Valjevo | Top 10 in the Cities of Serbia

Tešnjar

The most famous quarter in Valjevo, which still retains the architecture and spirit of the 19th century, is called Tešnjar and is located in the city center, along the right bank of the Kolubara River. Tešnjar, with its main Birčaninova Street, is also known as the old Valjevo market, recognizable for its dozens of shops, artisan workshops, and taverns. Once the center of all city events, bustling with life, passers-by, and vendors from morning till night, Tešnjar today represents a part of the city that is slowly succumbing to the ravages of time. Nevertheless, the authenticity of the cobblestone streets, old buildings, and the overall atmosphere still make this street unique in Serbia and an indispensable destination when visiting Valjevo. Every year in August, the well-known cultural event "Tešnjarske večeri" (Tešnjar Nights) is held here, during which Tešnjar (at least during those few days) reminds us of the glorious days when the entire social life of Valjevo took place there.

Muselimov Konak

By crossing the small bridge over the Kolubara River, you reach the main city square in Valjevo - Trg vojvode Mišića. In the vicinity of the square, besides the monument to the famous Duke from the Balkan Wars and World War I, there are also monuments dedicated to the poet Desanka Maksimović, Duke Ilija Birčanin, Prince Aleksa Nenadović, and the monument commemorating the Slaughter of the Princes, an event that had a crucial impact on the start of the First Serbian Uprising. However, the most significant and also the oldest building in Valjevo is Muselimov Konak from the 18th century. It used to be the administrative headquarters of the Turkish governor of the Valjevo nahija (district), and in its basement was a prison from which Ilija Birčanin and Aleksa Nenadović were taken for execution. Today, Muselimov Konak serves as an exhibition space dedicated to the First and Second Serbian Uprisings, specifically the Slaughter of the Princes. It is part of the Valjevo National Museum and is a monument of great historical importance.

Kula Nenadovića

No less historically significant building and a kind of symbol of Valjevo is the 18-meter-high Kula Nenadovića, located on the Kličevac hill, less than a kilometer from the city center. It was built by voivode Jakov Nenadović (brother of Prince Aleksa) in 1813 as a small military fortress, which was soon taken over by the Turks and turned into a prison. After the liberation of Valjevo in the Second Serbian Uprising, the tower was demolished and rebuilt twenty years later, serving as a gunpowder magazine until the end of the century. Like Muselimov konak, Kula Nenadovića is protected by the state as an important monument of culture and history and has been transformed into an exhibition space with a permanent display.

Spomen-park Vidrak

Also, less than a kilometer from the city center, but in a completely different direction, towards the south and the monasteries Ćelije and Lelić, there is a beautifully landscaped park with an even more beautiful view of Valjevo. It is Spomen-park Vidrak, dedicated to the fallen fighters of the socialist revolution in World War II, with the grandiose monument of the partisan hero Stjepan Filipović at its centre. The 16-meter-high sculpture was made in the likeness of Filipović's last photograph, taken before his execution. The park is one of the favorite excursion spots for the people of Valjevo and a place from which the most beautiful panorama of Valjevo can be seen.

Petnica

About 7 kilometers away from the center of Valjevo, there is Petnica, a village that seemingly does not differ from other villages in the Valjevo region. However, what puts it on the tourist map of Serbia is the fact that it contains several significant and touristically attractive sites. One of them is Petnica Cave, an archaeologically and speleologically very important site, and an extremely attractive phenomenon for tourists. The cave has two entrances (upper and lower), a stream called Banja flows out of it (a tributary of the Kolubara River), and at its entrance, in an unusual setting, there is a restaurant. The cave was touristically developed until the 1990s, after which it was completely neglected. Today, it is mostly available to curious (ad)venturers, at their own risk.

On the approach to the cave from the direction of Valjevo, shortly after turning off the main road, you will find the Sports and Recreation Center Petnica, with thermal pools and sports fields.

One kilometer away from the cave is the famous Petnica Research Station - an institution that has been dedicated to the development and promotion of science and culture among young people for decades, gathering dozens of talented students interested in natural, social, and technical sciences each year.

The tourist potentials of this small village do not end here. Just a few hundred meters from the Research Station is Petnica Lake, a water reservoir covering an area of about two hectares, created by damming the Pocibrava stream. This small lake, originally intended for flood protection, is also a popular destination for fishermen.

