Leskovac | Top 10 in Cities of Serbia

National Museum of Leskovac

The rich history of the Leskovac region, evidence of prehistoric cultures, as well as the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, archaeological excavations of global significance, evidence of the European spirit between the two world wars, and the reconstruction of Leskovac after the catastrophic destruction in World War II are preserved in the National Museum of Leskovac. For decades located in the House of Bora Dimitrijević - Piksla, a rich traditional house built in the bracing system in the mid-19th century, the National Museum of Leskovac received its own building only in 1974 and displays the family, economic, social, and spiritual life in the Leskovac region from the Neolithic period to the present day. The new permanent exhibition "Time Machine of the Leskovac Region" is the main reason why this facility was declared the best museum in Serbia in 2015 by the Museum Society of Serbia.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Leskovac is one of the most important temples of the Diocese of Niš and is located in the city center. The grandeur of architectural solutions and biographies of this temple is due to the fact that two "white" Russians - Vasilij Andosov (builder) and Andrej Bicenko (painter) - are responsible for its appearance. The church was solemnly opened in 1922 in the presence of King Alexander I of Yugoslavia. Dominantly positioned in relation to the central axes of the city, the monumentality of its shape, the magnificent facade, and the ornate decorative language make it one of the most important elements of Leskovac's architecture and its surroundings in the interwar period and a beloved building in the city's panorama.

Hisar Hill

Park Hisar is located on the homonymous hill above Leskovac at an altitude of 341 meters and is a protected nature park and archaeological site. Since ancient times, the hill above the city, on the Veternica River, has played an important role in the lives of its inhabitants. Today, Hisar is a layered archaeological site, with its artifacts being significant in Serbian and world archaeology. The most notable discovery is the Turović Needle, a 64.5-centimeter-long stainless steel needle dating back to around 1300 BCE. Its global significance lies in its unique metallurgical technique, indicating advanced levels of technical development of the population in this prehistoric locality. Remains from other historical periods, including the Ottoman period, enrich this park within the city, making it a popular excursion spot for the people of Leskovac. Hisar offers the most beautiful view of the panorama of Leskovac.

Old Taverns

Leskovac is widely known for its barbecue and meat specialties. The tradition of good food in this region is still diligently preserved and cherished by many small, independent, family-owned taverns with a long history. They reward trust with quality and hospitality. Some of them are Srč and Kod Kajse.

Vučje Hydro Power Plant

Vučje Hydro Power Plant is a gem of the industrialization of the Kingdom of Serbia and the second oldest hydro power plant in our country, built in 1903 on the Vučjanica River. Its power, even back then, illuminated Leskovac with electricity through a 17-kilometer-long power transmission system. The power plant captures water from a long canal partially carved into high rocks, and with its main and auxiliary buildings made of stone, it presents an exceptionally durable image. Although it has been generating electricity for over a century, the power plant was included in the world's technical heritage in 2005 and became a protected monument of the Republic of Serbia in 2018. There is a popular bathing area nearby, so during the summer, a visit to the hydro power plant can be combined with refreshment in the cool water.

Racecourse and Liberation Race

Evidence of the European spirit of the city of Leskovac is the racecourse, one of the oldest in Serbia, which has been active through the work of the Leskovac Horse Riding Club "Dubočica" since 1933. Thousands of horse enthusiasts used to gather here to watch graceful gallopers and jumpers in several annual races, alongside trotters, which are the only ones remaining today. Today, only the traditional Liberation Race remains, established in 1966, which commemorates the glorious date of the city's liberation every October 11th.

Roštiljijada (Barbecue Festival)

The most significant festival in the territory of Leskovac is undoubtedly Leskovac Barbecue Festival, which traditionally takes place at the end of August every year, for three decades now. Once, this event primarily brought together barbecue masters in a competition for the best and biggest burger, but over the years, it has transformed into a grand cultural, artistic, entertaining, and gastronomic spectacle. The most visited edition was in 2019 when over half a million guests enjoyed barbecue specialties and concerts by music stars from the region.

Railway Station

Shortly after the establishment of the railway in the Kingdom of Serbia in 1886, the railway line connecting the Niš - Preševo section passed through Leskovac, enabling the stellar rise of industrial production in this city, especially the textile industry, which earned Leskovac the nickname of the Serbian Manchester. Leskovac Railway Station, which welcomed and bid farewell to trains heading north and south until the Second World War, was destroyed during the war turmoil. Leskovac received a significant replacement only in 2000 when a railway station of modern architectural expression and magnificent marble interior was built.

Revolution Memorial Park by Bogdan Bogdanović

Bogdan Bogdanović is one of the most significant Serbian architects of monumental and memorial complexes after World War II, entrusted with immortalizing the memory of fallen fighters for liberation from Nazi occupation at numerous sites in the former Yugoslavia. On the hill of Hisar above Leskovac, there is a Memorial Park dedicated to more than 1000 fallen soldiers in the Leskovac area during various wartime battles, realized in Bogdan Bogdanović's characteristic mythological-symbolic expression. In addition to allegorical elements on the monuments, there is a significant thought engraved in Cyrillic script on one of the obelisks - "We are dead, but we haven't fallen asleep, the stone gazes at you with our eyes."

Famous People from Leskovac

Dimitrije Mita Teokarević (1850-1931), a notable figure from Leskovac, Mita Teokarević was the initiator of industrialization in Leskovac through the establishment of textile and related industries in the city and its surroundings. After achieving business success, he ventured into politics, became the president of the Leskovac Municipality, and later a member of Parliament.

Draga Mašin Obrenović (1866-1903), Serbian queen and wife of King Aleksandar Obrenović, was initially married to Svetozar Mašin, a prominent civil engineer of the Principality of Serbia. Although she came from another part of Serbia, she lived in Leskovac with her husband during his activities in the construction of the railway system of the young state.

Toma Zdravković (1938-1991), a famous folk singer, was born in the village of Pečenjevce near Leskovac. With his melancholic voice and melodies that both tormented and delighted the heart, he won over the entire former Yugoslavia, leaving behind dozens of unforgettable hits. He died prematurely in 1991 in Belgrade, but in time to avoid witnessing the dissolution of the country that allowed him to leave a significant musical mark with his life and work. A monument to Toma Zdravković was erected in 2011 at a location that legend says was the fateful meeting place of the then unknown young man Toma and the young Silvana Armenulić - the city square in Leskovac. Today, the monument is located on Veternički Kej, where it was relocated in 2016.