Željin Trail

Mitrovo Polje – Vrana Stena – The St Kozmo and Demian Monastery in Pleš – Fishpond in Pleš – Mitrovo Polje

Length: 15km
Profile: hiking trail
Duration: 5-6 hrs.

The starting point is the settlement of Mitrovo Polje located in the northwestern part of the municipality of Aleksandrovac, at 650-700m above sea level. It can be reached by regular bus lines from 3 directions: Aleksandrovac 22km, Vrnjačka Banja 22km and Brus 22km. It is in close proximity of Mount Željin, above the Rasina Valley on the western side. Mount Goč is situated on its northern side. Otherwise, the site rests on two riverbanks; the Rasina River springing from the Mount Želiin and Zagrza River springing from the southern slopes of the Goč Mount. Numerous streams and brooks join both rivers. They are rich in river and California trout, gudgeon and chub. The Mitrovo Polje area is very exposed to sunlight throughout the day, making it very suitable for tourism, especially swimming in the rivers, while there is a thermo-mineral swimming pool available at the Crveni krst Inn.

Itinerary: The starting point is the Crveni krst Inn. The height of the starting point is approximately 670 m above sea level. The first resting spot is about half-an-hour into the walk, at Rudine, which is 873 m above sea level. A mountain spring with clear drinking water is located 70m further. The rest of the trail until the Vrana Stena (Black Rock) Peak (1097) provides a picturesque view over 1000 acres. The view from Vrana Stena Peak is spectacular – one can see the surrounding peaks of Lisac (1065 m), Provaljeno Guvno (1214 m), Orlovac (1229 m) as well also Jastrebac, Rtanj, Kopaonik, and of course, the peak of Mount Željin. In addition, one can see the remains of the medieval town Koznik located at 990m.

From here, a local pathway leads to the small deserted village of Bondžići, where tourists can observe the beauty of old Serbian rural architecture. The village of Bondžići sits at 950 m and represents a typical Serbian mountain settlement of the 19th and the first half of the 20th century. After a one-hour’s walk, through the canyon of the Bondžića River, you arrive at the village of Pleš, the home of the St. Kozmo and Demian Monastery. St. Kozmo and Demian Monastery was reconstructed in 2003 and represents one of the most beautiful monuments of both cultural and spiritual heritage in this part of Serbia. The monastery hosts monks led by Father Damaskin, the iguman (head) of the monastery.

After a visit to the Monastery, return via the asphalt road to Mitrovo Polje. On this section of the road tourists can visit a fishpond stocked with California trout in Pleš, owned by Danilo Stajkovac. Here you can refresh, have lunch and sample fine Župa wine in a pleasant ambiance. On the way back to Mitrovo Polje you can visit the fishpond belonging to Dragan Cvetković, as well as the restaurant Beli in the center of Mitrovo Polje.