Gradac River Canyon

Gradac is one of the two rivers in Valjevo that flows into the Kolubara River not far from the city center. Located in a concrete channel in its lower course, its gentle appearance gives no indication that just about 30 kilometers upstream it passes through a magnificent gorge that, in certain parts, resembles a canyon (with extremely steep valley slopes). Walking through this valley is a true delight for adventurers and nature lovers. The water of the Gradac River is so clean in its upper course that it can be drunk, which is not a common occurrence in Serbia anymore. The fact that during the walk through the river canyon, it is necessary to cross the river at several points turns the experience into a real adventure, and the knowledge that there are dozens of shorter and longer caves in the gorge completes the picture. However, it should be noted that it is not a completely wild area, as there are a few beautiful fishing huts with ponds stocked with fresh trout where you can refresh yourself, as well as several medieval monasteries that should not be missed.

Valjevo Monasteries

In the Valjevo region, there are several Orthodox monasteries, among which the Ćelije and Lelić monasteries stand out particularly in terms of age, beauty, and/or significance.

Ćelije Monastery is located in the picturesque surroundings of the Gradac Canyon, on the left bank of the river, about 6 kilometers southwest of Valjevo. It is believed to date back to the 13th century and is founded by King Dragutin Nemanjić. Since its establishment, the monastery has been a spiritual stronghold and a center for education and social activities in the Valjevo region for centuries. It is also known for being the residence and final resting place of the great Orthodox spiritual leader and philosopher, Father Justin Popović (1894 - 1979). In the monastery courtyard, marked by a medieval tombstone (stećak), there is also the tomb of Duke Ilija Birčanin, who was executed during the slaughter of the knezes in 1804.

The Lelić Monastery is located in the village of Lelić, about 11 kilometers southwest of Valjevo. It is founded by Saint Bishop Nikolaj Velimirović, one of the wisest Serbs in history, whose relics rest in the monastery church after being transferred from the United States in 1991. Formerly a local church, Lelić obtained the status of a monastery in 1996.

Other notable monasteries in the Valjevo region include Jovanja Monastery and Pustinja Monastery.

Divčibare

One of the most popular winter resorts in Serbia is located on Mount Maljen, about 35 kilometers away from Valjevo. The plateau, which is on average over 1000 meters above sea level, offers excellent opportunities for winter sports during the colder months, as well as pleasant walks, various sports activities, and outdoor recreation throughout the rest of the year. Forests, meadows, clear streams, hiking and cycling trails, authentic ethno-guesthouses, a variety of recreational activities, and its convenient proximity to Valjevo and Belgrade make this area attractive to visitors throughout the year. Hotels, resorts, and cottages on Divčibare make Maljen the most popular of all the mountains in the Valjevo region.

Brankovina

About ten kilometers north of Valjevo, on the way to Koceljevi, lies Brankovina – a village rich in cultural and historical heritage with a significant place on the tourist map of Serbia. One of the must-visit destinations for every school excursion is the Memorial Complex in Brankovina, where rare examples of folk architecture from the 18th century are preserved. These include small wooden houses known as "sobrašice," the famous Vajat Nenadović, the old school (Prota Matija Nenadović), the Church of the Holy Archangels, and the indispensable memorial room and school where one of our greatest poets, Desanka Maksimović, attended. Most of these buildings house museum exhibitions dedicated to the life of the famous Nenadović family, and the complex also includes the grave of the great poet.

Festival of Duvan-Čvarci (Smoked Bacon)

Among the numerous cultural and entertainment events that Valjevo can be proud of, it is difficult to single out just one representative event. However, due to its authenticity, the Festival of Duvan-Čvarci is a unique event in Serbia and even in the world. Duvan-Čvarci is a special delicacy made from pork fat and bacon, representing a kind of trademark of the Valjevo region. The recipe, which is over two centuries old and has a protected origin, originates from the Valjevo region. For 15 years now, every autumn before Miholjdan (early October), a competition in preparing duvan-čvarci is held on the Kolubara Quay in the city center. Afterward, the duvan-čvarci can be tasted and purchased. The two-day event is accompanied, as usual, by a diverse cultural and music program, making the Festival of Duvan-Čvarci a true city celebration and one of Valjevo's trademarks.