If you are interested in what Cacak is famous for, you are in the right place. Because this big city will offer you enough urban content, but it will also take you to some of the most beautiful natural beauties that you have seen in our country.
Cacak is a popular tourist destination in Serbia due to its historical monuments and surrounding natural beauty. Traces of civilizations that once inhabited the city and its surroundings preserve the city’s culture and turbulent history. The Church of the Ascension of Christ, the National Museum, old building architecture, galleries, monuments and archaeological sites are worth visiting.
If you decide to visit this city, you can meet interesting people, learn about their life, history and traditions, enjoy nature and make new friends.
This guide provides essential information about Cacak, allowing you to fully utilize the city’s facilities before leaving.
Where is Cacak and how do I get there?
Cacak is located in the Moravica district of central Serbia, 150 km from Belgrade, the country’s capital. The main road connecting Belgrade, Cacak, Uzice, Zlatibor, and Montenegro passes through Cacak.
The Pozega-Stalac railway line passes through Cacak, making it accessible via train from Kraljevo.
Buses to Cacak frequently depart from Belgrade’s bus station and other major Serbian cities.
The Historical Archive of Cacak
The inter-municipal historical archive in Cacak, professionally connected with the Archives of Serbia in Belgrade, covers not only Cacak but also Gornji Milanovac and Lucani municipalities.
The organization enables visitors to use and learn about the building through various exhibitions and cultural and educational activities. In 1974, the building that houses the archive was designated a cultural property of great importance.
The Archives building is located near the City Promenade and the National Museum of Cacak.
During my tour of the Archive, I got the impression that the staff is well-educated, professionally trained, and, most importantly, extremely friendly.
The Archive is located on a street close to the city center, so you can walk or drive there. Taxis are also readily available throughout the city.
When you come to Cacak, check out the Archive’s upcoming programs and visit them.
- How to get to the Historical Archive in Cacak?
The Archive is located on a street close to the city center, so you can walk or drive there. Taxis are also readily available throughout the city.
To reach the Archive building in Gospodar Jovanova by foot, take Zupana Stracimir and Cara Dusana Streets.
The Cultural Centre of Cacak
The Cacak Cultural Center is a vital cultural institution that meets citizens’ needs through its diverse program offerings.
Located in the city center, this impressive 4,000 m2 building was designed by Zagreb architect Luj Sverer in 1970. Since its inception on December 3, 1971, the House of Culture has hosted numerous theater and film performances, concerts, exhibitions, literary evenings, panel discussions, lectures, and a variety of other events for the local community.
This institution offers several basic program units, among which is a theater program, which you can enjoy if you are a fan of culture.
Church of the Ascension of Christ
At an altitude of 245 meters above sea level, in a place where the Western Morava did not flood, the former church Virgin Mary of Gradac became the Church of the Ascension of Christ.
It dates from the 12th century and is thought to have been built by County Governor Stracimir. Since its inception, the church has played a significant role, and its influence has persisted to this day. It stands out for its architectural beauty, as the church’s current appearance has remained unchanged since 1929.
The church was converted into a mosque several times during Turkish persecution and uprisings. In 1834, Jovan Obrenovic transformed the mosque into a church and dedicated it to the Ascension of Christ. Zivko Pavlovic painted the church. He created 48 carved wood icons for five zones within the church.
When you enter the temple, you will immediately notice six Old Testament plays. During the 19th century renovation, architect Petar Popovic used the styles of Ras temples from the end of the 12th century, while Nikola Jankovic created the iconostasis.
To enter the church, I recommend dressing modestly, with covered shoulders and no shorts.
- How to get to the Church of the Ascension of Christ in Cacak?
The church is only 300 meters from the City Promenade. Nearby attractions include the Nadezda Petrovic Gallery and the National Museum of Cacak. You can reach the church by walking, driving, or using the city’s taxi service.
To reach Bate Jankovica, walk from the City Promenade along Zupana Stracimir Street.
