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History’s Traces at the Heart of Kopaonik Brus, as a town, appears in 1833, when Prince Miloš Obrenović ordered that a church be built “at Brus” and that a settlement be formed as a strategic stronghold for the defence of Župa and Kopaonik. The very name is explained by the shape of the land between the Rasina and Graševačka rivers, which resembles a sharpening stone. However, the roots of the surrounding villages go much further back in time. Their names are recorded in medieval sources from the 14th century and in Ottoman records from the 15th century, and they most often originate from the occupations of their inhabitants, the natural features of the landscape, or legends that preserved memories of old battles and settlements. Thus, names such as Đerekari and Zlatari point to falconry and gold washing, Graševci to Roman smelting sites, Razbojna to the battles of Prince Lazar and John Hunyadi, while the folk legends of Kobilje and Žilinci (Žiljci) preserve traces of resettlement after the Battle of Kosovo. Many settlements were named after trees—Vrbnica, Drenova, Grabovnica, or Lipovac—while others reflect the occupations of their first settlers, such as Tršanovci, Ribari, while the village of Kriva Reka was named after the distinctive course of the river of the same name. The villages of Brus thus preserve to this day the layered history of the Kopaonik region: traditions, beliefs, and memories woven into their names remain a lasting testimony to the lives of ancestors and the rich cultural heritage that shaped this area. To Chase the Aroma of Food Nestled at the foot of Kopaonik, Brus is a small town that at first glance seems calm and unassuming, but behind its simplicity lies a special warmth and spirit rarely encountered. One cannot head toward Kopaonik without passing through Brus—a little town that, right at its entrance, already radiates tradition, a hospitable atmosphere, and flavors that are remembered. The first stop, without hesitation, should be the pastry shop “Pčela.” It was opened back in 1928 by Halim Ismailović, and ever since then, for almost a century, the family has preserved the same taste, the same way of working, the same warmth. Four generations have carried on this tradition, and the burek from “Pčela” has an almost mythical status in Brus. Crispy, warm, just the right amount of rich—one bite is enough to understand why no one from Brus passes by “Pčela” without stopping in. You won’t even need the address—just ask anyone on the street, and everyone will point you there. If you stay a little longer, just a bit further you’ll find the pizzeria “Chiasso,” opened on January 3, 1999. It was named after a small town in southern Switzerland, near the Italian border, but its spirit and flavors are truly Italian. Since the day it opened, the pizza recipe has never changed—and I can say that from my point of view, it must not be changed. Their pizza bread with bacon is simply something you must not miss. The New Star of Brus Today, Brus is becoming an increasingly important stop for tourists heading to Kopaonik, as the renovated hotel “Zvezda” will soon shine again in a new edition—a symbol of the town and once a favorite gathering place. The hotel’s new capacity will allow Brus to receive a larger number of visitors and enable more people to experience this region the way those of us who were born here know it—slowly, with no rush, with a view of the mountains. Brus’s Summer Rhythm During the summer, the rhythm of life in Brus slowly shifts toward the large Olympic swimming pool, located below the city stadium, right next to the promenade along the Rasina River. Everything seems to flow there naturally—as if the place itself knows that it is Brus’s summer center. Voices of children learning their first dives mix with athletes training from early morning, people taking walks pausing to find a bit of shade, and senior citizens who come just to sit, lean back, and listen to the Rasina flowing by. That space, both calm and full of life, carries a special energy that Brus only has in the summer—a rhythm that is not loud, but present, easily felt, almost gentle. Together, it makes summer Brus breathe more slowly, widely, and deeply, just like the water that runs beside it. izvor: Brus ONLINE – Naslovna The View that Uncovers Župa Just about ten kilometers away, above the Rasina valley and rising from the slopes of Mount Željin, stands the old town of Koznik—a medieval fortress from the 14th century, built at an altitude of 921 meters. Koznik Fortress was once an important stronghold in the time of Prince Lazar, and today only its stone walls remain—silent witnesses of past centuries, still testifying to the rich history of this region. From Koznik, the view stretches across the entire Župa area, and anyone who climbs up there understands how quietly beautiful this part of Serbia truly is. And when one feels the simplicity and ease of Brus, it becomes clear how often life outside it is rushed, hurried, and not always lived with quality. Brus reminds us that there is a pace that allows things to be felt and experienced, not just passed through. izvor: yt/Oaza Teodora Jezdic, 5 December 2025 Useful links:  Official town site: https://www.brusonline.com/ Hotel Zvezda: https://www.turizamopstinebrus.rs/accommodation_view.php?id=17 Cover image: from CrniBombarder!!! under the patronage of  GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 Editovala: Milica KLAJIC

