Kraljevo and the Ibar valley monasteries
Updated: 2026-10-24
Kraljevo, the "royal town" where the Ibar meets the West Morava, was named in 1882 after King Milan's coronation at nearby Žiča.
The real draw is the Ibar valley to the south — Žiča, Maglič fortress and UNESCO-listed Studenica, all in one day by car. Below are 8 places.
The town
1. Serbian Warriors' Square
The round main square with the monument to the Serbian soldier of the First World War.
1 min walk from Serbian Warriors' Square
2. Holy Trinity Cathedral
The cathedral of the Eparchy of Žiča (1822–1824), founded by Prince Miloš Obrenović.
7 min walk from Serbian Warriors' Square
3. National Museum
The National Museum (founded 1950) in a historic school building.
6 min walk from Serbian Warriors' Square
The Ibar valley
4. Žiča Monastery
Founded 1206–1217 by Stefan the First-Crowned — the first seat of the Serbian archbishopric and the coronation church of Serbian kings, painted bright red.
Modest dress
5 km from the centre
5. Maglič Fortress
A 13th-century fortress on a rock looped by the Ibar, 20 km south of Kraljevo; restored, a 20–30 minute climb.
16 km from the centre
Timetables Kraljevo – Bogutovac: 2 departures on weekdays, from 24 min
6. Studenica Monastery (UNESCO)
Founded c. 1190 by Stefan Nemanja, a UNESCO site — the white-marble Church of the Virgin with frescoes from 1209 and King Milutin's King's Church of 1314.
Free · modest dress
29 km from the centre
Timetables Kraljevo – Ušće: 7 departures on weekdays, from 40 min
7. King's Church
King Milutin's small Church of Sts Joachim and Anne (1314) inside Studenica.
29 km from the centre
Timetables Kraljevo – Ušće: 7 departures on weekdays, from 40 min
8. Mataruška Banja
A quiet spa with warm sulphurous water on the Ibar, 7 km from Kraljevo.
7 km from the centre
Timetables Kraljevo – Mataruška Banja: 6 departures on weekdays, from 12 min
Tips
- Žiča, Maglič and Studenica make one day by car.
- Cover shoulders and knees in monasteries; photographing frescoes is usually not allowed.
Getting to Kraljevo
- Beograd → Kraljevo 23 departures on weekdays, from 2 h 5 min
- Kragujevac → Kraljevo 25 departures on weekdays, from 1 h
- Niš → Kraljevo 7 departures on weekdays, from 2 h 20 min
- Novi Sad → Kraljevo 4 departures on weekdays, from 4 h 15 min
FAQ
How do I get to Studenica?
About 50 minutes by car from Kraljevo; by bus to Ušće, then a taxi.
Why is it called Kraljevo?
It was renamed in 1882 after King Milan's coronation at nearby Žiča; before that it was Karanovac.
For your trip
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