Traversed by the South Morava River, Vladičin Han is a small town in the Pčinja district of southern Serbia. It’s located on the route that connects the city of Niš with the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje, and is surrounded by centuries-old monasteries and Serbian Orthodox churches.
Things to do in Vladičin Han
On the eastern edge of Vladičin Han is the Holy Father Nicolas Church, a charming, whitewashed building of the Serbian Orthodox church. Its interior is decorated with gilded chandeliers and paintings depicting Biblical scenes. The Holy Father Nicolas Church is located at one end of the impressive Vrla Most, an elevated bridge with a riverside park at its base.
Stretching along the right bank of the South Morava River is the Kunjak, a large green space that includes an outdoor swimming pool and sporting fields. Young kids can let loose in the children’s playground while older visitors can take advantage of the tennis and basketball courts. Meals and snacks are available throughout the day at the on-site Bazen restaurant.
A short drive west of Vladičin Han is the Monastery of the Holy Prophet Elijah, which is believed to have been founded by the Nemanjic family in the 13th century. Its remaining church once formed part of a much larger monastic complex with lodgings, towers and a dining hall. Step inside to see the remains of the 17th-century frescoes that adorn its interior and stroll along the peaceful Toplica stream that runs nearby.
Getting around Vladičin Han
Vladičin Han is around an hour’s drive from Niš and Niš Constantine the Great Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Vladičin Han railway station and buses travel to surrounding towns and villages. The centre of Vladičin Han is small enough to explore on foot.