Pirot

Pirot

Welcome to Pirot

One of the largest cities in Southern Serbia is an area that is in many ways characteristic and special. Its natural environment, the surrounding mountains: Stara, Vlaška, Suva, the connection with Bulgaria, the textile industry, delicious food, but also the remains of old tourist times are just some of the features that make Pirot special. We have selected for you all the details and the most important information about the city, as well as its tourist offer. Find the best accommodation, quality restaurants, the most famous places to relax and enjoy and plan the perfect trip.

Pirot Accommodation

Kutak

Pirot · City · Center
1 Bedroom · 4 Guests
€40.89 night

Maca

Pirot · City · Senjak
1 Bedroom · 4 Guests
€35.05 night

Brvnara Riva

Pirot · Other locations · Vrandol
1 Bedroom · 2 Guests
€75.93 night

Vila Vuksanović soba 3

Pirot · Other locations · Vrandol
Studio · 3 Guests
€58.41 night

Vila Vuksanović soba 2

Pirot · Other locations · Vrandol
Studio · 3 Guests
€58.41 night

Vila Vuksanović soba 1

Pirot · Other locations · Vrandol
Studio · 3 Guests
€58.41 night

When to visit Pirot?

If there is a place that you must visit during the summer and winter period of the year, then it is definitely Pirot. There are a handful of reasons why you should visit this beautiful city and we will list just a few of them:
  • During the winter - One of the most beautiful mountains in Serbia and certainly the fastest growing mountain, Stara Planina, is the main reason to visit Pirot and its surroundings during the winter. Nine ski trails that are ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers are the main reason to visit this mountain. The immediate vicinity of Pirot to Stara Planina has made this city extremely desirable during the winter period of the year.
  • During the summer - A large number of mountaineering associations organize hiking and mountaineering tours on the tops of Stara Planina. Zavojsko Lake, the most beautiful waterfalls, beautiful gorges are part of what you must not miss in the vicinity of Pirot. But it would be worth visiting some of the traditional events in the city itself that maintain the spirit of this area, and are held mainly in the summer.

How to get to Pirot?

Pirot is the center of the district of the same name, which was named after Pirot, Pirot district. Dimitrovgrad, Knjaževac, Bela Palanka and Babušnica are located in the vicinity of Pirot, and Pirot also borders the border with Bulgaria in the length of 65 kilometers. The distance of Pirot from larger cities is Belgrade 304 kilometers, Novi Sad 400 kilometers, Nis 70 kilometers, Knjazevac 64 kilometers, Kragujevac 218 kilometers. You can get to Pirot in several ways:
  • By car - From Belgrade to the exit for Pirot, follow the highway E 75, after which you turn off on the A4 road, which will take you to Pirot. Approximate travel time is 3 hours and 10 minutes.
  • By bus - There are three daily departures from Belgrade to Pirot, organized by the Presto trucking company. The price of a one-way ticket is 2000 RSD, while the return ticket is 3000 RSD. The approximate travel time on this route is four hours. A much larger number of departures is organized from Nis to Pirot. A one-way ticket costs RSD 500, while a return ticket costs RSD 800. The approximate travel time on this route is 90 minutes. For detailed information, call the bus station Pirot on the phone number 010/342 548.

Activities for tourists in Pirot

When visiting Pirot, you will be offered a large number of activities that will satisfy everyone's needs. Whether you like a vacation by the water, or you love the mountains and the beautiful nature that Pirot and its surroundings offer, you will enjoy your stay in this beautiful city.
  • Excursion sites - Great excursion sites and lookouts you must visit if you are already in Pirot. One of the most beautiful lakes in this area, Zavojsko Lake, must be found on the route of tourist locations that you must visit. At the very entrance to the Stara Planina Nature Park there is a mountain lodge with an excellent ambience for recreation. Smilovica Lookout Tower and Tumba Lookout Tower are a real feast for the eyes.
  • Gorges, waterfalls and caves - Waterfalls in the vicinity of Pirot are said to be the most beautiful in all of Serbia. If you find yourself in Pirot, be sure to visit the Kurtulski waterfall, Čunguljski skok, Piljski waterfall and Tupavica waterfall. You will also be delighted by the beautiful gorges of this area, and only some of them are: the canyon of the river Visocica, the gorge of the river Temstica and the gorge of the river Gradašnička. Extremely interesting caves in this area are: Vatrena dupka cave and Velika pećina.
  • Beaches - There are three great beaches that Pirocans visit in the summer. On the right bank of the Nisava there is an open City beach, and a large number of locals like to refresh themselves on the quay near Nisava. If you prefer indoor pools, the indoor City Pool is the ideal destination for you.
  • Stara Planina Nature Park - There are 160 species of birds in the area of ​​Stara Planina, of which over 90 are listed as rare species. You can see black grouse, white eagle, golden eagle and bustard. There are several nature reserves on the territory of Stara Planina, of which we will single out only some: SRP Arbinje, Smrča, Tri čuke (habitat of pine curves), Vražja glava (habitat of maple and beech).

