Planina Rudnik

Rudnik - basic information

Sumadija is widely known for its fertile soil, hilly and mountainous terrain, rich flora and fauna, but also for the highest mountain in this region. Mountain Rudnik proudly rises on its eight peaks, the highest of which is Cvijic's peak, at 1,132 meters. It was named after the zinc and lead ores that abound, and which are still exploited and used today. It is located 100 kilometers south of Belgrade, surrounded by the cities of Gornji Milanovac, Ljig, Arandjelovac and Kragujevac.

The rich history of Rudnik
Even in the distant past, people were aware of how rich this ore area is and suitable for life, so there are archaeological remains that prove it. It was here that the Illyrians found their place first, then the Celts and even the Romans, who had mines in which they worked and around which they built settlements suitable for life and religious rites. Even the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Mother Earth were found. During the Middle Ages, there was a coin in Rudnik. The first Serbian dinar with a Cyrillic inscription was minted there, by order of King Dragutin. The mine was not only a mining headquarters, but also had great cultural and social significance during the reign of despot Stefan Lazarevic. Later, Rudnik fell under the rule of Turks and Austro-Hungarians, and during the First Serbian Uprising, it became the first liberated territory.

Natural resources
Rudnik was declared an air spa in 1922 because of its beneficial effects on human health. The mountain is rich in maple and oak forests, hiking and biking trails, lookouts, and you can often meet wild animals such as deer, foxes, rabbits. On the other hand, Rudnik is also the hydrographic hub of Sumadija, which means that the waters from this mountain flow into Velika and Zapadna Morava and Kolubara. The two largest rivers in this area are Depotovica and Gruza, which are rich in fish such as chub, barbel and perch.

What can you visit at Rudnik
In addition to the fact that you can walk, ride a bike, hunt small and large game, fish or simply pick medicinal herbs by breathing fresh air, we single out some other places and activities that you can dedicate yourself to during your stay on this extraordinary mountain:

The island is one of the peaks of the mountain, which is formed as a volcanic pile of sharp and steep edges, which is also a well-known destination for climbers who like a challenge. At its top are the remains of the old town, which has been known in history since the 14th century. According to the legend, Jerina, the wife of the despot Djuradj Brankovic, died in this city, after which this fortification is named - Jerina's city. In addition to walking, you can reach the top by bike paths.
On the slope that leads to one of the peaks - Veliki Sturac, there are the remains of one of the Turkish towns from the period of the Ottoman occupation.
At Rudnik there are also the remains of a Muslim place of worship, called Misa. It is assumed that it was built in the 16th century.
The monument to Arsenij Loma is dedicated to this duke and the warriors who died during the First World War.
Veliki Sturac Nature Reserve, which covers an area of 8 hectares.

In the area
This area is really full of places to visit, some of which are:

Ovčar and Kablar gorge, the so-called Serbian Holy Mountain, where there are 10 Orthodox monasteries and 2 churches
Takovo city
Vracevsnica Monastery
Mausoleum in Oplenac

Additional information
In this area there are a large number of accommodation units that are in harmony with the natural environment in which they are located, so you can relax in rural households, eco-village and mountain houses and inn.