Macvanski Okrug, or Macva District, is one of Serbia's self-governing regions. It is located in the western part of the country, contributing to the state borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The northern expanse of the Macva District has a relatively flat landscape, while towards the south, the territory is more rugged and hilly. In the southernmost part of Macvanski Okrug, the highest peak of the region can be found, Tornička Bobija, at an altitude of 1,272 meters. It is part of the Bobija mountain, which belongs to the Azbukovica mountainous area.[5] Trešnjica River Gorge, protected as a special nature reserve, is another natural attraction found in the southern corner of the Macva area. Some of the protected birds of prey inhabiting that area include the golden eagle, common kestrel, goshawk, sparrow hawk, and griffon vulture.[7] Historically, the Macva District was part of the larger Macva region, which bears signs of habitation dating back to ancient times, with some of the first inhabitants being Illyrians and Celts.[2] Sabac serves as Macva District's capital city. It lies in the eastern part of the country and features several historical and cultural monuments in its vicinity.[1] In the western part of the district is located the village of Tronosa, which tends to be visited for its medieval monastery.[9]
The Macva District provides several cultural and historical landmarks, some of which are situated near the district's capital, Sabac. Among these monuments is the tribute to Karageorgi Petrovic and the Serbian heroes who played roles in the First Serbian Uprising, a period spanning from 1804 to 1813. Additionally, in its vicinity, people can visit a historical museum dedicated to the Battle of Mishar.
Nestled along the banks of the Sava River lies the ancient historical village of Novo Selo, where visitors can explore the castle of Stefan Milutin. In close proximity to the castle, atop Mount Cer, stands the medieval town of Kosanin, offering a glimpse into Serbia's historical heritage.[2][3]
On the opposite side of the Macva District, near the city of Loznica, is the Tronosa Monastery. According to historical accounts, Queen Katarina, also known as Katelina, the widow of Serbian King Dragutin, is believed to have founded the Tronosa Monastery shortly after her husband's passing in 1317. This ancient monastic site is counted among the earliest endowments of the Nemanjic Dynasty and is dedicated to the Presentation of the Holy Virgin in the Church.
The architecture of the Tronosa Monastery Church reflects the one-nave construction style of the Rashka school, featuring a central dome and a later-added baroque belfry. Over the centuries, the monastery faced multiple destructions at the hands of the Ottomans, with its final demolition occurring in the late 15th century. In 1941, during World War II, the Germans looted valuable items from the Tronosa Monastery. Nevertheless, the monks and scribes at the monastery played a role in preserving numerous documents, thus contributing to the preservation of Serbian culture and traditions. In 1797, the inventor and Serbian alphabet reformer Vuk Stefanovic Karadzic attended the monastery school, and a small museum now displays items related to this historical period. The Tronosa Monastery underwent reconstruction in the 1960s and is now available to visitors.[9]
Aside from cultural and historical landmarks, tourists of Macvanski Okrug can explore the natural sights in the southern part of the district, where Trešnjica Gorge can be found. The Trešnjica River originates from the Povlen mountain and merges with the Drina River, with its confluence creating a 500-meter-deep gorge.
The majority of the gorge is covered by black pine, ash, and beech forests while lower-lying areas present cornelian cherry, hawthorn, blackthorn, and common ivy. Occasional grassy patches and meadows dot the landscape. During the journey through the gorge, people can spot wild strawberries, raspberries, and cornelian cherries as well as wild apples, pears, and various herbs such as Breckland thyme and yarrow.