Manifestation and festivals in Pirot

If there is a place that can boast of wealth in the number of events and festivals that are held in it, then it is certainly Pirot. The following events and festivals should not be missed in Pirot if you are there during the period when they are held:
  • Traditional Pirot Fair - At the end of August every year, a traditional Pirot Fair is held, which used to be called the Pirot Fair. In addition to rich adult content, your kids will enjoy Luna Park.
  • Rafting on the Nisava - Every August 12, on the International Youth Day, a big descent on the Nisava is held. People from Pirovac and tourists descend Nisava with their boats and improvised vessels (inner car tires). This descent lasts two hours, and after the descent, goulash is prepared for all participants on the promenade next to the quay on Nisava.
  • Ironed sausage fair - One of the biggest culinary events in our country is the ironed sausage fair. This fair is held in Pirot in the sports hall Kay on the last weekend in January. After the downhill skiing in Stara Planina, visit this event and try the best sausages in our country.
  • Pirot Cultural Summer - From July 1 to August 31, a two-month event called the Pirot Cultural Summer is held. A rich cultural and artistic program takes place during the evening at several locations such as: town squares, Pirot's Kale Fortress, Kay Promenade, Museum of Humiliation, Archive Gallery.
  • Refreshment Festival - A festival of authorial creativity is held at the old medieval fortress of Kale. During this festival, numerous rock and roll bands from Serbia and the surrounding area are guests, and the goal of this festival is the promotion of young alternative Pirot bands.
  • Outdoor Festival Jerma - In mid-August, a festival is held in the canyon of the river Jerma, which aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and nature protection. Until the 70s of the last century, this canyon was inaccessible. Steep cliffs, tunnels, caves are part of what awaits you when visiting this festival. nature and adrenaline lovers will enjoy the valley of the river Jerma.
  • Bishop's Plate Rafting - Every year in mid-August, rafting is organized next to the Bishop's Plate Gorge. One group of tourists descends by boat, while the other reaches this place on foot, descending from the Stara Planina. All participants during this event were accommodated in a camp in the village of Pakleštica.
  • International Folklore Festival - As part of the Pirot Cultural Summer, an international folklore fair is held when folklore ensembles from all over the world come to this beautiful city at the foot of the Old Mountain. The festival lasts for four days and begins with a parade of all participants to the town square.
  • Stara Planina Dishes Fair - In the village of Temska, the best housewives of all places from Stara Planina make traditional dishes of this region that they present to all visitors. You can try bean pihtije, sarmis in linden leaves, ram in a hajduk way, lamb, lamb and many other dishes.

Facilities for children in Pirot

The Pirot region does not lack content for your kids, and if you have been thinking about whether you can visit Pirot and its surroundings with your children, the answer is of course yes.
  • Skiing - A large number of ski trails and trails for beginners are available on Stara Planina, and this is one of the ideal destinations if you want your kids to learn to ski. Friendly ski instructors are at your disposal every day on the slopes of this mountain beauty.
  • Swimming pools - As we have already mentioned, there are three bathing areas where your children can have fun if they are swimmers. Your kids can't swim? No problem, during the whole summer, the swimming club Sveti Sava organizes a swimming school for children.
  • Luna park - Within the traditional Pirot fair, a large part is set aside for your children. Carousel, cars, slides, carousels, trampolines are just some of the things your children can have fun with during their stay in Pirot.
  • Educational part during the Outdoor Festival Jerma - If you want your kids to get to know the flora and fauna around the river Jerma a little better, be sure to visit this festival. Children will enjoy creative work with pedagogues and animators.

