VALJEVO AS A TOURIST CENTRE Prepared by: Olivera Eric

Location Valjevo is small town near Belgrade, the capital of our country. The city of Valjevo is located between two rivers, Gradac and Kolubara and is surrounded by numerous mountains. The mountains surrounding the city are Medvednik, Jablanik, Povlen, Maljen and Suvobor. There are about 60.000 citizens in Valjevo whose average age is 38.

Valjevo’s History Valjevo is mentioned first time in written records in 1393. At that time, this settlement was already a very active trade center. The rise of Valjevo was stopped in 1459 when the medieval Serbian state was conquered by the Turkish Empire. In 1528, there are about 600 citizens in Valjevo, of which two thirds are Christians. In 1804, in the first Serbian rebellion, Valjevo was one of the first settlements of the city type that was liberated. After almost three and a half centuries, it again becomes the Serbian city in an independent Serbian state. The outflow of the Turkish population from the city was far greater than the influx of the new Christian population. The few Christians who came were mostly craftsman and traders, so they settled in the part of the city where it was a bazaar, on the right bank of Kolubara river. Exactly at that time, the foundations of today's Tesnjar were laid.

History In the second half of the 19th century, population increased, the first industrial plants are being opened, railroads, electric power, gymnasium opens, the first theater performances are presented.

History 20th century is a century of further accelerated development of the settlement, when Valjevo becomes an important industrial, but also a cultural center. During the First World War, the Battle of Kolubara was in Valjevo, and the city itself turned into a huge hospital in which the injured were lying, as well as those suffering from a large epidemic of typhus. The city suffered huge destruction in the Second World War, and also at the end of the 20th century, when it was bombarded on several occasions during the NATO aggression against Serbia.

Attractions Valjevo has a lot of tourist attractions, some of them are: Gradac – the cleanset river in Serbia Divčibare – new ski resort and air spa Petnica – science center Petnica – sport center Vrujci – spa center Numerous monasteries date back to the 14th century (Jovanja,Pustinja, Gracanica, Celije)

Events Valjevo has many events. The most popular are: Tešnjar Evenings – popular culture event taking place in August (since 1987) Dog Show – one of the events organised on the 1st of May Mauntain Music fest – Divcibare Making movies

Facilities Valjevo has hotels and many restaurants in the town center. The most famous are the Grand and Narcissus Hotels, and some of the most popular restaurants are Hunting Lodge and Platani (Plane Trees). Also near Valjevo there are more hotels and restaurants in Mount Divčibare and in Vrujci spa center. A student research center is located in Petnica, 7 km from Valjevo. It is very popular with students from EX YU countries

Investment Incentives support of small businesses better infrastructure tax reliefs

Recommendations for the Future Road and rail infrastructure: higher quality of roads, easier access to travel resorts ... Stronger economy More new hotels Better promotion of Valjevo More shopping malls