Kraljevo - Serbia

Kraljevo (Serbian Cyrillic: Краљево) is a city and municipality located in Serbia at 43.74° N 20.67° E, built beside the river Ibar, 7 km west of its confluence with the Western Morava; and in the midst of an upland valley, between the Kotlenik Mountains, in the north, and the Stolovi Mountains, in the south.

In 2003 the city had population of 60,000 (municipality: 125,000). It is the administrative center of the Raška District of Serbia.

Formerly known as Rudo Polje, Karanovac and Rankovićevo, Kraljevo received its present name, signifying "the King's Town", from King Milan (1868-1889), who also made it a bishopric, instead of Čačak, 35 km northwest.


    History and sights
By far its most interesting feature is the Coronation church belonging to Žiča monastery. Here six or seven kings are said to have been crowned. The church is Byzantine in style, and has been partially restored; but the main tower dates from the year 1210, when it was founded by Saint Sava, the patron saint of Serbia.

The famous monastery of Studenica, 39 km south-west of Kraljevo, stands high up among the south-western mountains, overlooking the river Studenica , a tributary of the river Ibar. It consists of a group of old-fashioned timber and plaster buildings, a tall belfry, and a diminutive church of white marble, founded in 1190 by King Stephen Nemanya, who himself turned monk and was canonized as Saint Simeon. The carvings round the north, south and west doors have been partially defaced by the Turks. The inner walls are decorated with Byzantine frescoes, among which only a painting of the Last Supper, and the portraits of five saints, remain unrestored. The dome and narthex are modern additions. Besides the silver shrine of Saint Simeon, many gold and silver ornaments, church vessels and old manuscripts, there are a set of vestments and a reliquary, believed by the monks to have been the property of Saint Sava.

The road between Žiča and Studenica monasteries, which is part of route called Ibarska magistrala,  is guarded by the old medieval Maglič fortress,  looking down from a hill to the road and the river Ibar.

    Municipality
Serbian municipalities are often larger than cities or towns (which are municipal seats), as they comprise the town/city and surrounding villages and/or towns. This is due to change and many large municipalities, including the one of Kraljevo, will be divided.


    Famous people
NBA player Vlade Divac started his career in Kraljevo, while playing for "Sloga" basketball club. He now donates to the club. Another NBA player, Nenad Krstić was born in Kraljevo, and played for "Mašinac" basketball club from Kraljevo.


    Sister cities
 Sendenhorst, Germany
 Ahlen, Germany
 Maribor, Slovenia