Description:
In the central part of Serbia, where the Western Morava passes the rocks of Ovcar and Kablar, is one of the country’s most beautiful gorges. There are deeper, longer and more important gorges, but there are few that are as famous, loved and praised by the nation as the Ovcar-Kablar Gorge. It is characterised by steep, high limestone walls that reveal several caves, while its narrow river meanders are renowned for their beauty. The animal life of the gorge, including about 150 species of birds, 30 species of fish and more than 600 plant species, represent a special attraction for fans of untouched nature. In the forests of hornbeam, linden/lime, black ash and sumach, live the Hermann’s tortoise, European pond terrapin, Aesculapian Snake, Fire salamander, European Pine marten, Beech marten, Grey heron, Peregrine Falcon, Golden eagle and Rock partridge. Springs of hot and healing mineral water and pure drinking water are scattered like jewels throughout the area. Amidst this natural beauty is hidden a multitude of monasteries, churches and chapels, such as the well-known Ovcar-Kablar Monastery or the “Mala srpska Sveta Gora” (Little Serbian Holy Mountain; Little Athos). Little Athos comprises the monasteries and churches of Vavedenje (Presentation), Vaznesenje (Ascension), Preobrazenje (Transfiguration), Sretenje (Candle mass) and Sveta trojica (Holy Trinity) on the right bank of the Morava and Blagovestenje (Annunciation), Ilinje (St. Elijah), Jovanje, Uspenje (Assumption) and Nikolje (St. Nikola) on the left bank. A swimming marathon is organised each
August on the Western Morava River near Ovcar Spa, while the area is also attractive for rafting. Tourists and day-trippers can take advantage of three small artificial lakes: Medjuvrsje, Ovcar-Kablar and Parmenac.