Ovcar-Kablar Gorge

National Parks and Nature Reserves of Serbia
Ovcar-Kablar Gorge

Ovcar-Kablar Gorge

On the road connecting Cačak and Požega, within the outstanding natural beauties of immense West Morava course intersected by the rocky mountainous sides of Ovčar and Kablar there are numerous Serbian Medieval Monasteries and churches known simply as the Monasteries of Ovčar and Kablar or the “Small Serbian Holy Mount”. At present there are the following medieval monasteries of the Ovcar-Kablar Gorge : Vavedenje Monastery (Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Church), Vaznesenje Monastery (dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord), Preobraženje (dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ), Sretenje Monastery (The Purification of the Virgin Mary), Saint Trinity Monastery on the right bank of the Zapadna Morava river and Blagovestenje Monastery (dedicated to the Holy Annunciation), Ilinje Monastery (dedicated to St. Eliah), Jovanje Monastery (dedicated to the birth of St. John the Baptist), Nikolje (St. Nicholas) on the left bank. The Church “Kadenica” dedicated to tragedy of local population during Turkish conquest and the St. Sava Church with curative spring are extremely interesting.

Rocky peaks of the Ovčar and Kablar Mountains, at the elevation of around 1000 meters provide exceptional activities along West Morava River /Zapadna Morava/ winding through the mountains featuring vast lakes of pure and green waters and ends in narrow, quiet and picturesque meanders. However, the rocky peaks of the Ovcar and Kablar Gorge provide breathtaking panorama and vistas of the West Morava River /Zapadna Morava/ meanders and green oasis of the river gorge.

Unique rope walking-bridges over West Morava take you to the opposite side of the river. Fabulous Ovčar-Kablar Gorge is the Natural Park of I Category under the state protection, being the natural habitat of over 150 bird species and 30 fish species and over 600 plants. Ovcar-kablar Gorge features unspoiled natural beauties, fabulous meanders of the West Morava River, artificial lakes and river creeks, stunning mountains and rich greenery especially suitable for incredible adventures, unique vacations and sports. During the 1 or 2 hours boat ride visitors of the Ovcar-Kablar Gorge enjoy in tranquility and serenity of the environment. Besides all there are numerous Medieval Monasteries scattered along the river valley, some of them very difficult to access due to their hidden locations in the rocks. Thus those Monasteries and hermitages provide premium opportunities for prayers and spiritual retreat for Orthodox monks who live and serve here in their isolated residences, in deep seclusion.