Braničevo District: Monasteries, Roman heritage and the Danube

Monasteries, Roman traces, fortresses and river landscapes give a trip through Braničevo District a range of distinct highlights. The experiences also vary between historic buildings and natural sites: sometimes architecture and history take centre stage, sometimes paths by the water or through a cave landscape.

Monasteries, Roman traces and fortresses

The National Museum in Požarevac displays frescoes from the painted tombs of Viminacium. Viminacium itself preserves archaeological remains, including an amphitheatre and Roman baths. This makes it possible to consider a museum visit and the surviving evidence at the ancient site as different ways of exploring the past.

Another archaeological site is Kraku lu Jordan, dating from the 3rd century AD. It lies in the area of the village of Brodica, at the confluence of the Brodica and Pek rivers. Its precise location by the rivers is part of its geographical context; its date also makes clear that the site belongs to a different era from the Roman remains at Viminacium.

Gornjak Monastery lies at the entrance to the Gornjačka Gorge. Prince Lazar founded it in 1378 as an endowment. The complex includes a church dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin and the hermitage of Grigorije Sinait, set into the rocks. Tumane Monastery is set against the foothills of the Golubac Mountains, woodland and the left bank of the Tumane River. The earliest surviving records of the monastery date from the 16th century; many worshippers gather there each year for assemblies. The hermitage of Saint Zosim is about one kilometre from the monastery.

The fortresses also offer varied architectural impressions. Ram Fortress has an irregular pentagonal ground plan and, in addition to its keep, four more towers. Its complex includes a nearby 15th-century caravanserai building. The medieval Golubac Fortress dates from the 14th century and stands on a steep, rocky cliff on the right bank of the Danube. It can be reached by land or by river; check the current travel arrangements before your visit.

A spring, caves and water at Silver Lake

Vrelo Mlave near Žagubica is a tourist attraction below the northern slopes of Beljanica. The spring formed as an apparently small lake in a flooded sinkhole at an altitude of 314 metres. Visitors can walk along its shores and relax on the wooded slopes around the spring. The water, leafy slopes and path along the shore combine to create a natural experience.

At Silver Lake, the dimensions shape the impression of the water: it is 14 kilometres long and 300 metres wide. Bathing, swimming and a range of water sports are among the activities available there. The water park by the lake has more than five swimming pools, as well as slides for children and adults. This means different ways to spend time by the water are available at the same lake. Restaurants near the lake serve freshly caught river fish with traditional side dishes, salads and a wide selection of wines.

For a different view of Silver Lake, a 2.7-kilometre path leads from the shore to Veliko Gradište. Those wishing to arrive by boat will find a functioning landing stage on the Danube near the lake. The path and landing stage are two distinct reference points: the land route from the lakeshore to Veliko Gradište and the option of travelling by river.

On foot or by bike

In Kučevo, a hiking and mountaineering trail connects the caves near Ravnište and Ceremošnja via Veliki Štubej. Ceremošnja Cave itself has spacious chambers with stalactites, stalagmites and other cave formations. Those interested in the landscape underground will find specific geological formations there; the trail, meanwhile, links the caves via a route over Veliki Štubej. Check trail conditions before setting out on a hike.

The former paved road between Donji Milanovac, Golubac and Belgrade is suitable for cycling. Since the construction of the Đerdap Highway, it has seen little traffic. The cycling route and the cave trail appeal to different interests: one is a former road that is well suited to cycling, while the other is a hiking link between caves via a mountain. You can plan your outings around the landscapes and sights that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Požarevac, Veliko Gradište, Golubac, Vinci, Ribare, Municipality of Petrovac na Mlavi, Žagubica, Kučevo, Malo Crniće, Brzohode, Ždrelo, Kisiljevo.

For the broader travel overview: Serbia.