What to see in Pirot?

Pirot is a place that abounds in natural beauties and cultural and historical locations that should be seen. In the following part of the text, we will mention some locations that we recommend you to visit if you are in this city on the banks of the Nisava:
  • Monuments - Pirot was liberated from Turkey on December 28, 1877, and a monument to the Liberators from the Turks was erected in the old part of the city. This date is marked today as the day of Pirot. Kale Fortress (Momcilov grad), where certain parts of the film The Battle of Kosovo were filmed, and the Guševica fountain are some of the monuments that should be visited if you find yourself in Pirot.
  • Ponišavlje Museum - Visit the Ponišavlje Museum setting where you will find traditional objects of Pirot pottery. Pirot carpets and parts of clothes and shoes of Pirot and its surroundings. Since 1979, this building has been a cultural monument of exceptional importance.
  • Churches - On the territory of the City of Pirot, there are two Orthodox churches that believers will inevitably visit. These are the Cathedral Church in Tiabara and the Church of the Nativity. The Cathedral Church was built partly from the contributions of all Pirot craftsmen, while the Church of the Nativity was built exclusively from donations from wealthier people.
  • Carpet making workshop - In Pirot, there is a tradition of weaving for five centuries, and in this place you can visit a carpet making workshop. You can organize your visits on weekdays from 8 am to 3 pm. The Pirot carpet has 95 patterns and as many as 122 ornaments.
  • Pirot Quay - At the suggestion of the professor of the Pirot Gymnasium, Velimir Vukićević, the Pirot Quay was built in order to avoid frequent floods, which were often caused by the rising water from Nišava. In 1933, at the suggestion of the mayor Svetozat Misirlić, an alley was planted on the quay itself, and thus the quay got its present shape. Today, this is a favorite promenade in the city. In 2013, a roller coaster track, an outdoor gym and a trim track were built on the quay.

Accommodation in Pirot

Accommodation capacities on the territory of Pirot can be divided into three categories: hotels, apartments in the city, and accommodation in the countryside (Stara planina).
  • Hotel accommodation - There are several hotels in the city, so if you want to enjoy the complete atmosphere that Pirot hotels provide, this is the right choice for you. The top rated hotels in Pirot are: Hotel Alma, Hotel Gali, Crystal Light and Hotel Ana Luks. The price of bed and breakfast in a double room ranges from 1980 RSD and up.
  • Apartments (in the city) - If you want private accommodation in the city, this will not be a problem either. In Pirot there are many apartments and villas among which you will find some available for you. You can find bed and breakfast in a double room for 12 euros per person. Some of the best rated apartments are: Tosic Boban, Krstic Sonja, Gacev Dragana
  • Rural accommodation (Stara Planina) - If you came to visit Pirot for skiing or hiking in Stara Planina, the best option you can choose is accommodation in rural households at the foot of Stara Planina. Accommodation you can find several villages such as Dojkinci, Topli Do, Rsovci, Gostusa. The price of accommodation per person is 10 euros, while half board on a daily basis is 18 euros. Visit the households of Miroslav Pejić, Gordana Tošić, Dragan Igić or Najda Jandrić.

Important telephone numbers and information in Pirot

Here are some important phones you may need during your stay in Pirot:
  • Mountaineering Association Vidlič 010/311 724
  • Ambulance 194
  • AMSS Pirot 010/333 982
  • Bus Station 010/342 548
  • Pharmacy Pirot 010/312 030
  • Gas station Lukoil 010/322 264
  • Pirot Police Department 010/342 122
  • Sector for Emergency Situations Pirot 010/311 192
  • Exchange office Dedin S 063/447 762
  • Mountain Rescue Service of Serbia 063/466 461
  • Tourist organization Pirot 010/320 838

Where to eat in Pirot?

