Located in southwestern Serbia, this medieval Raška District capital has deep Islamic roots and Roman archaeological sites along the Ibar River banks.
Novi Pazar, in southwestern Serbia, has centuries-old Turkish hans next to Orthodox churches, with the 13th-century Sopoćani Monastery's Byzantine frescoes just outside the city. In the old town, you'll find craftsmen working in traditional workshops, while locals gather at coffee shops to drink from copper filjans. The 9th-century Church of St. Peter contains some of Serbia's oldest preserved frescoes.
Walking Through Novi Pazar's Old Town
The Old Town (Stara čaršija) extends from the bridge over Raška River to the Granata han. Small shops line the narrow streets where craftsmen continue their traditional work. The 17th-century Amir-aga's han, a former merchant inn, remains intact with its original Ottoman architecture. Local vendors sell fresh produce and traditional goods in the morning hours around the han.
Medieval Monuments Around the City
The Church of St. Peter, built in the 9th century, sits on a hill overlooking the city. You can see 10th-century frescoes inside and examine architectural elements that make it Serbia's oldest intact church. The Sopoćani Monastery, 17 kilometers west of the city, contains well-preserved 13th-century Byzantine-style frescoes. These monuments, along with the ruins of Stari Ras, are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Islamic Architecture and Turkish Influence
The 16th-century Altun-Alem Mosque has a single minaret and large dome visible throughout the city center. The mosque complex includes a religious school and a courtyard with historic tombstones. Near the mosque, you'll find the Isa-Beg Hammam, a 15th-century Turkish bath with separate sections for men and women. While no longer operating as a bathhouse, you can still see its classical Ottoman architectural details.
Local Food Scene
You'll find mantije, small meat-filled dumplings served with yogurt, in most local restaurants. Local bakeries make them using traditional recipes passed down through generations. Coffee shops throughout the city serve Turkish coffee in small cups (filjans) with Turkish delight. The sweet shops sell regional specialties like tufahije (poached apples filled with walnuts) and various types of baklava.
Mountains and Rivers
The Uvac River, 60 kilometers from the city, flows between limestone cliffs where griffon vultures nest. You can take boat tours to see the birds and rock formations. The Golija mountain range north of the city has marked hiking trails through pine forests and meadows. In winter, you can ski at several centers in the area.
Getting Around
Buses connect Novi Pazar with Belgrade (290 kilometers) with about ten daily departures. The main bus station is close to the city center. You can walk to most attractions within the city, though taxis are available for longer trips.
