Located in the heartland of Serbia, Batočina is a small town near the banks of the Great Morava as it runs north to meet the Danube River. It’s home to one of the largest mazes in the Balkans and is surrounded by centuries-old monasteries where locally-produced goods are sold.
Things to do in Batočina
On the western outskirts of Batočina is the Bora Lavirint, one of the largest labyrinths in the Balkan region. It encompasses 7,000 square metres and is traversed by a 3.5-kilometre-long trail, with a central tower offering elevated views across its clipped hedges. Kids will love the park’s jumping castles and bouncy trampolines, as well as its newly opened miniature golf course.
Batočina makes an ideal base for visiting the Miljkov Monastery, which lies on the right bank of the Great Morava. It’s one of the seven monasteries of Resava Holy Mountain and dates from at least the 14th century. The monastery was rebuilt by a Glozane merchant, Milko Tomic, in 1787 and is renowned for its peaceful setting as well as its homemade rakija, herbal remedies and honey.
Also on the riverbanks of the Great Morava is the whitewashed Zlatenac Monastery, a Protected Cultural Monument dedicated to Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian. It was founded in 1427 by Stefan Lazarevic and now houses a community of nuns. A short stroll from the monastery is a historic wooden mill that is still in operation.
Getting around Batočina
Batočina is around 20 minutes’ drive from Kragujevac and just over an hour from Belgrade. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is 1.5 hours away and has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Batočina and accessing the surrounding attractions.