Knjaževac

The town of Knjaževac was founded on the confluence of Svljig Timok and Trgoviski Timok rivers, which together form Beli Timok at this spot. It is situated on the Nis-Zajecar road, 40 kilometres away from Zajecar, and 173 kilometres from Belgrade. Research shows that there was a Roman settlement at this location, named Timacum Maius (The great Timok), and it was mentioned under the name Gurgusovac in the 17th century for the first time. In Serbia, this place was known for Gurgusovac tower, used by prince Alexandar Karadjordjevic as a prison for political convicts. When he escaped in 1859, prince Milos ordered the fortress to be burnt, as a symbol of previous authorities. As a sign of their gratefulness to the prince, the Gurgusovac inhabitants renamed their town into Knjazevac. The old part of this town, also known as “Cigan mala”, is nowadays brimming with modern artisan shops and trades, but the authentic architecture, and the spirit of old times is preserved there. Kameni (stone) bridge in Knjazevac was built in 1913, and is one of the symbols of the town. The bridge with the old central street at the background and the chestnut alley in the immediate vicinity is a common motive of photography aficionados. The centre of the town is positioned on the banks of Svrljig Timok. Ace Stanojevica street overviews the river and it is very picturesque with its colourful houses and attractive shapes of bridges. Parallel to it is the Nemanjina street, in which the Town Museum is now located in the house of Aca Stanojević, one of the leaders of Timok uprising. A particular attraction of this edifice is that the interior of an urban home from the end of 19th century has been completely preserved. There is a Homeland museum on the other river bank, fitted in the luxurious and big house that belonged to the Sibinović family, built in 1906. The famous Džervin villa, a beautiful house, which was the property of Đoka Cvetković, can be seen from the centre. It was built after the model of villas in spas in Czech. Džerwin hill is the location of the oldest vineyards in this area. Knjaževac vineyards which, among others, grow authentic sorts of grapes – prokupac, vranac and plovdina, are the initiators of the Prosciuto, vine and cheese festival, which is becoming traditional. Every may, the Vine fair is being organized in Knjazevac. The village Donja Kamenica (Lower Kamenica) is located 15 kilometres south from Knjazevac. There is a church in this village, built by a prominent Bulgarian landowner Mihailo in 14th century. The church has two unusual spiky towers that block the view of the dome behind them. The fresco-painting of this object is very valuable. The compositions of ktetors and their family and presentation of holy labourers embraced on horses is particularly prominent. Gornja Kamenica (Upper Kamenica), with the monastery of the same name, the endowment of Despot Lazar, the son of Đurđe Branković, is positioned two kilometres further. A simple little church has never been painted. Timacum Minus, archaeologic locality from Roman period, is situated in the village of Ravna, 8 kilometres from Knjaževac. In the neighbouring lapidarium, the excavated tombstones are collected, and preserved ancient houses are transformed into an ethnographic whole. A small Wine museum is also located there, as well as the collection of old-fashioned knitted woollen socks. Villages in the Timok valley are characteristic for combining ethnic motifs and tradition. There are two famous spas – Rgoška Spa and Banjica Basin in Knjazevac surroundings. Waters from their springs are listed as hot springs, and the infrastructure provides opportunities for various sports activities. Тupižnica is located in Knjaževac surroundings and it is one of the highest point in the close vicinity of the town. The local inhabitants like to take excursions to this location, and since it is also a bountiful hunting ground, hunters gladly visit this area. 35 kilometres from Knjazevac, in the Balta Berilovac village, a traditional event “Prayer in the Midžor mountain base” takes place every may, and various rituals and traditions of this region can be viewed during this manifestation. There is also a very interesting old watermill on a spring. Knjazevac is also known for its traditional cheese production technology, which made this area famous internationally.