Until 2 centuries ago, this town in Serbia was called Porec: Now it's known as city of roses, sun, and Danube

Photo: Ivan Strahinic

In the heart of the Djerdap (Iron Gate) National Park, in the Djerdap Gorge, is Donji Milanovac, a town which, due to the proximity of the Lepenski Vir archeological site, is becoming an unavoidable tourist destinations in Serbia.

Although it has only a few thousand inhabitants, its rich history and beautiful nature are a magnet for visitors who want to escape from the metropolitan rhythm of life and "recharge batteries" along the Danube or go on long bike rides, given that this the town is located on the famous "EuroVelo 6" route.

For those who have never been to this part of Serbia, photos of Donji Milanovac can be confusing - many will think that this is a seaside town, rather than one on the Danube.

Until the 19th century, Donji Milanovac was called Porec, after an island of the same name on which it was located. Since the water constantly flooded the small town, on the order of Prince Milos Obrenovic, it was moved to the right bank of the Danube and named after Milos's son Milan, who passed away prematurely.

Until Gornji Milanovac was built in Sumadija, this one in the eastern part of Serbia was the only Milanovac in the country, and then it got the prefix Donji ("lower"). The last relocation of Donji Milanovac took place in 1971.

In tourist brochures, Donji Milanovac is often presented as a town of the Danube, sun and roses. Namely, it enjoys a large number of sunny days, and in almost every yard you can see rose bushes whose intoxicating scent mixes with the smell of the Danube and the winds from Mt. Miroc.

In the past, according to statistical data, there were nine rose bushes per each inhabitant; today there are fewer, but they still paint the panorama of the city with the most beautiful colors.

Photo: Ivan Strahinic

(Ona.rs)