Catering facilities on the territory of Pirot that serve food can be divided into several categories. Depending on what you like and prefer, you can visit some of the following facilities:
  • Restaurants - In Pirot you will find restaurants of national and international cuisine. Since this area is known for good barbecue most restaurants are based on it. The best rated restaurants in Pirot are: Restaurant Ladna Voda, Restaurant Kod Piroćanca, Restaurant Lane Moje, Restaurant Desetka, Kraljev Čardak.
  • Pizzerias - We will single out several facilities that serve specialties of Italian cuisine that you should visit if you like this type of food: Pizzeria Paradiso Plus, Pizzeria Rosa, Pizzeria Minut Dva.
  • Fast Food and Bakeries - If you like to eat something in a hurry, and don’t want your meal to take up too much time the best options for you are bakeries and Fast Food facilities. Some of the best rated facilities of this type are: Cezar Fast Food, Čaršija, Fast food and barbecue Company, bakery Stefan and bakery Pravi Ukus.
  • Restaurants on Stara Planina - On the ski slopes on Stara Planina there is a restaurant Gondola and a restaurant Plaža. Whether you want a short break and light sandwiches in the breaks between ski descents, or whether you want serious dishes of local cuisine, you can try some of the specialties of these restaurants.
  • Pastry shops - We will single out several pastry shops where you can eat an excellent dessert, and the best rated pastry shops are: Rekord pastry shop, Mladost pastry shop and Pelivan pastry shop.

Where to go out in Pirot?

When you find yourself in Pirot, you will experience a cheerful atmosphere and a great time in some of the traditional Pirot cafes. These are places that, in addition to having a good time, will also serve you great food. In addition to the Pirot cafe, there are a large number of cafes, pubs and discos where you can expect a good time until the early morning hours. In the following part of the text we will list some of them:
  • Taverns - You can expect a great time with live music and traditional old folk songs in one of the following cafes: Dukat cafe, Bohem cafe, Mali Pevac cafe, Pirotska Avlija cafe.
  • Cafes and pubs - Pirot has something to offer for fans of a slightly different type of entertainment. If you prefer a good pop / rock gig or are a fan of popular music, visit some of the following cafes and pubs in Pirot: Pub Imperium, Crystal Bar, Sweet My Place, Dancing Bar Odeon and Pub Canucks.
  • Caffe Bar Trač - Night club with the recognizable name Trač, will offer somewhat more modern music and entertainment until the early morning hours. This is the most popular disco in Pirot and the place where the largest number of people gather on weekends.

Transport and taxi in Pirot

If you did not come to Pirot by your own car, you can travel by city bus and taxi.

City bus
On the territory of Pirot, a network of bus transport has been developed both in the city itself and in the suburbs. Bus transportation in Pirot is performed by several carriers and the ticket price varies from carrier to carrier. Due to that, the city administration of Pirot announced a competition for the selection of one carrier that will operate all buses on the territory of the city.

Taxi service
The best and cheapest type of transport on the territory of the city of Pirot and its surroundings is taxi transport. The taxi service has experienced a real expansion from 2019 until today, and there are 208 taxi vehicles on the territory of Pirot. Some of the best rated taxi services in Pirot are:
Fox Taxi 010/321 111, Flash Taxi 010/234 61 08, Blu Taxi 010/318 222

Parking and public garages in Pirot

On the territory of the city of Pirot, parking spaces are provided by the parking service within the communal company Komunalac. You can pay for the package by buying a ticket at the kiosk or by SMS. Parking space in Pirot is divided into three zones:
  • Extra zone - You send an SMS with registration to the number 9104 and the price of an SMS per started hour is 45 RSD. Parking in this zone is limited to 120 min.
  • Red zone - You send an SMS with registration to the number 9101 and the price of an SMS per started hour is 35 RSD. In this zone, it is possible to buy a daily ticket by sending an SMS to the number 9100 and the price of an SMS is 140 RSD.
  • Green zone - You send an SMS with registration to the number 9102 and the price of an SMS per started hour is 30 RSD. In this zone, it is possible to buy a daily ticket by sending an SMS to the number 9103, and the price of a daily ticket is 110 RSD.

