Pčinja District: Nature, Culture and Regional Cuisine

When you explore Pčinja District, you will encounter protected landscapes, historic buildings, regional festivals and specialities from the area around Vranje.

Nature between Vlasina and Pčinja

The Vardenik protected area borders the Vlasina Plateau and lies southwest of Lake Vlasina. There, 14 strictly protected and 45 protected plant species, 96 butterfly species and more than 112 bird species have been recorded. The Dolina Pčinje protected landscape area encompasses parts of the municipalities of Bujanovac and Trgovište. Around 140 bird species, 50 mammal species and more than 400 plant species find their habitat in the Pčinja Valley; the protected valley also includes the forest complex of Mount Kozjak.

One of the distinctive landscape features is Vražji Kamen, with rock pillars shaped by erosion. Three of these formations reach a height of 50 to 60 metres, and Vražji Kamen is under state protection. Mount Goč lies in the vicinity of the Pčinja area; Mount Sveti Ilija, Mount Grot and the Ravnjak summit are also located in the surrounding area.

Vranje and the Culture of the Region

Vranje is the cultural centre of Pčinja District and lies on Corridor 10, which connects Central Europe with Southern Europe. The White Bridge, Beli Most, was built in 1844. On Valentine's Day, many young, in-love and married couples cross the bridge twice. Couples in love also draw water from beneath the bridge and sprinkle it on their clothes to protect their love from evil forces.

The Bora Stanković House Museum displays the writer's personal belongings and those of his family, photographs, theatre posters, editions of his books and works by the recipients of the Bora Award. The event Borina Nedelja has taken place every year at the Bora Stanković House since 1967 and honours the life and work of the writer Bora Stanković. The Borini Pozorišni Dani festival dates back to 1979, takes place in the last week of October and brings theatre companies from Belgrade and other cities to Vranje.

The Dani Vranja festival, held annually in Vranje, includes an ethno-bazaar, a book salon, and the presentation and tasting of local specialities. The Zlatna Frula competition takes place in June in Vranjska Banja and traditionally brings together flute players from Pčinja and Jablanica districts.

Monasteries, Churches and Historic Sites

The Church of the Holy Mother of God stands on one of the rock pyramids of Vražji Kamen and was formerly also known as the Church in Prosečnik. The medieval church is under state protection. Markovo Kale is the remains of a medieval fortification built on ancient foundations and features massive defensive walls as well as the remains of a cruciform sacred building.

The approximately 900-year-old Prohor Pčinja Monastery lies at the foot of Mount Kozjak and is visited by tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. Manastir Sveti Petar Monastery is located in the vicinity of the Pčinja area; Sveti Petar Monastery, as well as the churches of Sveta Bogoridica and Sveta Petka, are also situated in this area.

Active Days and Regional Cuisine

Two branches of the European long-distance hiking trail E7 pass through the territory of the city of Vranje. Besna Kobila has a ski slope and a ski lift. Kayaks and pedal boats can be rented in Biljanin Zaliv Bay on Lake Vlasina.

The area around Vranje is known for homemade wine and rakija. A typical regional speciality is Samsa: an unfilled pastry covered with sour milk and garlic.

More Places for Your Planning

Vranje, Vranjska Banja, Vladičin Han, Rudnik, Dobrosin, Klisura, Vlasina Rid, Surdulica, Lalince

For the higher-level travel overview: Central Serbia.