6 reasons to visit Paraćin and its surroundings

This small town is tucked away almost in the very heart of Serbia, in the fertile region of Middle Pomoravlje, in the shadow of the slopes of the Kučaj Mountains. Filled with the waters of Grza and Crnica rivers, close to the Great Morava river and the fairy-tale nature interwoven with history and spirituality. It is an invitation to mingle not to be turned down.

BECAUSE PARAĆIN IS AN INTERSECTION OF ROADS

This area has been inhabited since early prehistoric times, in Roman times it was a trading post with a horse change station called Sarmates, and its today’s name originates from the settlement, the Parakin’s Ship Square (crossing), mentioned in the charter of Prince Lazar from the 14th century. In the mid-19th century, it gained the status of small town, and today, it lives peacefully on the banks of Crnica, harmoniously, somehow secretly, in accordance with the nearby natural rarities perhaps.

The most beautiful part extends along the Crnica river, which flows into the Great Morava River not far from the city. As limestone rocks make its waters white (bela in Serbian) at the source, it was once called Belica. But after one of the Ottoman iniquities, when the gathered people for a religious holiday were killed and their bodies thrown into the river, the water turned red, and the people started calling the river “black” (crna). Its banks, connected by several white, unusual pedestrian bridges, are adorned with well-maintained green areas with benches for rest. The Petrus Hotel stands out on the river itself, quite shaky on the outside. Above, on a hill, the Holy Trinity Church rises, with its today’s appearance dating from the end of the 19th century. It was built in Serbo-Byzantine style, with Baroque interior, while the icons on the wooden iconostasis came from Russia.

The city center is dominated by the Monument to the Fallen Warriors of World War I, and along the promenade there are many boutiques, cafés with gardens and pastry shops, but the famous traditional “Vasa’s cake” is nowhere to taste. The original recipe was created right here, and is a symbol of family love. Namely, tradition says that out of gratitude to her son-in-law, the mother-in-law made the most delicious cake made of almonds, walnuts and oranges, and out of respect, she named it “Vasina cake” after him. However, the tradition seems to have died down. Too bad, it could be a strong and tasty asset of the city for its visitors. And the people of Paraćin could then be affectionately called “Vasinci” and not “Džigerani” (derived from the Turkish word for “liver). They got their nickname during the visit of Prince Miloš Obrenović. As they did not know how to treat him with hospitality, they asked the people of Jagodina for advice. And they decided, witty as they are, to make a prank, proposing liver. Instead of satisfaction with the feast, the prince said in anger: “Liver, what kind of meat are you? People of Paraćin, what kind of people are you?” We did not ask whether the liver was banished forever from the culinary offer of Paraćin, but Vasa’s cake apparently was, unfortunately.

BECAUSE A CONTEMPORARY DINOSAUR LIVES IN THE LOCAL HERITAGE MUSEUM

It is housed in one of the first two-story buildings and probably the most impressive one in the city. The house of Judge Petar Ružić built in the 1870s. The setting is modest, the interior needs a little tweaking, but there are interesting things to see. In addition to the prehistoric, ancient, numismatic, and ethnological collection, the natural history collection is particularly interesting. Skulls and horns of “orijaš” deer, ibex, cave bear, and crocodile head fossil, from period when the Pannonian Sea was a lake, are on display. Its age is estimated at between 20 and 50 million years. So, the curator explains that it lived together with dinosaurs. Well, we learned that Kika and Vika, the mammoths, are not the oldest inhabitants of these areas, but that the title is held by Mr. Crocodile himself. The first floor features an overview of the economic development of Paraćin from a Turkish “kasaba” to a European town, and part of it was, of course, dedicated to the famous Paraćin glass.

BECAUSE THE DRIVE GO APP SAVES TIME

Time is money, as businesspeople often say, and most others do not like to waste it, much less wait in line. Modern technologies also came to the rescue. The Drive.Go mobile app allows drivers to pay at the refueling point itself, without leaving the vehicle. No crowds or nudges, quick and easy. And as summer approaches, even without sweating. Download the app and beat the heat. And spend the time you saved at your choice, as you wish.

