This western Serbian city sits on the Kopaonik mountain slopes, known for fresh produce and traditional clothing. Local monasteries dot the landscape and preserve regional culture.
Čačak, a city of 105,000 people in central Serbia, sits in the West Morava Valley 144 km south of Belgrade. When you visit, you can explore the 14th-century St. Nicholas Monastery with its 1567 frescos, relax in the mineral springs of Gornja Trepča, or walk through the city center to see the 12th-century Church of the Ascension. The surrounding mountains of Ovčar and Kablar create dramatic landscapes along the winding river.
Exploring Ovčar-Kablar Gorge
The limestone canyon west of Čačak contains more than ten active monasteries from the 14th century. The West Morava River flows between Mount Ovčar and Mount Kablar, creating steep cliffs rising 300 meters above the water. You can hike the mountain trails to reach monasteries like St. Nicholas, where you'll find preserved frescos from 1567. The Monastery of the Annunciation, on the left bank, contains wall paintings from the early 1600s, including rare depictions of Serbian saints.
Thermal Springs and Wellness
Within 20 kilometers of Čačak, you'll find three spa resorts. At Gornja Trepča, set among beech and oak forests, you can swim in three mineral springs that emerge from the same underground source at 29°C. Ovčar Banja, in the gorge itself, maintains both swimming pools and medical facilities where you can receive mineral water treatments and massages.
Downtown Čačak
Walk along Gradsko Šetalište, the main street running east to west through the city center, to see 19th-century houses with detailed stucco work alongside newer architecture. At the highest point of the city stands the Church of the Ascension of Christ, built in the 1100s. Visit the National Museum in the former palace of Jovan Obrenović to learn about Serbia's independence movements through artifacts and documents.
Cultural Institutions
The Nadežda Petrović Gallery displays modern and contemporary art, including works by its namesake, Serbia's prominent impressionist painter born in Čačak. During theater season (September to May), you can watch performances at Dom kulture Čačak. The cultural center runs year-round programs including a drama studio and classes for ballet, fine art, and sculpture.
Getting Around
You can reach Čačak from Belgrade via State Road 22 and State Road 23, a journey of about 2 hours by car. Trains run daily on the Kraljevo-Požega line, connecting to the main Belgrade-Bar route. Buses depart regularly from Belgrade's main bus station, with journeys taking approximately 2.5 hours.
Local Food Scene
In Čačak's kafanas (traditional restaurants), you can try the local pljeskavica - a meat patty made with a specific mix of lamb, beef, and pork. Every September, the region celebrates its agricultural heritage with Kupusijada (Cabbage Festival), where local cooks prepare various cabbage dishes. In July, restaurants compete in the Golden Fish Pot competition, preparing fish soup using local recipes.
