Mačkat: Prosciutto, Landscape and History

Mačkat combines a distinctive food culture with a landscape of meadows, pastures and deciduous forests. The village lies on the northeastern slopes of Zlatibor, roughly halfway between the centre of Zlatibor and Užice. The Krivaja flows through Mačkat, and a main road runs through the village, making it easier to get there. The prosciutto tradition, roast lamb, historic buildings and setting of open and wooded areas give your stay a range of different focal points. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is therefore worth first considering which aspect of the village you want your trip to centre on.

Landscape and Location

Most of Mačkat’s area is covered by meadows, pastures and deciduous forests. Open meadows and pastures sit alongside wooded areas, and the Krivaja flows through the village. If you are not choosing a location based on just one attraction, you can take these features into account when deciding where to stay. Mačkat lies roughly halfway between the centre of Zlatibor and Užice, as well as on Zlatibor’s northeastern slopes. This gives you a sense of the landscape and a general idea of the village’s position between the two centres. A main road runs through Mačkat and makes it easier to get there. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can weigh the hillside setting, approximate location and road connection as distinct features of the location.

Prosciutto and Local Cuisine

Households in Mačkat make prosciutto according to their authentic family recipes. Zlatiborski pršut is dried over beechwood smoke; the prosciutto associated with Mačkat also has a protected geographical indication. Family recipes, preparation methods and protected status reflect different aspects of the same culinary tradition. Mačkat is also known for roast lamb. Prosciutto represents a specific method of preparation, while roast lamb is another local specialty. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for a trip where regional cuisine is part of the appeal, Mačkat offers a clear point of interest.

The Pršutijada in February

The Pršutijada adds a seasonal highlight to this culinary heritage. The cured-meat fair takes place every winter in February in Mačkat, where local producers showcase cured meats from the Zlatibor region. This means the food culture has both a lasting aspect—the making of prosciutto according to family recipes—and a recurring event. This can help you plan your timing: February is the specific time to keep in mind for the fair, while the prosciutto tradition is not limited to that month. If you are planning a family trip specifically for the Pršutijada, check the exact event dates in advance.

Church and Village Character

The Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah in Mačkat was built in 1859. The church retains imperial doors created by the painter Pavle Čortanović and dating from the late 19th century. They therefore belong to a later period than the church building itself and add a distinct chronological feature to its history. The castle of Ratka Šopalović particularly catches the eye of passersby in Mačkat.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Perućac, Mokra Gora, Kosjerić, Gostilje, Rakovica, Kamenica, Mitrovac, Požega.

Back to the main travel overview: Zlatibor District.