What Branicevski okrug is known for

Pozarevac, the capital city of the Branicevo District, houses several cultural and historical landmarks. The Milena Pavlović-Barili Gallery houses a collection of paintings by the artist Milena Pavlović-Barili, whose work gained international recognition during the 19th century. Pozarevac Museum can provide insight into the history of the city, featuring a range of artifacts, some of which date back to the Roman Empire era. Located on the outskirts of Pozarevac, Čačalica Park showcases a collection of exotic plant varieties and diverse bird species, making it a destination for nature enthusiasts. On the outskirts of the city lies Ethno Park Tulba, which comprises eight buildings that display traditional folk architecture. These structures include houses, barns, stables, and more, all crafted from wooden planks. The park also presents various tools and implements related to viticulture and fruit cultivation. Additionally, a dedicated pavilion within the park commemorates the signing of the Peace of Pozarevac, designed in the form of a tent. In close proximity to Pozarevac is located Viminacium, an ancient Roman city and military camp that once served as the capital of the Moesia Superior province. At its population peak, it boasted a total of 40,000 inhabitants, ranking among the largest cities of its time. While it suffered destruction by Huns and later Slavs, the extensive archaeological site spans 450 hectares, with only a small fraction explored by 2018. Notably, in 2019, excavations unveiled a preserved skeleton measuring 1.78 meters in height, buried alongside a 92-centimeter-long iron sword.[9]

However, the capital city isn't the only place bearing historical landmarks within Branicevo District. One of the predominant historical sights in the area is the Golubac Fortress, standing at the entrance of the Iron Gate gorge, where the Danube's widest stretch meets the Carpathian Mountains' pass. Originally constructed for strategic and military purposes, this fortress held significance due to its control over routes connecting the East and West. Positioned atop the rugged Ridan cliffs and protected by the Danube River, it became a focal point of contention between Hungary, Serbia, and later the Ottoman Empire in the 14th and 15th centuries. During the 1930s, the construction of a regional road damaged the fortress gates, but it wasn't until the 1970s that attention was given to its preservation. Since then, multiple explorations and restoration efforts have been conducted. Golubac Fortress holds considerable cultural importance and is also part of the Golubac Nature Reserve, marking the entrance to the Iron Gate Gorge and Djerdap National Park. In 2011, Serbia designated it as the "Golubac Fortress" Tourist Area.[10]

Apart from the Golubac Fortress, Djerdap National Park, located in the northern part of the district, houses several other landmarks. People can visit the Lepenski Vir, an archaeological site dating back between 6000 and 7000 BC. The site uncovered numerous artifacts, sacred architecture, and monumental sculptures, revealing seven layers of successive settlements built on top of each other, showcasing the lives of hunter-gatherer tribes as well as their burial rituals, stone tools, and symbolic engravings. Another historical monument and tourist destination in the national park is the Trajan's Plaque, bearing inscriptions of the Roman emperor Trajan. Additionally, people can venture to Diana at Karatas, one of the best-preserved Castra (forts) on the Danube, which was built during Emperor Trajan's reign and played a role in safeguarding the Upper Moesian limes. This rectangular fort, upgraded in the 3rd and 4th centuries, served as a military and economic hub. It was rebuilt by Emperor Justinian after being ravaged by the Huns in the 5th century.[11] 

Geography

Branicevski Okrug, or Branicevo District, is located in the eastern-central part of Serbia, contributing to the state borders with Romania to the north. Part of that state border is represented by the Danube River, which highlights Branicevo District's northern border. Stretching across 3,865 square kilometers, Branicevo administrative district serves as the hub for state administration in a region encompassing the territories of several municipalities, including Pozarevac, Veliko Gradište, Golubac, Malo Crniće, Kučevo, Žabari, Petrovac na Mlavi, and Žagubica. In terms of local population, approximately 183,625 people inhabit the area.[4] 

