What Kolubarski okrug is known for

Valjevo, the capital city of Kolubara District, is divided into two distinct quarters: one reflecting the Orient's spirit and the other showcasing European architecture from the 19th century, separated by the Kolubara River. On the right bank of the river lies Tešnjar, an old city center built in an Oriental style, characterized by craft workshops, small houses, and cobblestone roads that transport its visitors to the times of Turkish Pashas and Serbian rebels. On the opposite side of Tešnjar, Prince Miloš Obrenović ordered the construction of the town street in a European style, with commercial and catering facilities, craft workshops, and hotels. This street has evolved into the heart of city life, hosting numerous cultural and art events. One of the local attractions is the National Museum of Valjevo, offering a three-dimensional journey through the city's development, from Neolithic pottery workshops to the Turkish quarter and the era of Duke Živojin Mišić during the Macedonian Front in World War I. Other cultural monuments in Valjevo include Brankovina and the Orthodox church of Saint Archangels from 1830. The city also houses the Nenadović Tower from 1813, the Temple of the Ascension, and monuments dedicated to fighters for the Revolution.[10]
Outdoor enthusiasts can venture to Rajac, a mountain peak located on Suvobor mountain. The area tends to be visited by hikers, skiers, and visitors exploring not only the local nature but also the nearby monasteries and historical sites. Rajac holds considerable historical significance since it was the battleground for the Battle of Kolubara during World War I, a conflict between Serbia and Austria-Hungary in late 1914. The "1300 Corporals" memorial pays tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in this campaign. Additionally, Rajac is home to a memorial fountain commemorating World War I soldiers and several monuments dedicated to fallen soldiers of World War II. Furthermore, the mountain's vicinity hosts several Orthodox Christian structures, including the Saint Archangel Gabriel Monastery in Moravica and the Vavedenje Monastery, featuring stone sarcophagi dating back to the late 13th and early 14th centuries and located at the foot of Rajac.[7]

Another natural destination is Gradac River Canyon, situated 5 kilometers south of Valjevo. Characterized by its dimensions, frequent vertical formations, specific terrain, numerous underground and surface karst features, meandering river courses, and erosion effects, the Gradac River Gorge stands out as one of Kolubara's predominant attractions. The surroundings of the gorge are represented by extensive forested areas, enhancing the river's clear waters. This environment is home to diverse flora and fauna, including various bird species, game animals, otters, and fish species. Additionally, the Gradac River Gorge holds cultural significance, with several historical monuments spanning from the Paleolithic era through Roman times, the Middle Ages, and into the present day. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Celije Monastery, Lelic Mill, High Cave, Kastrum, medieval fortress remnants in Branegovic village, and various viewpoints offering vistas of the Gradac gorge. This natural landscape also provides an excellent setting for hiking, canyoning, river jumping, kayaking, water games, and competitions.[9]

Geography

The Kolubara District is found in the central western part of Serbia, in close proximity to the state borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina to the west. Its capital city, Valjevo, is located in the central part of the region. Apart from Valjevo municipality, five more municipalities contribute to Kolubara's total area. The Lajkovac municipality is situated in a hilly area with an average altitude of 122 meters. Furthermore, the Kolubara River, the district's namesake, flows near the center of Lajkovac.[4] To the east is Ljig, surrounded by the slopes of the Rajac and Rudnik mountains.[5] The westernmost part of the district is part of the Osečina municipality, whose landscape can be categorized into three distinct natural-geographic regions, namely the northern hilly area, which encompasses more than 60% of the territory; the central plains, mainly along the Jadar River, constituting around 20%; and the southern hilly-mountainous terrain, comprising under 20%. Elevations range from a minimum of 189 meters to a maximum of 971 meters. The other two municipalities are Ub in the north and Mionica in the central part of Kolubara District.[6]

In the southeastern corner of the Kolubara District lies Rajac, a peak of Suvobor mountain with an elevation of 848 meters above sea level. The local mountain area reportedly tends to be visited for its diverse nature, consisting of forests, meadows, and slopes, which have earned it the nickname "paradise on Earth." Rajac offers a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering maintained hiking trails through beech, oak, birch, ash, and Turkey oak forests. Clear brooks and streams pose a habitat for freshwater fish, while the mountain's landscapes host a variety of wildlife, including pheasants, roebucks, foxes, boars, rabbits, and turtledoves. Rajac's forests also conceal entrances to a considerable number of caves and pits, most notably the Rajac Cave, featuring cave formations, waterfalls, and lakes along its 300-meter-long chambers.[7]

In terms of climate, one of the best times to visit the Kolubara District for moderate temperatures is typically during May and September, when the area aexperiences average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C. Summer in Kolubara spans from June to September, with the hottest month being August, during which the maximum temperature averages around 30°C. January is commonly regarded as the coldest time of the year, with an average maximum temperature of 6°C. May tends to be the wettest month, receiving approximately 89 millimeters of rainfall, while August is the driest, with precipitation averaging around 58 millimeters.[8]

History

In terms of history, the Valjevo region, which encompasses the capital city of Kolubarski Okrug, features ancient human habitation traces dating back to the Paleolithic era, primarily found in caves near Valjevo. During the early years of the Common Era, this region was part of the Roman Empire and later integrated into the Byzantine Empire following the Roman Empire's decline. It subsequently became part of the medieval Serbian state. The city's oldest remnants originate from the late 13th to the early 14th century. During that time, a monastery existed within the present city core. The earliest known written record mentioning Valjevo, discovered in the Dubrovnik archive, dates back to 1393.[1]

Reportedly, Valjevo's significance grew during the 16th and 17th centuries under Ottoman rule. Matija Nenadović's records indicate the presence of 24 mosques in Valjevo in the late 18th century. The early 19th century marked a transformative period for Serbia, with the Serbian revolution commencing through armed rebellion against Ottoman rule. In 1804, local Serbs rebelled against their Turkish lords, liberating a significant portion of Serbia. This uprising was partly sparked by the killing of two Serbian commanders by Ottoman Turks on the bridge over the Kolubara River in Valjevo. In the 20th century, Valjevo developed as it emerged as an industrial and cultural hub. The town played a role in World War I, hosting the Battle of Kolubara and housing a hospital for wounded soldiers. However, the city endured repeated bombings during the NATO intervention in Yugoslavia in 1999.[2]

Presently, Valjevo is one of Serbia's larger and more developed municipalities. As per the 2011 census, the city was home to 90,312 residents. Throughout Serbian history, the inhabitants of Valjevo frequently played significant roles in national liberation movements. Beyond military leaders and national figures, the city has a presence of several Serbian writers, artists, and scientists who have contributed to various fields.[3]