards, which were once part of the rich Jovac region vineyard. There are fewer and fewer young vineyards, and today wine is produced only for one’s own needs. The most determined ones hope that in the coming years, new vines will come to life on the slopes above the village, and in the golden autumn the hill will smell on ripe grapes and full barrels of September wine.

The area around the village of Jovac has a long history of cultivating quality vines and producing excellent wines. The local continental climate, with its regular temperature fluctuations, and the unique terrain contribute to the cultivation of local varietal vines. The Jovačko vineyard once spread over hundreds of hectares, with each household having an average of 2 hectares of vineyards. They mainly cultivated the domestic variety, prokupaka, from which the renowned “Jovačka ružica” was made. Thanks to the resourceful hosts, this wine quickly gained popularity, even beyond the borders of the kingdom, and was even served in imperial courts. It was transported by railway in tanks, and it is still said to be so strong that “it can push a train”. The winegrowing cooperative in Jovac was founded in 1908, and it gathered around 60 winegrowers. Shortly after its establishment, a wine cellar was constructed with a capacity of about 150 wagons. It was an impressive masterpiece of construction, made with high-quality materials. The cellar was completed in the 1920s after the First World War when the Vinogradarsko-zemljoradnička zudaruje was officially formed, and the wines of Jovac began to be exported to developed countries in the West. Today, the oldest winery in Pomoravlje, Jovački podrum, is experiencing a renaissance. After complete reconstruction, the building has preserved its beauty and authenticity, and the quality of the wine from the Jovački cellar can rival well-known European wineries. The winery’s assortment currently includes white varieties, such as incense, sauvignon blanc, and chardonnay, as well as a rich range of red wines that will be available in a few years. More than 10 hectares of new plantations were restored for the winery’s needs, and all the grapes processed in the winery come exclusively from the Jovače vineyards. The village of winegrowers is proud of producing a large number of learned people. One of them is Neša Milenković Nešica, the former president of Jovac municipality and the first deputy of the district assembly of Jagodinska nahija. Due to his personal commitment, the railway and the first train arrived in Ostrikovac and Jovac, and shortly after that, the railway bridge over Velika Morava was built. One of the most beautiful houses, built in the distinctive Moravian style with vaults, is over a century old. Its current owners have turned the old chatmare into a museum of original antiques from the region. Visitors have the opportunity to see a preserved beech sideboard from the 17th century, an old Serbian pigskin opanak, dishes, agricultural tools, and the first wicker crates in which grapes from the Jovački vineyards were transported. The Church of the Holy Trinity, built on the remains of a building from the 17th century, is one of the oldest in the area. Its architectural and cultural-historical significance has earned it protection by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments in Kragujevac. The people of Jovac are proud of top athletes, volleyball players, soccer players, who continued their sports careers in the national team jersey. They are even more proud of the fact that many learned people continued their education from the Primary School in Jovac, built in 1883, which has never stopped working to this day.

The village of Ostrikovac is situated on the slopes of Juhor and the fertile Moravian valley, adjacent to the Belgrade-Niš railway line. The first written records of the village date back to the 19th century when it was first mentioned as a settlement in the Principality of Serbia’s census books in 1818. In the 1950s, the hamlet of Androvica merged with the village of Ravnovo, and the village began to expand beyond the old area of Velika Morava along the railway line and the Gilje-Varvarin road. There were conflicts over the territorial affiliation of these hamlets for a long time because the locals did not want to join Ostrikovac, and neither did Majura, who claimed Androvica. In 1927, the elder of Sreza Belički intervened in the conflict and issued an executive decision to determine the boundary lines between the atars of the village and the aforementioned hamlets. Ostrikovac got its name from the oyster grass, and legends say that the village was created by the displacement and multiplication of Ravnavac pojats and the expansion of the settlement outside the old area of Velika Morava. Ostrikovac, along with Jovac and Dvorica, was famous for its quality grape varieties and even better wines. The fertile and sunny hills above the village and the favorable climate favored the planting of noble vines, and the wines from the Jovački Vinogorje became known throughout Europe. Today, the tradition of winegrowers and the cult of wine are jealously guarded by the candles of St. Tryphon, the patron saint of vineyards, and until recently, the village held a Wine Ball on February 14, the holiday of love and wine. Until 2016, a railway passed through Ostrikovac. The station of the Belgrade-Niš railway was actually in Ostrikovac. However, because of Nešica Milenković, a personal friend of King Milan and a member of parliament at the time who was a native of Jovac, the station was registered as Jovac. For a long time, the people of Ostrikovac tried to correct this “great injustice” for them, but the smaller Jovac station in Ostrikovac remained recorded in all railway traffic maps. The village did not have a church for a long time. Thanks to Dragiša Milojević, a successful businessman from Ostrikovac, the temple of the Transfiguration of the Lord was built in the village. The people of Ostrikovac are very proud of the sporting successes of the Football Club “Pomoravlje,” which has a tradition of more than six decades. Today, some new young players are growing up on the “Crna Bara” playground, and in memory of those who laid solid foundations, a memorial football tournament is held every year.