The National Museum of Cacak
If you’re looking for things to do in Cacak, the National Museum of Cacak is a must-see. It houses important items from the city’s history, including bells, rosettes, icons, and manuscripts.
If you are fortunate enough to be received by the museum’s curator, you will feel as if you have stepped into a fantastic time machine that transports you to bygone eras through fascinating stories and experiences.
Walking through the residence of Jovan Obrenovic brother of Prince Milos, built in 1835 adds to the authenticity of the experience. The inn features a museum display of the old town house and a colorful painting of Obrenovics coat of arms on the facade. This is the only preserved coat of arms of its kind! The museum’s exhibits are divided into units covering the Neolithic to the Middle Ages, shepherd-kablar monasteries, and wars and uprisings from 1804 to 1941.
- Ticket prices and working time
Individual tickets cost 100 dinars (0.92 USD), and group tickets cost 50 dinars (0.46 USD). Members of the Serbian Museum Society receive free admission.
The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 09:00 to 17:00, and on weekends from 09:00 to 13:00.
- How to get to National Museum of Cacak?
Walking from the City Promenade to the National Museum building takes less than 5 minutes. If you are coming from the outskirts, taxis are always available. To reach the museum by foot, take Zupana Stracimir Street to the corner of Cara Dusan and Gospodar Jovanova.
Art gallery “Nadezda Petrović”
Nadezda Petrovic, a well-known Serbian painter, hails from Cacak. Since 1961, the old building, which was built at the beginning of the 20th century by the wives of prominent Cacans and opened a women’s school that was a curiosity at the time, has been transformed into Nadezda Petrovic’s gallery. In addition to her works, this exhibition includes works that advocate for the preservation of movable cultural assets.
- Ticket price and working time
You can visit the gallery with a group of at least 5 people or as part of a school visit that will have a professional guide. Group visits must be scheduled by calling every working day between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets include a visit to the gallery of the Nadezda Petrovic Gallery in Cara Dusana Street 6 as well as the Risim Gallery in Gospodar Jovanova Street 11.
Individual visits 100 dinars (0.92 USD)
Group visit 50 dinars (0.46 USD)
School group 100 dinars (0.92 USD)
Working time:
Tuesday-Friday 10:00-20:00
Saturday-Sunday 11:00-14:00.
- How to get to The Nadezda Petrovic Gallery?
The Gallery is easily accessible from the center of Cacak, taking only 10 minutes by foot.
To reach City Promenade and Zupana Stracimir by foot, take Milos Obilic Street from the city center and cross at Skadarska. Follow the street until you reach Tsar Dusan and the National Museum of Cacak. The gallery is nearby.
The Roman Square provides the entrance to the Roman baths, which are free to all residents.
Roman baths
The “Roman Baths” will also transport you back in time. The remains of a Roman bathhouse can be found in the city’s center, next to the promenade. They were designated as cultural monuments and date back to the late third and early fourth centuries. You will see the various bath rooms here, as well as learn about how the Romans heated water.
The charming hotel “Belgrade” where you can stay for the night is literally around the corner from the “Roman Baths”.
- How to get to the Roman Baths?
The thermal baths are easily accessible from the center of Cacak and can also be reached by car. The city of Cacak provides taxi services 24/7.
To reach the thermal baths on foot, take Zupan Stanimirovica or City Promenade to Gospodar Jovanova Street, which turns at the ProCredit bank.
- The monument to Duke Stepa Stepanovic
A monument to Duke Stepa Stepanovic is proudly displayed in front of the main post office in Cacak. The monument commemorates Stepanovic, a significant figure in Serbian history. It is close to the city center and the street named after the Duke.
- How to get to the monument of Duke Stepa Stepanovic?
The monument is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible via a short walk from the square. If you prefer to drive, you can take the same route or call a taxi service.
To reach the monument by foot, take Zupana Stracimir Street to the National Museum of Cacak and then turn left onto Gospodar Jovanova.
A monument of four faiths
This monument is unique to the entire world! Why? It is dedicated to all the victims of the First World War, both our and opposing armies. It is dedicated to the Orthodox, Catholics, Jews, and Muslims. This is demonstrated by the Orthodox and Catholic crosses, the Star of David, the crescent moon, and the star.
