Rudnik (mountain)

Rudnik is a mountain in central Serbia, around 100 km south of Belgrade. The highest peak is Cvijićev vrh, at 1132 m. The name litteraly translates to a mine, as the mountain is rich in mining resources.

Mountain Rudnik, which commands central Serbia, is situated some 100 km south of Belgrade. Its highest peak is the Cvijic Peak (or Veliki Šturac) which is the highest peak in Šumadija at 1132 meters above sea level. The Srednji and Mali Šturac, Molitve, Paljevine and Marijanac peaks are all more than 1000 meters high. Its geographical coordinates are 44° 8' 0" North, 20° 31' 0" East. The mountain and town of Rudnik were inhabited long before Slavs moved to this region. In the ancient times Rudnik was a mining centre. Before the Romans, this area was inhabited by Illyrians and Celts. Ancient Romans and people who lived in the Nemanjic era dug ores and made coins in this area. A large number of archaeological finds on Mt Rudnik indicate that a large Roman settlement was situated here. In the Middle Ages, Serbian rulers and wealthy feudal lords fought for the well-known mining centre of Rudnik. In the 15th century, Ragusans and Saxons had their colonies here. Rudnik gained special importance after 1441, when the Ottomans seized Novo Brdo. Despot Djuradj Brankovic had his mint and summer house on Mt Rudnik. Mining was not the only source of income for Rudnik's inhabitants. This was a settlement with developed crafts and trade, and a cosmopolitan town which spread its cultural influence throughout Serbia.