The Morava river, the cradle of Serbian state
Modern Serbian state has been formed in the valley of the Morava, and its popularity surpassed the borders of the country, partly due to numerous songs dedicated to this river of unpredictable temper.
If you look at our history and culture, you will find out that the Morava River is the most significant river in Serbia. The valley of the Morava is a creadle of the first Serbian state, while the conection between the river and people has become legendary. Its unpredictable nature, but also its beauty and fertility that it brings, were sung in songs, and there is also a dance dedicated to it.
Sunset in the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge and the West Morava
The Morava is the longest Serbian river. With its longer branch, the West Morava, it is 493 km long. The Morava flows through the most populated and most fertile region in Serbia which was called after it – Pomoravlje. Following this river, you will see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Serbia, you will meet people living on this land and you will be warmly welcomed by warmhearted hosts.
The Great Morava is created by the confluence of the South Morava and the West Morava, near the small town of Stalać and it empties into the Danube between the cities of Smederevo and Kostolac. Today, the Great Morava is navigable for only three kilometers. Once all three rivers were much longer and navigable but frequent floods and regulations of river bed have shortened their navigable course.
History lovers should know that the medieval Serbian state – Moravska Serbia was created in the valleys of these three rivers. Rich cultural and historical heritage is located in these valleys, predominantly churches and monasteries of exceptional beauty. A new artistic direction was created right here in Pomoravlje – the “Moravska School”. The breathtaking monasteries Lazarica and Ravanica impose among others with their beauty and they mustn’t be overlooked if you’re visiting this region.
The Morava has many tributaries, while frequent floods have created fertile land. Some of its smaller tributaries still flood the land. Despite the embankments, the Great Morava floods the land from time to time showing its true power. That is why the only city on the very river bank is Ćuprija. However, the larger cities were created in the valley of the river: Jagodina, Smederevo, Velika Plana, Paraćin…
The importance of the Morava – its connection with people, fertile land, and its unpredictable character, is sung in numerous traditional poems, and some new songs are sung in modern times. These songs can be heard in every kafana (traditional restaurant) in Pomoravlje.
If you happen to visit one of these kafanas, ask the orchestra to play you “Oj, Moravo”, “Moravo, najlepša reko” (Morava, the most beautiful river) or “Devojke sa Morave” (Girls from Morava). If you prefer dancing, ask locals to show you Moravac – the traditional Serbian dance (kolo) that was named after this river.
And song and dance will last till dawn.
On the Morava, don't miss...
In the basin of the west Morava, not far from Čačak is the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge, one of the most beautiful parts of the country which is protected by the state. This impresive winding gorge is 16 km long. There you can discover 11 medieval monasteries, hidden in the forests and pressed against the rocks. On the left are Blagoveštenje, Ilinje, Savinje, Nikolje, Uspenje andJovanje and on the right Sretenje, Trojica, Preobraženje, Vaznesenje and Vavedenje.
On the south Morava don’t miss seeing Todor’s tower, a medieval fortification not far from Stalać. This tower is haunted by the terrible story of Todor from Stalać who jumped into south Morava with his love Jelica so they wouldn’t be caught by the Turks.