It is located in the city cemetery and is very unique. It deserves to be one of the city’s symbols. It should also serve as a reminder to maintain harmony and respect for all people.
- How to get to the Monument of the Four Faiths?
Driving to the City Cemetery in Cacak takes more than 10 minutes. You can walk along the same path or call a taxi service in Cacak.
To reach Kursulina by car, take Kuzeljeva Street from the city center to Nine Jugovica, then cross the roundabout. From Bishop Nikofor Maksimovic, cross into Balkanska, which leads to Loznica, Milos Obilić, and the City Cemetery.
Follow Milos Obilic and Balkanska to Loznicka Street for a quick walk to your destination and address. City Cemetery.
The Monument to Ljubic
The memorial complex, including the monument, is situated in the atar of the village of Ljubic, near Cacak.
Built in 1938, it commemorates the 1815 Battle of Ljubic. It is considered an immovable cultural property and is protected by the state.
It is less than 4 kilometers from the center of Cacak.
On Ljubic Hill is the Church of Saint Prince Lazar and the Holy Serbian Martyrs and New Martyrs.
- How to get to the Ljubic Monument?
Several routes can be taken from Cacak’s central town square, either by car or on foot.
By car, take road 179 through Bata Jankovica and Milenko Niksica Streets to Djordja Tomasevica Street, then turn onto Dragoslava Bojic Street to reach your destination.
The same route can be used to walk to the memorial complex, which takes 50 minutes.
West Morava River
A popular summer destination for locals and tourists visiting Cacak. Every summer, it attracts a large number of tourists, but it is not overlooked even in the winter due to competition for the Epiphany Cross, which attracts a large number of foreign visitors and journalists.
In the summer, you can enjoy a beautiful vacation and have fun on its beaches. During the summer, the banks of the Western Morava near the Cacak quay host a variety of concerts, gigs, manifestations, parties, and get-togethers every evening and sometimes even during the day. It is surrounded by numerous cafés and beach bars. It is an ideal location for sports, recreation, and entertainment.
Ovcarsko – Kablar Monastery
They are located on the Ovcarsko Kablarska Gorge, also known as the “Serbian Holy Mountain”. There are ten in total: Vavedenje Monastery, Monastery of the Ascension, Preobrazenje Monastery. Holy Trinity Monastery, Sretenje Monastery, Blagovestenje Monastery, Ilinje Monastery, Jovanje Monastery, Nikolje Monastery, Uspenje Monastery.
These monasteries hold significant cultural and historical value for both Cacak and Serbia as a whole. If you visit them, you’ll notice that each has its own distinct beauty and history.
Some of them were repeatedly burned and rebuilt.
According to legend, the Sretenje Monastery was built after monks threw the crown high into the sky towards the top of Ovcara. They then built the monastery where the crown landed. As a result, the Sretenje monastery is located high up on the mountain.
The Catamaran Cruise
If you enjoyed my story about Cacak and are an adventurer, the catamaran cruise is right for you.
After seeing the attractions in Cacak, I wanted to get away from the coast and explore the town’s natural beauty. I took a catamaran cruise from the dock near the “Dom” restaurant.
We cruised slowly to the Nikolja Monastery, whose ancient walls are right next to the Morava River. I visited the St. Nicholas Church, Prince Milos Obrenovic’s residence, and the monastery souvenir shop. Following that, there was a cruise through the meanders of Morava with a panoramic view of the monastery and the mountains Ovcar and Kablar.
What should you try in Cacak?
Cacak is well-known for roasting. If you are a meat lover, whether you choose restaurants in the city or bakeries in the surrounding areas, you will be pleased with your selection.
The most significant events in Cacak
- Dis’s spring – March-May
- Assembly of flute players of Serbia “Oj, Moravo” in Prislonica near Cacak – July
- International folklore festival Etnofest – August
- Kupusiyada in Mrcajevci – September
