Discover Kneževac: Landscapes and History

Kneževac is a dispersed settlement on the eastern slopes of Smiljevac. The houses and landscapes are located at an elevation of 1,120 to 1,180 metres and also stretch along the valley slopes of the Vapa River. Those looking to combine a stay in a rural setting with historical traces and regional natural destinations will find a place here with several different facets.

Landscape between Smiljevac, Vapa and Knežica

The Knežica River flows through the area of Kneževac and is also known locally as Klešnica. The Vrelo Spring lies in the centre, while Kneževac also includes meadow areas known as Ševari. These various landscape features make the place interesting for visitors who do not want to plan their days exclusively around sights, but also want to explore the surroundings and learn the names of the local natural features.

Life here has traditionally been shaped by livestock farming; arable farming is also practised to a lesser extent. This rural character can be an important point of reference when choosing accommodation. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Kneževac, first consider whether you want to focus your stay more on the landscape, the history of the settlement or excursions in the wider surrounding region.

Historical Traces in the Settlement

Kneževac also offers points of interest for a culturally oriented trip. Crkva Vaznesenja Hristovog in Kneževac is associated with traces of a large fortification. Hanovi can be classified as the remains of a han. There are also archaeological sites dating from the 14th and 15th centuries.

The written history of the settlement also goes back a long way: In the Ottoman census of 1455, Kneževac was recorded as a village with 17 households. The Church of Sv. Spasenja was built from 1873 onwards. Those travelling with older children or as part of an interested group can use such historical references to experience the landscape not only as a natural area, but also as a developed cultural landscape.

Natural Destinations in the Wider Surrounding Region

In the wider surrounding region of Kneževac, Peštersko polje is designated as a special nature reserve. It includes wetland, marsh and peat habitats, offering a different perspective on the regional landscape. Sjeničko jezero is also located in the wider surrounding area, within the Uvac Special Nature Reserve; boat trips are offered there for visitors.

This makes it possible to combine different ideas for day trips: in the settlement, springs, the river landscape and historical themes are the focus, while the surrounding region offers additional nature experiences.

Getting There and Discovering Other Places

Kneževac lies on both sides of the main road from Sjenica via Duga Poljana to Novi Pazar. The settlement is also connected to Sjenica by a paved road. You can take this information into account when planning your trip and choosing accommodation, especially if you also want to include destinations in the wider surrounding area in addition to Kneževac.

For further searches for suitable travel destinations, you can also view Ponikovica, Zaovine, Kosjeric, Rudine, Kamenica, Bajina Bašta, Arilje and Gostilje.

To the higher-level travel overview: Zlatibor District.