Prokuplje is an intimate town and one of Serbia’s Roman sites, with a fascinating history dating back to prehistoric settlers. Nestled along the banks of a narrow river in the middle of a mountain-encircled valley, Prokuplje combines dramatic European scenery with ancient attractions, natural hot spas and a 21st-century skyline.

Things to do

It’s hard not to be won over by Prokuplje’s ancient history while you visit the town’s historic sites, including the Roman Bath ruins and the Church of Jug Bogdan, which was built by the Serbian medieval warrior in the 14th century. Continue your stroll around Hisar Hill to discover the Church of Saint Procopius and the remnants of a medieval fortress with a preserved tower called the “Tower of Jug Bogdan”.

Explore the town’s surrounding nature with a visit to the White Stone (also known as “Beli Kamen”), a 1,155-metre-tall mountain with a scenic lake and a small village. For a more adventurous holiday, head to the forested Jastrebac mountain, which has become one of Serbia’s most popular hiking destinations.

Prokuplje has yielded numerous archaeological discoveries concerning Early Neolithic, Roman and Serbian times. You can see many of the findings at the National Museum of Toplica. Along with lectures and concerts, the museum includes about 5,160 exhibits from the Prehistoric and Middle Age eras to World War I and II.

A visit to Prokuplje wouldn’t be complete without taking the 40-minute drive to the nearby city of Nis. Here you can see centuries-old fortresses and cathedrals, along with multi-storey shopping malls and welcoming taverns serving traditional cuisine.

Getting around

Getting to Prokuplje is easy, thanks to the major highway, railway and bus routes from neighbouring Serbian cities. Once you’re in Prokuplje, it’s best to use the local taxis, which are relatively cheap and frequent. You can also walk to Hisar Hill, where you’ll find most of the Prokuplje’s attractions.