The village of Paljana has a long history of settlement, supported by traditions, toponyms and material remains. The inhabitants of the original settlement cleared forests to make the land more accessible for living. This led to the legend that the village got its name from the burning of the forests. Historical documents mention Paljane for the first time in the Ravanička charter, as the village of Pahljani or Paljani. Until the first census taken after the area’s liberation from the Turks, the village was known as Mirosava, after the river that flows through it. The legend says that the river’s name comes from St. Sava reconciling the quarreling brothers, Stefan and Vukan, over the issue of supremacy. Near the river’s source, a church dedicated to St. John the Baptist was built on the remains of a Christian temple from the 11th century. A spring with drinking water can be found nearby. One of the oldest oak trees in the area grows on the village’s outskirts. It’s difficult to determine its age, but locals say it has been marked as a village record since ancient times. The tree has dozens of kursums, and it has witnessed many military skirmishes and battles that the region is known for. The area’s beauty is breathtaking, with endless forests and glades that are ideal for hunting and adventure tourism. The diversity of flora and fauna has always attracted researchers and nature lovers to visit the region. Over 250 different types of mushrooms have been identified in these areas so far. The Association of Mushroom Growers and Nature Lovers “Gorun” from Ćuprije organizes the “Mushroom Days” event, where Mycological Societies from Serbia and surrounding countries participate. The collected mushrooms are exhibited at the mushroom exhibition, and visitors can try mushroom-based dishes. The event also features workshops for children and lectures on mushroom growing. The Milosavljević family’s estate is another attraction for horse riding enthusiasts. The Equestrian club “Nebesko brdo” operates a riding school, and visitors can also enjoy home-made food and organic products. The estate has six accommodation units available for visitors. Archery and mountain biking are some of the activities that visitors can enjoy in the immediate vicinity. The lookout point “Grandfather Luna’s Rock” offers a breathtaking view of Pomoravlje.

“Whoever feels the magical beauty of the stone once,

the waters and herbs of the Homolj mountains

always return to them, regardless of the season.“

The village of Senje, situated in the Kučaj Mountains in Serbia, is a fascinating location with a unique topography. It boasts of hidden karst springs, caves, valleys, and wooded branches, all within the embrace of Tsar Lazar’s centuries-old endowment. The village was first mentioned as Gornja and Donja Sena in the Ravanica charter, where Prince Lazar donated several settlements in the surrounding area to the Ravanica monastery. The village is named after the many hay stacks that were abundant in the surrounding meadows. The village has many sources of drinking water, with the “Vrelo” spring being the most generous. There are several mills in the village, with “Mita’s mill” being the only one that has its mill wheel still turning. Senje has great potential for tourism, with numerous caves, including the famous Ravanička cave, which is the most attractive and ends in a small lake. The River Ravanica crosses the gorge, whose wooded banks are a special decoration of the landscape. The Ravanica Monastery, with the Church of the Ascension, was built in the 14th century and was a fortified town. The church is the progenitor of the Moravian style, with a trefoil base of the building and a model of a cross with five domes. The monastery complex consisted of a pirga, refectory, monastery cells, and other economic buildings. The church’s walls are adorned with faded and damaged frescoes of plant motifs and zoomorphic details. The church of the Ascension of the Lord is where the relics of Saint Prince Lazar are stored, making the monastery a place of pilgrimage for many believers. The ethnic house “Danica” is the first registered rural household located in the village center, just 1.5 km from the Ravanica monastery. The Stojković family’s hundred-year-old house is an oasis of tranquility and peace, where guests can enjoy local specialties and organic products. The “Knez Apartments” also provide accommodation facilities for tourists.

Supska is the most extensive village in the Ćuprija municipality, stretching along the eastern coast of Velika Morava. Its mention dates back to 1376 in the charter of Prince Lazar to the Ravanica monastery, as the villages of Gorna and Dolna Subska. The area has a prehistoric settlement from the development period of the Vinča culture. It is the only site that represents the complete stratigraphy of the Vinča culture on the Stubline path, which makes it one of the most significant sites on the upper course of the Velika Morava, south of the Bagrdan Gorge. The archaeological site covers about 20 hectares, and archaeological research took place several times, with the latest including geophysical surveys of the site to determine the position of the buildings of the former Vinča settlement. Ceramic fragments characteristic of the classic variant of the Vinča group can still be found at the site. Archaeological material from the site is inherited in the “Horeum Margi Ravno” Museum and is part of the collection of the former Čupria museum, which consists of useful and ritual objects of the Vinča culture, among which the most represented parts of ceramic vessels, altars and fragments of characteristic figurines. The village is named after a special wicker vessel used for fishing. Over the centuries, Velika Morava played a crucial role in the life of the village, which is evident from the motifs represented in the wall ornaments, fishing tools, and decorations adorning the doorposts of old houses. The Church of St. Nicholas is an impressive building in the village center, carefully frescoed, and featuring autochthonous motifs of the river, folk cart, and “sub” for fishing. The church houses one of the most beautiful iconostasis, bequeathed to the village and the church by the famous artist Miško Milanović. The village is of the lowland type, and the population mainly engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, and greenhouse flower production. Recently, more and more young people are choosing beekeeping and the production of honey and bee products. The Ravničar region is also conducive to the development of hunting tourism, with these areas being among the richest hunting grounds. Special attention is paid to maintaining the biological balance, so every year, one of the most numerous actions on predators, wolves, foxes, and jackals is held, with hunters from the whole country and the surrounding area participating.

Welcome to the villages of the municipality of Ćuprija!

We invite you to enjoy the experience of flying a motorized kite, explore the pristine forest expanses, discover hidden caves, gaze at the vast fertile plain, and breathe in the waves of our great river. We also invite you to try the most delicious dishes, wine, and brandy, bite into unpeeled apples, and smell the most delicious quinces. Furthermore, we invite you to learn about our history, explore our cultural treasures, and discover why Prince Lazar built his endowment right here and found his peace here. You can also witness the magnificent oak groves, the oldest beautiful Moravian houses, the most beautiful places of worship, and meet good people. In between these lines, we also invite you to experience a warm and human story that you will feel at every step. You will write everything else in your heart and memory yourself.

So, come and visit us again!