RICH HISTORY

Vrsac is one of the most beautiful towns in Vojvodina region, situated 85 km north-east of Belgrade, on the edge of the Pannonian plain, at the foot of the Vrsac mountains, only 14 km away from the Romanian border. The town lies on the international road Belgrade-Timisoara and one can arrive from the capital in an hour by car. Vatin, the most frequent road border crossing with Romania, is only a ten-minute drive away.

Vrsac is a town of art, business and sport. It is situated at the foot of the Vrsac hill, from where fresh breeze is spread all through rich vineyards. This town is a unique connection between rich tradition and modern life.

The town’ symbols are The Tower, grapes and Mesic Monastery. The common line for a three is unknown origin. It is completely unknown when The Tower was built. Grapes – it is known that grapes have been planted here at the time of the Romans and the Dacians till today, but nobody knows who and when precisely started it. There are no reliable evidences when Mesic Monastery was built. There are some assumptions that it was built in 1030, but that would make it the oldest Serbian Orthodox monastery in Serbia.

THE LOCAL LEGEND

Once upon a time there was a man with three sons. They lived in poverty on a mountain… The father decided to leave the home and try to find some better place to live with his three sons… When they crossed a big river they saw some blue hills in North. After several days of walking they came closer and saw woods full of wild animals, fens and lakes rich in fish and fertile meadows. Delighted, father said:

– We are going to settle down here!

After a quick rest, father took nock and three arrows, gave to his sons and said:

– My dear sons take these arrows and nock and shoot. Each of you will build something at the place where the arrow falls.

The oldest son shot the arrow; wind blew and took it on the top of the hill. He decided to build a fortress there. The middle son shot the arrow and he promised to build a town at the place the arrow fell. The youngest son shot the arrow and wind took it far away behind the hill and he promised to build a monastery there. The father was very pleased with their promises and he gathered them together and said:

– My dear sons, I’m very pleased with your wise decisions and promises. You will be remembered by them for a long time. I’m already an old man and have no strength for great deeds but I will plant a vineyard, it will be our connection and our joy.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Get in

By car

The European route E-70 connects Belgrade and Timișoara via Vršac. The road is in very good condition and the trip takes less than 2 hours from Belgrade and an hour and a half from Timisoara.

By bus

STUP Vršac. The local bus company with routes from and to Belgrade and Novi Sad on an hourly basis. Prices are slightly expensive than other methods of transport, but it’s the fastest and safest way to get around.

By train

Vršac Railway Station: There are two trains per day from Timișoara Nord Train station to Vršac. The trains are operated by CFR (Căile Ferate Române) and are modern and very comfortable. Pass control usually lasts for about 20 minutes for the entire train to be checked. Ride duration is approximately longer than 2 hours with the train going faster when on Romanian territory. Pass control and customs are made at Stamora-Moravița, (Romania). The ticket in one direction from Timișoara to Vršac is approximately 5€. Should you choose to continue to Belgrade, you need to switch trains at the train station in Vršac, and vice-versa. The train to Belgrade is scheduled to depart half an hour after the train from Timișoara comes in Vršac. Tickets must be bought at the station before entering the train. The train connecting Vršac and Belgrade is a modern and fast one, the only downside being that is stops in every village en route to Belgrade. One way ticket to and from Belgrade costs less than 4€.

Get around

Vršac is very small and compact, easily covered by foot, but reaching further destinations such as up on the hill can be a time-consuming experience and a good solution might be taking a taxi which is very affordable. There are currently no bike nor motorbike rentals available. The traffic in town is usually light, except on Saturdays in the morning when it’s grocery day. If you are traveling by car, be sure to pay attention to bikes as they are a very common method of transport for elderly citizens. All the taxis (including the freelance ones) have a defined fare with taxi meters exposed, so the possibility of paying a higher price than that shown is reduced to a minimum.