Notably, the gorge serves as a nesting ground for diverse bird species, including the golden eagle, northern goshawk, and common kestrel. Among them is also the griffon vulture with its three-meter wingspan, making it Serbia's largest bird. To explore this natural area, tourists can reach Gornja Trešnjica by car or bike. However, it is recommended to traverse the gorge on foot.[6]
Macvanski Okrug, or Macva District, is located in the western central part of Serbia, contributing to the state borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina to the west. Part of the district's northern and northeastern border is represented by the Sava River. In terms of the local landscape, the northern part of Macva is predominantly flat. Conversely, its central and southern parts are hilly. Thus, the highest peak, Tornička Bobija, at an altitude of 1,272 meters, is found in the district's southernmost corner.[4] Tornička Bobija is part of Bobija Mountain, situated within the hilly and mountainous terrain of Azbukovica. This area is positioned between the Drina River and the Valjevo mountains. The mountain features beech and coniferous forests as well as numerous vantage points providing views of river canyons, including those of the Trešnjica, Tribuća, and Ljubovidja rivers.[5]
The Special Nature Reserve of the Trešnjica River Gorge is a designated conservation area predominantly characterized by forests and thickets consisting of common hornbeam, turkey oak, black pine, and juniper. Covering an expanse of 595 square kilometers, this reserve was established with the primary purpose of preserving the region's cultural heritage. It is also a habitat for the protection of the griffon vulture. The Trešnjica Gorge serves as a haven for various birds of prey, including the golden eagle, common kestrel, goshawk, and sparrow hawk. Notably, it is the northernmost habitat for the griffon vulture, with only the Uvac canyon preceding it as a vulture-inhabited region in Serbia. The vulture population there has stabilized, hosting around 17 nesting pairs. Furthermore, a spring migration of the huchen fish takes place in a gorge, ascending the Trešnjica River from the Drina to spawn. Additionally, a fish pond has been constructed on the Trešnjica to foster the breeding of rainbow trout.[7]
Presumably, the most favorable weather in Sabac can generally be enjoyed during the months of May and September, when average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C can be expected. August tends to be the warmest month in Sabac, characterized by an average maximum temperature of 31°C. As for the coldest month in Sabac, January's average maximum temperature of 6°C deems it as such. In terms of rainfall, June claims the distinction of being the wettest month in the area, receiving an average of 83 millimeters of precipitation, while January is commonly regarded as the driest month, receiving 51 millimeters of rainfall on average.[8]
Archaeological findings indicate that the area around the Macva capital city, Sabac, has had continuous settlements since the Neolithic era. During the Middle Ages, a Slavic settlement called Zaslon existed at the present site of Sabac, which was later incorporated into the Serbian Despotate until the Ottoman Empire conquered it in 1459. However, during the Ottoman-Habsburg wars, the Ottomans and the Hungarian Kingdom changed hands several times. During the First Serbian Uprising in 1806, Sabac played a role in Serbian history as Karađorđe led the Serbian insurgents to victory against the Ottoman army. It was part of Revolutionary Serbia until 1813, when it returned to Ottoman control. After the Second Serbian Uprising in 1815, Sabac became part of the autonomous Principality of Serbia. The city prospered until World War I when the Austro-Hungarian army occupied and damaged it. During World War II, Sabac was occupied by German troops. The city was liberated by Yugoslav Partisans in 1944.
After the war, Sabac became part of the People's Republic of Serbia within Yugoslavia.[1]
Today's Macva District was part of a larger historical region of Macva that has witnessed a succession of rulers and empires throughout its history. Illyrians and Celtic Scordisces initially inhabited the area before falling under Roman rule in the 1st century BC as part of the provinces of Moesia and Pannonia.
Following the Roman era, the region saw the rule of various powers, including the Sarmatians, Huns, Goths, Gepids, Lombards, and Avars. In the 6th century, Slavic tribes settled in the area.
Throughout the medieval period, Macva was governed by the Byzantine Empire, Frankish Kingdom, and Bulgarian Empire. In the 13th century, Macva was included in the Kingdom of Hungary.
However, in 1459, Macva came under Ottoman rule—where it remained until 1718—when the Habsburgs briefly captured it. From 1817 onwards, it was part of the Principality of Serbia and later the Kingdom of Serbia. Following the breakup of Yugoslavia and the Yugoslav wars, Macva became a part of independent Serbia in 2006.[2]
Today, Macva District, known as Macvanski Okrug in Serbian, is one of the eight administrative districts in Šumadija and Western Serbia. This district covers the western regions of Serbia, including Macva, Podrinje, Posavina, and Pocerina. As of the 2011 census, it is home to approximately 298,931 residents.[3]
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