Sicevo Gorge

Sicevo Gorge represents a fascinating part of the canyon of the Nisava river, located on the road to Sofia, at the end of the final slopes of Mt. Svrljiske Planine and Mt. Suva Planina. Situated 14km away from Nis, it is 17km long and divided into two parts: the higher and lower gorge.

The gorge also boasts two hydroelectric plants constructed in the early 20th century. One of them provides electricity for Nis even today. Additionally, in the nearby village of Ostrovica there is the Church of St. Petka and, in Sicevo proper, on the main road to Sofia, St. Mother of God Monastery (built in 1644 and renewed in 1875, as it was pulled down by the Turks).

If you visit the village of Sicevo, you may enjoy the breathtaking view of the gorge below. This village is also famous for good wines, and every summer the oldest art colony in the Balkans is organized here. It was first established  by the painter Nadezda Petrovic.

Having in mind numerous natural beauties and rare flora available only here, in 2000 the authorities proclaimed Sicevo Gorge a special nature reserve. Sage, a precious medicinal herb, which otherwise grows only in the Mediterranean conditions, has its only natural location in Serbia here, in Sicevo Gorge.

Sport lovers may enjoy mountaineering, walking in nature, fishing, paragliding and rafting (in 2009 the World Rafting Cup was organized in this part of the Nisava).