Concerning local landscapes and terrain, some of the highest peaks within the region are located in the southern part of Branicevo District, including the Beljanica Peak. With an altitude of 1,339 meters, Beljanica is the highest peak within the district borders.[5] Beljanica Mountain spans across limestone terrains between the Mlava basin and the Žagubička valley in the north and the Resava river basin in the south. This mountain is known for its numerous water sources, particularly underground streams characteristic of karst topography. One of its features is the presence of submerged rivers that disappear underground and reemerge elsewhere. Beljanica also showcases several canyons carved by the Resava and Kločanica rivers. The slopes of the mountain provide growing space for beech and oak forests, with the prominent Veliki Buk waterfall as one of the tourist attractions. Beljanica also houses several caves, including the Resava Cave, along with others such as Pioneer Cave, Vlaška Cave, Scout Cave, and Great Atula. Additionally, the deepest pit in Serbia, Ivkov Ponor Cave, is located within the Beljanica Mountain region.[6]

In the northern part of the Branicevski Okrug is the Djerdap National Park, Serbia's most extensive national park, covering 63,786.48 hectares along the Danube's right bank. This park, established in 1974, safeguards cultural landmarks, rare flora, and multiple species of fauna, including relict species. Djerdap's centerpiece is the grand Djerdap Gorge, Europe's longest breakthrough gorge, with three valleys and basins. The park provides a home for over 1,000 herbal species and subspecies, featuring relict plants such as Turkish Hazel and Silver Linden. Its diverse habitats support wildlife such as deer, lynx, wolves, and golden eagles, among others. Human presence is evidenced by archaeological finds and historical sites, including the 'Lepenski vir' settlement and the Golubac ancient city.[7]

Concerning Branicevo District climate, moderate temperatures can be experienced in its capital, Pozarevac, during May and September, characterized by averages that range between 20°C and 26°C. The warmest month is typically August, as the average maximum temperature reaches 31°C. In contrast, January is most commonly ranked as the coldest month on account of the average maximum temperature dropping to around 5°C. With regard to the amount of precipitation that Pozarevac receives, June tends to record the highest amount of rainfall, with 82 millimeters of precipitation accumulated over the course of the month. On the other hand, January is the driest month, with 54 millimeters of precipitation. For those who plan on engaging in warm-weather activities, July stands as the sunniest month, offering an average of 290 hours of sunshine.[8]

History

In ancient times, the Branicevski region was inhabited by various ancient peoples, including Thracians, Dacians, and Celts. Following the Roman conquest in the first century BC, a city named Margus emerged in this area. Later, in 435, during the Eastern Roman Empire's rule, the city of Margus became the location for a treaty between the Byzantine Empire and Hun leaders Attila and Bleda. However, the city was destroyed by Huns later, and only after the collapse of the Hunnic Empire, the region once again came under the control of the Eastern Roman Empire.[1]

In the 9th century, the Braničevci, a Slavic tribe, settled the territory where the town of Branicevo was situated at the confluence of the Mlava River with the Danube. During the Early Middle Ages, Branicevo became a part of the First Bulgarian Empire, and later, following Bulgaria's conquest, it fell under Byzantine control as part of the Theme of Sirmium. By the 12th century, Branicevo served as the center of a Byzantine duchy governed by a duke. The area experienced considerable conflict between the Byzantines and Hungarians. With the emergence of the Second Bulgarian Empire and the Kingdom of Serbia, Byzantium's influence in Branicevo weakened. The area remained a point of contention between the Bulgarians, Serbs, and Hungarians. In the 13th century, the Hungarians established the Banate of Branicevo, but local Bulgarian rulers later asserted independence and ruled over Branicevo and Kučevo. In 1291, they were defeated by Serbian king Stefan Dragutin, who incorporated Branicevo into his Syrmian Kingdom. During Ottoman rule, Branicevo was part of the Sanjak of Smederevo, and in the 19th century, it rejoined the Serbian state.[2]

In terms of the district capital, to this day Pozarevac observes an annual celebration called the "Day of the Liberation of the City in the First and Second World Wars" on October 15. Pozarevac also houses a living memorial consisting of 441 Russian birch trees from the Moscow region, symbolizing the number of Red Army soldiers who died or succumbed to wounds in nearby hospitals during the city's liberation from the Nazi invaders.[3]