Mt. Jelica is watching over Cacak and Dragacevo: An excursion here is a special story

Photo: Ivan Strahinic

Mt. Jelica is located between Dragacevo and the Cacak valley, in the most beautiful part of Serbia.

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It is 30 kilometers long and rich in woods, raspberry orchards and clear streams.

The highest peak is Crna Stena at 929 meters above sea level, while the peak Gradina, a well known archeological site located at 842 meters above sea level, is in the territory of the village of Grab.

The oldest traces of human habitation on Gradina date back to the middle of the third millenium BC, while there are also links with architectural endeavors of Emperor Justinian I, who lived from 527 until 565. In addition to parts of ramparts, towers and gates, about 20 secular buildings have been discovered at Gradina, as well as the remains of five churches.

What is particularly intriguing is the discovery of North African and Eastern Mediterranean pottery at this site.

During the early Middle Ages, a Slavic fortress was built on the ruins of the early Byzantine fortification that burned down in a fire.

Today, Mt. Jelica is a favorite place for excursions, for adventurers from the area, as well as mountaineers and cyclists from all over the country who like to spend weekends in nature.

Photo: Ivan Strahinic

(Ona.rs)