The Taste of Tradition and the Warmth of the Past

On the gentle slopes of Mount Zlatibor, in the heart of western Serbia, lies a gem of folk heritage – the open-air museum “Old Village” in Sirogojno. This authentic collection of traditional architecture from the 19th and early 20th centuries preserves the memory of a time when wood and stone were the cornerstones of life, and the hearth was the soul of every home.

No visit to Sirogojno is complete without tasting the old-fashioned dessert “Šljivko.” Made from dried plums, walnuts, and homemade dough, this cake carries the scent of childhood and the flavors that time has preserved in the cradle of tradition. “Šljivko” is more than a sweet treat – it tells a story of hospitality, festive tables, and women who turned nature’s bounty into small culinary wonders. Served in the shade of century-old pines, with a sip of homemade rakija or mountain herb tea, “Šljivko” becomes an unforgettable experience.

Sirogojno is also renowned for its hand-knitted wool garments – sweaters, vests, caps, and ponchos that have become the signature of this village. Each piece bears the imprint of the unique skill of local women who weave a part of their personal story and collective memory into every stitch. These products are not only warm but beautiful – a blend of tradition, aesthetics, and functionality, cherished far beyond the borders of Serbia.

Walking through “Old Village”, visitors can see authentic log houses, granaries, smokehouses, and workshops that depict the lifestyle of former Zlatibor households. In summer and autumn, the museum hosts craft workshops, folk custom showcases, exhibitions, and tastings of local delicacies. Everything radiates peace, natural harmony, and the quiet beauty of times past.

Whether you seek peace, knowledge, the flavors of forgotten times, or simply an authentic souvenir, Sirogojno welcomes you with open arms. Discover where a cake has a soul, where wool warms not only the body but the heart, and where history whispers through treetops and stone paths.