Serbia's Novi Pazar: A World Heritage Route Accessible Without a Car

Novi Pazar is an important destination in my travels through Serbia, with many enchanting medieval monasteries scattered around this ancient city, and several sites that have been listed as World Heritage. However, there is a problem. The attractions are dispersed, and public transport is inconvenient. It's difficult to see them all without driving, so I made a selection. 🏞 Novi Pazar World Heritage Route without driving: Djurdjevi Stupovi Monastery ~ Sopocani Monastery ~ Studenica Monastery 1⃣ Djurdjevi Stupovi Monastery The closest World Heritage medieval monastery to the city center, nestled in dense forests, very peaceful, with friendly monks. The highlight is the church's frescoes from different periods and the ancient Church of Saint George. 🚖: Located on a hill next to Novi Pazar, there is a bus from the bus station, but to save time I took a taxi. The ride is about 15 minutes, and I bargained the round trip down to 7 euros. There are no ride-hailing services here. 🌟 Sopocani Monastery Entering this ancient royal monastery built in the 13th century feels like stepping into a fairy tale world. The grand cross is quite dreamy. The highlight is the church's top-notch frescoes created by famous artists, and the architectural style is a fusion of Byzantine and Western cultures, which is breathtaking. 🚖: Take a bus from Novi Pazar bus station, about 20 minutes, and the ticket costs just over 1 euro. 3⃣ Studenica Monastery 🏰 The most important monastery in Novi Pazar, said to have been built by King Stefan Nemanja I and where he is entombed, regarded as a holy site by locals. Once inside, you can feel an extraordinary solemnity. The highlights are the church's exquisite ancient frescoes and the medieval architectural style. 🚖: Take a bus from Novi Pazar bus station to Usce, which costs about 3 euros, then transfer to a bus to the monastery. If you can't wait for the bus, you can hire a car from the bus station to the monastery and back for about 10 euros.