There are three major local taxi companies:

Maxi Taxi, ☎ 013 833 833, 063 50 80 50

Hallo Taxi, ☎ 013 831 11 11

Prestige Taxi, ☎ 013 833 333

See

Vršac is known for its vineyards and quality wines in its municipality area. Certain wine cellars in villages around Vršac have become symbols of the so-called Vrsac Wine Route which is held every year during the town’s celebratory Grape Ball. Along with its wine offerings, Vršac is also known for it’s hills which have a rich ecosystem and are very specific in nature due to the fact that they are island mountains which were once a part of the Pannonian Sea. Vršac Castle (Vršački zamak). It is a symbol of the town and dates back to the mid 15th century. The castle is an authentic remnant of the medieval Vršac fortress. It stands at the top of the hill (399m) overlooking Vršac and it provides a great view of the entire town. Gudurički Vrh is the highest mountain peak in Vojvodina at 641 meters. Nicknamed ‘the roof of Vojvodina’, it provides a breathtaking view which extends across to the Carpathian mountains in Romania. There are two Serbian Orthodox monasteries in Vršac municipality: Mesić monastery which dates back to the 15th century and Središte monastery, which is currently under construction. The Millennium Sports Center where the 2005 European Championship in basketball was held. Town Park In the third week of September each year, the town is a host to Grožđebal (Grape Ball), a three-day event which celebrates harvesting of the grapes. The town has been a wine loving region since Roman times making this event very important manifestation to all wine connaiseurs in Serbia. During the event itself, many public institutions are open, diverse cultural, kids and sport events are being organized, as well as entertainment programs, competitions and various grape and wine exhibitions.

Eat

Fast Food

Yuga, Ive Milutinovica 31/a. Domino Fast Food, Trg Pobede 5, ☎ 013 837 837

Bum 016, Žarka Zrenjanina 5, ☎ +381 13 831 344

Leskovački Roštilj Maki, Vuka Karadžića 14, ☎ 063 720 78 32

Pera Ždera, Heroja Pinkija 55 Pizza

Pizzeria Contrast, Svetosavski Trg 6, ☎ 060 330 50 50. 09-24

Pizzeria Masters, Mate Matejića 6a, ☎ 013 837 000, 013 837 677

Pizza Service Dača, ☎ 013 831 983, 063 374 216, e-mail: office@pizzaservice-daca.rs. 08-24

Restaurants

Etno Kuća Dinar, Dimitrija Tucovića 82, ☎ 013 830 024. 12-24h.

Located close in the town center, this restaurant provides an authentic meal experience for reasonable prices. It also has a rich wine offering and an outdoor terrace during summer. The food is excellent and the service is great.

Restoran Crvenog Krsta (Red Cross Restaurant), Topovski put bb, ☎ +381 (0)13 838 657.

After a morning hike on the hill, this is the best place to relax and have a cup of coffee and eat breakfast. The food and service are good. Free Wi-Fi available.

Restoran Alcudia, Hotel ‘Srbija’, 1st floor, ☎ +381 13 832 933. 7-23h.

Delicious and cheap morning breakfast buffet in the town center. Great prices and a broad selection of wines. Has a VIP room for business meetings. Free Wi-Fi available.

Vega 8 International, Vuka Karadžića 11, ☎ 013 830 080.

Pleasant ambiance with a generous offering of Italian and Serbian cuisine. Affordable prices and kind staff. Motel Vetrenjača Restoran, Beogradski put bb., ☎ 013 801 156.

Drink

London Pub, Žarka Zrenjanina 101, ☎ 065 300 0096. 08-01h. A beer pub and rock ‘n’ roll music during the weekends.

Kafeterija Kwon, Abreševićeva 2, ☎ 065 3866 166. Good place for long drinks and relaxation.

Café Forum, Vuka Karadžića 15a, ☎ 013 837 520. 08-24h.

Club M, Millennium Tower Business Center, 6th floor. Great view of the town. Free Wi-Fi available. Max Caffe, Vuka Karadžića 4, ☎ 063 832 6928. DJ night every day during summer. Free Wi-Fi available.

Čađava Furuna.

Face Caffe.

Connect

Free public wireless internet service is available in town center, as well as in cafés, restaurants and hotels nearby.