Homoljski Konaci ethnic village in homeland of legends and haiduks - Construction of village, hotel, spa center to kick off in April 2012 near Petrovac na Mlavi

(future look of Homoljski Konaci)

On the slopes of the Homolje mountains, in a small place called Melnica, under the tree tops that used to hide haiduks (freedom fighters), the first ethnic village in this area will open its doors to visitors.

Construction of the ethnic village Homoljski Konaci in the vicinity of Petrovac na Mlavi is expected to kick off as early as in April 2012.

The project investor, Bojan Paunovic from Melnica, explains to eKapija why he has decided to build such village.

- The idea came by itself. I was born in Homolje, I grew up there, and I've found it logical to invest in the construction of such tourist complex in that area. That decision was particularly affected by the fact that this part of eastern Serbia is famous for its magnificent landscapes, and it features almost no tourist facilities - Paunovic explains.

- The project author is Branislav Ilic, and the designer is NTG Projekt from Novi Sad - says Paunovic.

Bojan Paunovic reveals that he is not going to be the only investor, adding that the construction of the entire complex will cost about EUR 2 million. The plan is to employ 44 people at that complex.

From shepherd's pie to spa center

Homolje is a place with interesting caves, rapid brooks, rocky peaks, rich pastures and mountain lookouts, but it is most famous for its warm inhabitants. As Paunovic announces, Homoljski Konaci will receive its first guests in spring 2015.

- My intention is to build an ethnic village that will be different than similar tourist facilities across Serbia. Tourists will be able to get acquainted with the tradition of both eastern Serbia and Vlachs, which draw so much attention for so many years - says our interlocutor.

Eastern Serbia also has a specific cuisine that has not been explored enough, so that it is mainly unknown to visitors. There are famous shepherd's pies, lamb cooked in milk, specialties with penny buns and chanterelle mushrooms, Homolje's kacamak (corn meal mush) and corn bread. Since clean and rapid brooks are rich in fish, fish dishes are also common in this area. Cheese and other dairy specialties are also inevitable.

- The menu of our ethnic village will include only traditional dishes from Homolje and eastern Serbia. In that way, we will do our best to make the experience complete and contribute to the authenticity of Homoljski Konaci.

Once the complex is finished, it will be able to accommodate up to 100 visitors at the same time.

- We will have a hotel built, as well as bungalows, but special attention will be paid to the restaurant. The whole complex will span 2.5 hectares. It will be possible to organize seminars, expert lectures and other similar events at this complex because Homoljski Konaci will also comprise a congress center.

In the ethnic village in Melnica, tourists will be able to enjoy resting at the bank of a fish pond or visit a church that is going to be built there. That does not mean that they will not be able to have an active vacation if they want - there will be a workshop for old crafts and a gallery where handicrafts will be displayed.

Photographers, mountain hikers and animal lovers may enjoy this area the most, but it definitely leaves no one indifferent.

- The plan is also to build a spa center within Homoljski Konaci – says our interlocutor.

The best

Homoljski Konaci ethnic village has won the title of the best tourist project in 2011, which makes Paunovic especially proud.

- Honestly, I did not expect to win such award. I am very glad that the award came in this initial phase of the project, which definitely means that we are on the right track.

Water mills

Melnica, the village only ten kilometers away from Petrovac na Mlavi, got its name very long ago. There used to be an abundance of water mills on the river that runs through this village, and they were called "Meljanica" at the time. Since there were as many as 18 water mills at one moment, the village was named Meljnica after them.

Milica Stevuljevic