Jagodina is a city located in central Serbia, known for its long history, rich culture, and the warm hospitality of its residents. With around 35,000 inhabitants, it represents an important center of the Pomoravlje region and Šumadija, and for centuries it has been a place where different cultures and influences have met. History and Development The history of Jagodina dates back to Roman times, as confirmed by numerous archaeological findings in the surrounding area. During the Middle Ages, this region was part of the Serbian medieval states, and under Ottoman rule Jagodina went through various phases of development and change. Nevertheless, the city managed to preserve its identity and traditions. In the modern era, Jagodina became known as an industrial and economic center. The textile, food, and metal industries were developed, providing employment for many residents and contributing to an improved standard of living. Culture and Education The culture of Jagodina holds a special place. The city is rich in theatres, museums, and galleries that preserve and promote art and tradition. The National Theatre in Jagodina is known for its high-quality performances and its contribution to the cultural life not only of the city but of Serbia as a whole. Education is one of the city’s priorities. Jagodina has several primary and secondary schools, as well as various educational centers that provide young people with opportunities to gain knowledge and skills. The local community invests significantly in the development of education, understanding that young people are the key to the city’s future. Nature and Tourism The surroundings of Jagodina are rich in natural beauty. The proximity of the Velika Morava River and green forests provides ideal conditions for rest and recreation. Within the city itself, there are several parks and green areas that are popular spots for walking and family leisure. The tourist attractions of Jagodina are becoming increasingly diverse. It is especially known for its Zoo, one of the most visited in Serbia, which is a favourite destination for both children and adults. In addition, there is the Aqua Park Jagodina, a modern water park that attracts visitors from across the country and beyond. Image : Cveleglg, licence CC BY 4.0. Sports and Recreation    Sport plays an important role in Jagodina. The city has a rich sporting tradition and successful clubs in various disciplines such as handball, football, basketball, and athletics. Sports fields, halls, and recreational centers are available to all citizens, contributing to a healthy lifestyle and stronger social connection. Image : Draganstojkov007, pod pokroviteljstvom  Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported People and Community The most important resource of Jagodina is its people. The residents are known for their warmth, hospitality, and sense of togetherness. Traditional values such as respect for family, work, and friendship are still deeply rooted in everyday life. The community is active and often organizes various events, humanitarian actions, and cultural gatherings that strengthen social bonds. The Future of Jagodina Jagodina is a city that is constantly looking ahead. Investments in infrastructure, education, culture, and tourism form the foundation for a bright future. The local authorities, together with the citizens, are working to make the city an even better place to live, with opportunities for youth development and for talented people to stay and grow. For me, Jagodina is more than a city—it is a place where dreams are born, where tradition is nurtured, and where the future is built. A city where I am proud to live and to contribute to its development. Tania Nikolić, 14 November 2025 Useful links:  Official town website: Град Јагодина – Град будућности – Насловна страница – Добродошли Aqua Park Jagodina: Aqua Park Jagodina  Cover image: Ванилица — under the patronage of Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

When we think of Serbia, we often first think of history, folk traditions, food, or sports. But what we sometimes forget or simply take for granted is nature. And Serbia’s nature truly has a lot to offer. From green mountains to powerful rivers, from peaceful lakes to dense forests and vast plains, with around 4,300 species of vascular plants (flowering plants and ferns), this country hides landscapes that can surprise even those who think they already know it well. Serbia’s Mountains Mountains are a special part of Serbia’s story. Tara, Kopaonik, Zlatibor, and Stara Planina—each of them has its own rhythm, its own scents, colors, and stories. Tara is perhaps the quietest among them, perfect for those seeking peace and a close connection with nature. There you can still come across places with no reception, but with a silence that we no longer hear in cities. Kopaonik is already a well-known destination for skiing and tourism, but in the summer, when everything calms down, it becomes a mountain of golden meadows, walking trails, and open skies. And all of this, within easy reach. Serbia’s Rivers and Caves The rivers are a story of their own. The Danube is vast and powerful, carrying with it the history of entire nations. The Drina is wild and green, perfect for rafting and for those moments when you just want the water to speak instead of you. The Morava, Sava, and Lim—each river has its own audience, but together they form a network of life that connects one end of the country to the other. Caves, springs, and lakes in Serbia are often unknown to most people, yet they are true little wonders. The Resava Cave, for example, looks like an underground castle. Lakes such as Perućac, Uvac, and Zaovine offer not only swimming and relaxation—they are also home to rare bird species, plants, and a kind of peace that cannot be put into words. A special experience is flying over the meanders of the Uvac River, where you can see the griffon vulture circling high above the canyon. Such images stay in your memory forever. And the most beautiful part—there are still areas of Serbia untouched by tourism, villages reached only by gravel roads, valleys accessible only on foot, forests crossed only by the wind and the occasional trace of wild animals. There, nature is not a backdrop—you are part of it. And that is perhaps the most valuable thing Serbia offers today. That is why, instead of constantly looking outward, it is sometimes worth stopping and looking around. Maybe right there, behind the next hill, there is a view waiting that will change the way you see everything. Tania Nikolić, 25 Jun 2025