Discover Raška: Culture, History and Living Traditions

Raška combines impressive architectural heritage, Serbian culture of remembrance and vibrant event traditions. Those planning a trip filled with cultural discoveries will find a wide variety of points of interest here: a historic bridge over the Ibar, a protected building, exhibitions, a traditional fair and insights into Serbia’s history. The cultural offerings also provide families with a mixture of relaxed sightseeing and shared experiences, so not every day of the trip has to look the same.

Bridge, Architecture and Town History

A striking example of Raška’s history is the Kameni most over the Ibar. It was built from 1893 to 1895 on the site of a former ferry crossing. During the occupation attack of 1915, the bridge was partially destroyed; it was not restored to its original condition until 1925. The Kameni most therefore tells not only of a structural connection across the river, but also of the changes Raška has experienced over time.

The historic townscape also includes the old Kursulić House, which now houses the town library. The building has been designated a cultural monument because of its historical and cultural value, is protected by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments in Kraljevo, and has been listed in the register of immovable cultural heritage since 1981. Kuća Kursulića is one of the first buildings constructed in the style of Central European bourgeois architecture, modelled on houses in towns beyond the Sava and the Danube.

Another landmark is the statue of Archbishop Danilo II. It stands in the square in front of the cultural centre and cinema. The Saborna crkva Sv. Arhangela Gavrila is located in the centre of Raška; the town’s patronal feast, Mali Spasovdan, is also celebrated there.

Festivals, Art and Local Traditions

The traditional “Vašar u Raški” is one of the oldest fairs in Serbia. The first organised fair took place in 1860. Every year, on the feast of Pokrova Presvete Bogorodice on 14 October, Raška welcomes numerous traders and guests from various parts of Serbia. On this day, visitors can sample the exhibitors’ gastronomic specialities and buy homemade products. Those who want to get to know the local character of a place especially through food, commerce and personal encounters will find a distinctive way to experience the town here.

The Raške Spiritual Festivities also place a cultural emphasis. Since 2000, the “Stefan Prvovenčani” award has been presented there for an outstanding contribution to Serbian culture. The first part of the programme consists of the international artists’ colony “Akademija Jelena Anžujska”; the main event programme then begins from 15 to 19 August with the opening of an exhibition of works created in the artists’ colony. Around 15 exhibitions are held each year in the gallery of the “Gradac” Cultural Centre at 6 Ibar Street.

Memorial Sites and Cultural Programme

The memorial room “Raška – ratna prestonica Kraljevine Srbije 1915” is located in the building of the “Gradac” Centre for Culture, Education and Information. Its main exhibition covers the stay of the Serbian government and Crown Prince Aleksandar Karađorđević in Raška. On display are meeting minutes and copies of documents, testimonies from participants, photographs of the people involved, and objects from that period. A separate section is dedicated to Milunka Savić and displays reproductions of her photographs, her decorations, personal objects and the uniform in which she fought.

For a more varied end to the day, Cinema Raška is available in the cultural centre on Predraga Vilimonovića Street. The latest films are shown there in digital and 3D formats for adults and children. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Raška, you can therefore consider whether you would primarily like to include historic sites, events, art or also a cultural programme for different age groups in your travel plans.

The following local pages are also available for further searches: Novi Pazar, Vrba, Tutin, Gradac, Bogutovac, Rudno, Metikoš and Vrnjačka Banja.

For the higher-level travel overview: Raška District.