Nestled in the heart of the Župa wine-growing region, Aleksandrovac is a picturesque town in Serbia’s south. It’s notable as the headquarters of Diskos, a famous label that was founded in 1962 and garnered a reputation for publishing records by pioneering Yugoslavian rock bands.
Things to do in Aleksandrovac
If you’re interested in the local history, head to the Homeland Museum, which houses ethnographic and archaeological artefacts uncovered in the surrounding region. Highlights of the collection include Neolithic statues from the Vinča era and historic photographs of Aleksandrovac, while the museum library is stocked with more than 1,400 books.
Wine enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the Museum of Wine and Viticulture, which occupies the former cellar of Aleksandrovac’s Agricultural School. Its exhibits include vintage tools, barrels and winemaking equipment collected from across Serbia that illustrate the traditions that have been used in viticulture throughout the centuries. Learn about the establishment of grapevines in Župa during Roman times and see a map illustrating the wine-growing region today, then cellar door-hop between the surrounding wineries.
Aleksandrovac is an ideal base for visiting the Studenica Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex established by Stefan Nemanja (the founder of the Serbian Empire) in the 12th century. It comprises two white marble churches and an outstanding collection of Byzantine frescoes, as well as a 19th-century monastic residence where artefacts from the Studenica Treasury are now exhibited.
Getting around Aleksandrovac
Aleksandrovac is just under two hours’ drive from Niš and Niš Constantine the Great Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Aleksandrovac and exploring the surrounding area. The town centre is compact enough to navigate on foot.