Surroundings of Pirot

Pirot is surrounded by irresistible natural beauties and important cultural and historical monuments that should be visited if you find yourself in this city on the banks of the Nisava. Here are just a few of them as a suggestion for your tourist destination:
  • Zavojsko Lake - The only lake that was created by colluvial processes and is located in our country is Zavojsko Lake. This lake is located 17 kilometers northeast of Pirot. The lake is 17 kilometers long, the greatest depth is 70 meters while it is 300 meters wide. There are several picnic areas and camping sites along the lake. Fishing, swimming, rafting, water skiing are just some of the activities provided by Zavojsko Lake. From this lake there is a beautiful view of Midzor and Babin Zub.
  • Vrelo Excursion Site - At an altitude of 730 meters, 33 kilometers away from Pirot is the Vrelo Excursion Site. If you like cycling, walking tours, hunting and fishing, this may be the ideal place for you. Nearby is a beautiful restaurant Konaci Vrelo and in the nearby pond you can buy fresh trout, the healthiest fish in our country.
  • Excursion site Poganovo - The favorite place for excursions not only for the people of Pirovac but also for the inhabitants of the municipality of Dimitrovgrad is the excursion site Poganovo. It is located next to the monastery of St. John the Theologian, which was built in the 14th century. If you are a fisherman, this place will delight you, and except for fishing, it is suitable for rest and recreation.
  • Toplog Do Waterfalls - The most beautiful attraction of Toplog Do and something that makes this place recognizable are the beautiful waterfalls. These waterfalls are considered the most beautiful in Serbia, so do not miss to visit: Piljski waterfall, Chunguljski skok and Kurtulski waterfall.

History of Pirot

Name - Pirot was built in the area of ​​Roman Tures, while an Arab travel writer mentions this city in the 12th century under the name Atrubi. Pirot was first mentioned under its current name in 1498, as the people of Dubrovnik called it at the time.

The period of Turkish rule - Pirot from the end of the 15th century became an important trade center, as evidenced by the visits of the most important Dubrovnik merchants of that time. The majority of the population at that time were Muslims, but there were also a large number of declared Christians. On December 29, 1877, after the battles in Nisor, Budin Delo and Pirot, the Turks were expelled from this area forever, and this day is now celebrated as Pirot Day.

Recent history - The Germans entered Pirot in 1941 and ruled this city for three years until September 8, 1944, when the Pirot Partisan Detachment expelled them. Over 2000 inhabitants of Pirot laid down their lives in the People's Liberation Struggle.

Geography and climate of Pirot

Geographical features - According to the 2011 census, the city has 57,928 inhabitants, while the city itself has 38,765 inhabitants without suburbs. The municipality of Pirot covers an area of ​​over 1200 square kilometers and Pirot is surrounded by several mountains, including Stara Planina, Belava, Suva Planina and Vlaška Planina.

Climate - Pirot falls under the influence of temperate climate, and this city is often blown by the east wind. Pirot with Nis is one of the driest cities in our republic. The warmest month is July with an average temperature of around 25 degrees, while January is the coldest with an average of minus one. The mountains are rich in forests, and the meadows and pastures on Stara Planina are suitable for livestock.

Demography of Pirot

  • Over 32,400 adult citizens live on the territory of Pirot, while the average age of Pirot residents is 38.7 years.
  • There are over 13,700 households in this settlement and the average number of members per household is 2.96.
  • Over 90 percent of the population declares themselves as Serbs, while a certain number of Roma are represented by national minorities, of which there are close to 5%.

Tradition and culture of Pirot

Pirot brands - There are some things that are deeply rooted in the tradition of the people of Pirot and that will never disappear. Pirot is known not only throughout Serbia, but on the territory of the whole of Europe for several of its brands. The Pirot carpet is one of them and this product has been protected since 2003 by the Intellectual Property Office. The Pirot carpet was one of the most appreciated and most gifted gifts. During the 19th century, Pirot was the center of pottery. The beauty and artistic value of Pirot pottery still influence artists today.

Gastronomic brands of Pirot - In the period between the 17th and 19th centuries, the people of Pirot learned about the process of cheese production and from then until today this remains one of the brands that first comes to mind when Pirot is mentioned. In addition to cheese, Pirot is known for ironed sausage, which is made from the highest quality meat in combination with spices. Pirot ironed sausage and ironed cheese are an ideal combination with a glass of brandy from Stara Planina.

Culture - In addition to the Pirot cultural summer, which has become a cult event lasting two months, there are several cultural sights in the city, such as: the National Library, the Pirot House of Culture, the National Theater, the Ponišavlje Museum and the Historical Archive. In the spirit of tradition and culture of our people, in this part of Serbia there are several beautiful monasteries and churches, the most famous of which are: Sukovski Monastery, Temački Monastery, Poganovski Monastery, Church of Peter and Paul in Rusovci.

Frequently asked questions of tourists about Pirot

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What is the most famous tourist attraction in Pirot?

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