BECAUSE THE PETRUSH AREA IS A SMALL HOLY MOUNTAIN OF ATHOS

The monumental complex of medieval buildings from the second half of the 14th and the first half of the 15th century covers the area around Crnica and Grza rivers. In this area, there was a border, the Krajina county, which Emperor Dušan assigned to the county prefect Vukosav and his two sons to administer. It was named after the Petrus fortress, built in the 12th century, on an elevation above Crnica near the village of Zabrega.

The village can be reached by road to the Ravanica monastery. There are signposts. It is interesting that a private estate needs to be crossed. Its owners do not charge for the passage, for now. You can also go along two wooden bridges, so if you drive a “muscle car”, it may be better to leave it on the way and walk along the river bank. The scenes are truly fairytale-like. We reach the St. John Monastery, with outer walls partially renovated, and niches where people put icons. On the other bank, there is a picnic area with a walled part for the preparation of various delicacies. Two excursionists are already preparing fish soup for their little gang, which joins a while. They invited us to join them and made welcome coffee. Everything was clean all around. Impeccable. Locals and local associations take great care of their paradise and often clean it themselves. They treat both nature and their guests as good hosts. Way to go.

A dirt pathway leads to the remnants of the fortification through the forest. An enchanted one. Giant deciduous trees make high natural corridors with their branched crowns. Thorough peace and tranquility. Wild tame. A different world. At the top, the remains of the former fortress – some walls and a cruciform rock. Sit down on the blooming grass or olden stones and enjoy the view.

Numerous churches and monasteries in the Moravian style were erected in the area, so the area is called Mala Sveta Gora (Little Athos). Today, the remains of the monasteries of Namasija or Manasinjac and Blaga Marija Petruška, the churches of St. George, Holy Sunday and the Holy Archangels can be seen. An incredible blend of history, spirituality and enchanting nature.

BECAUSE THE SPRINGS OF GRZA IS A FAIRYTALE

About twenty kilometers from Paraćin, there is the Nature Monument “Vrelo Grze” (Grza springs). One of the most amazing natural corners of the homeland. The Grza river springs at the foot of the South Kučaj mountain, at almost 500 meters of altitude. Water is flowing from several springs. Pure, crystal-clear, cold. Sliding down from stone cascades, dressed in velvety moss. Foaming and babbling constantly. As if it was whispering gently to the forest, its companion and its protector, in a language that can only be understood by the soul. You can rest on the benches or sit on large stones by the water – the closer the experience is, the more vivid, the more real it is. You can continue enjoying the atmosphere by exploring the surroundings, walking along the footpaths, through the forest, which lead to the lookout points. Downstream you will spot two blue-emerald lakes.

But wherever a person goes, care must be taken. It would be necessary to fill the holes with boards on those lovely wooden bridges over the Grza river, regularly take out the trash and install bins, of which there are only several, so even the most thoughtful ones have nowhere to dispose of it. It is not always negligent persons’ fault.

There are accommodation facilities, sports grounds, restaurants and cafés at the excursion site, and you can refresh yourself, but also spend a few days in this true jewel of nature. Nearby, in Lešje, there is the monastery of the Most Holy Mother of God from mid 14 century.

BECAUSE TROUT ROASTED IN OGNJIŠTE IS UNFORGETTABLE

Out of several restaurants on the excursion site, we chose the one made of stone and wood, appropriately named “Ognjište” (hearth). Because nature is home to everyone. The talkative and smiling hostess recommends “pljeskavica” on kaymak and neck. They’re melting. And the trout from the mountain of Rtanj, while she proudly smiles. And is there anything from the mystical mountain pyramid that isn’t magical? And besides, it is skillfully and experiencedly prepared. It is the perfect place for families because there is a spacious courtyard where the little ones can run carefree, while the grownups can take tame and enjoy in the perfection of taste. An excellent choice to spice up our encounter with the unreal beauty of Grza with a bite.