Municipality of Rakovica - The greenest part of Belgrade

The Municipality of Rakovica is located in the southern part of Belgrade, along the lower course of the Topčider River, approximately 10 kilometers from the city center. Once a rural area, Rakovica has developed into a well-connected urban zone distinguished by a large number of parks, forests, and recreational areas.

This abundance of greenery is one of the main reasons why many families choose Rakovica as their place to live. The municipality features 244 hectares of forested land and 180 hectares of public green areas, making it one of the greenest parts of the Serbian capital.

Practical Information about Rakovica

Rakovica is one of Belgrade’s 16 municipalities. It was established in 1974 after separating from the Municipality of Čukarica. Today, more than 100,000 residents live across its 18 local communities, stretching from the village of Resnik at the foothills of Mount Avala to Stari Košutnjak below Dedinje.

Human settlements in this area date back several centuries. The oldest villages within today’s Rakovica are Kneževac and Resnik.

The city municipality of Rakovica

Miško Kranjc 12, phone number: 3051 788
Info center work hours 00:24: 3582 582
Website: http://www.rakovica.rs
E-mail: [email protected]

Health center Rakovica

Kraljica Jelena 22, phone number: 3054 400
Website: http://www.dzrakovica.rs

Property prices in Rakovica – Among the lowest in Belgrade

Rakovica, which includes residential neighborhoods such as Vidikovac, Miljakovac, Labudovo Brdo, and Petlovo Brdo, consistently records some of the lowest average property prices in Belgrade.

It is one of the few urban municipalities where prices below €2,000 per square meter are the rule rather than the exception. The official average price in 2024 was €1,838/m².

History of Rakovica

The name Rakovica originates from the Rakovica Stream, which, according to legend, was once rich in crayfish (“rakovi” in Serbian). Over time, deforestation caused many water sources to dry up, and the former river gradually became a stream.

The nearby village, monastery, and later the entire area took their name from this watercourse. The Rakovica Monastery, originally located closer to Mount Avala, was destroyed by the Ottomans at the end of the 16th century and later rebuilt at its present location.

Despite repeated destruction, the monastery survived Ottoman rule and flourished again during the 19th century in liberated Serbia. By 1897, it owned 235 hectares of agricultural land, vineyards, orchards, and forests, serving as a major religious center for the surrounding region.

Cultural and historical landmarks

Not far from the monastery is the Church of the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas, built between 1937 and 1939.

Rakovica also holds an important place in modern Serbian history, as it was heavily bombed during the NATO air campaign in 1999. Since then, the area has undergone extensive reconstruction and development.

The Topčider River, 30 km long, flows through Rakovica and joins the Sava River at an altitude of 69 meters above sea level.

A memorial marking the site of the assassination of Prince Mihailo Obrenović in 1868 is located in Košutnjak, near Hajdučka Česma. In recent years, the area around the monument has been restored and clearly marked for visitors.

Infrastructure and public transport

Rakovica is well-connected to the rest of Belgrade by public transportation. Numerous bus lines link its neighborhoods with the city center, New Belgrade, and other key areas. Tram line No. 3 provides a direct connection to Tašmajdan.

Education

The municipality is home to 9 primary schools, 8 secondary schools, and 17 kindergartens, evenly distributed across its neighborhoods.

Places worth visiting

One of Rakovica’s most important landmarks is Rakovica Monastery, traditionally believed to have been founded during the reign of Serbian kings Dragutin and Milutin. It is known for housing the graves of Serbian Patriarchs Dimitrije and Pavle, as well as for its vineyards and high-quality honey production.

Sports and recreation

Key sports facilities include Slodes Sports Center and Rakovica Sports Center, along with numerous amateur sports clubs and outdoor courts for football, basketball, handball, and other activities.

Shopping and leisure

Rakovica offers a wide range of restaurants and fast-food options. Vidikovac Market is especially popular for fresh produce and seasonal fruit.

Shopping facilities include Vidikovac Shopping Center and BIG Rakovica Shopping Center, located at Patrijarha Dimitrija 14.

Forests and picnic areas

The defining feature of Rakovica is its natural environment. Košutnjak, a 330-hectare forest park, is shared with the municipalities of Savski Venac and Čukarica.

Miljakovac Forest, also known as Manastirska Forest, covers 85.59 hectares and is a protected natural area with significant biodiversity.

In Resnik, Lake Pariguz (Resnik Lake) is a popular recreational and fishing destination, surrounded by woodland. The lake was created in 1990 as a flood-control reservoir and today represents a major potential recreational zone.

At settlement Resnik there is an artificial lake Pariguz, also known under the name "Resnik Lake". It is rich in fish, and it is often the destination for numerous fishermen. There is a deciduous forests next to the lake, so many vacationers spend their free time exactly there.

Catering offer in Rakovica is rich and you can find a variety of local cuisine in many restaurants, and there are also fast food restaurants. Also, there is a market Vidikovac, which is except for fresh fruit, vegetables and meat, known for its excellent offer of watermelons during the summer.

For the lovers of shopping, there is a shopping center "Vidikovac," which in addition to a variety of shops offers and numerous cafes.

If you think that your new home could be in one of the "greenest" of municipalities in Belgrade, look at our offer of real estate in Belgrade, Rakovica!