Rotary Clubs: Laussane-Ouest and Beograd Terazije

Rotary Club Belgrade Terazije and Rotary Club Lausanne Ouest continued their long-standing cooperation this year, reaffirming that friendship, solidarity, and shared values know no borders.

Our cooperation began with a humanitarian initiative involving the donation of hospital beds to healthcare institutions in Serbia. One of its most significant milestones was a joint fundraising effort to purchase a new van equipped with an electric wheelchair lift, which was donated to the Zvečanska institution to improve transportation and support for its beneficiaries.

Following our members’ visit to our friends in Lausanne, Switzerland, last year, we were delighted to welcome ten members of Rotary Club Lausanne Ouest to Belgrade and Serbia this year. During three unforgettable days of fellowship, conversation, and shared travel, we introduced our guests to the rich history, traditions, and cultural heritage of the Serbian people.

Belgrade – A City of Encounters and Hospitality

The visit began in Belgrade with a walk through the city and a visit to the Temple of Saint Sava, one of the most important symbols of Serbian spirituality and culture. This was the perfect introduction to a journey through Serbia’s history, its medieval ruling dynasties, and the spiritual heritage preserved in its monasteries for centuries.

The Valley of Lilacs – A Journey Through Medieval Serbia

We spent the following two days travelling through the Raška region, an area of exceptional importance in the history of the Serbian state and Orthodox Christianity, also known as the Valley of Lilacs.

Our journey began with a visit to the Krstovgrad ethnographic village and museum, where we had the opportunity to discover aspects of traditional life and the cultural heritage of the region. We then continued to Studenica Monastery, one of Serbia’s most important religious and historical sites and the endowment of Stefan Nemanja.

At Studenica, we learned about the origins of the Nemanjic dynasty and the lives and achievements of Stefan Nemanja, Saint Sava, and Stefan the First-Crowned, as well as the dynasty’s pivotal role in shaping the Serbian state, culture, and spiritual life.
Our journey continued to Gradac Monastery, founded by Queen Helen of Anjou.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the sisterhood of Gradac Monastery, especially Sister Nina, for their warm welcome and generous hospitality. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, over coffee, tea, rakija, and homemade cakes, we had the opportunity to talk about everyday life in the monastery, monastic traditions, and the practices of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Sister Nina also explained some of the key differences between Orthodox Christianity and other Christian traditions, making this encounter particularly interesting and enriching for everyone.

We concluded the first day of our journey in Kraljevo. During a shared dinner, we exchanged impressions, presented our clubs’ activities and projects, and enjoyed a pleasant evening in the spirit of friendship and Rotary fellowship.

Žica and Maglic – Following the Footsteps of Medieval Serbia

On the second day of our exploration of the Raska region, we visited Zica Monastery, a site of outstanding importance in Serbian history, where seven Serbian medieval kings were crowned.

Our guide, a nun from the monastery, introduced us to Zica’s turbulent history, its periods of destruction and restoration, and the hardships endured by the Serbian people throughout the centuries.

After visiting Žiča, we continued to the Magličgrad ethnographic village, where our friend Miloš welcomed us warmly. Our club had previously collaborated with him through a project involving the donation of a large number of lilac saplings, which were planted around the medieval Maglič Fortress.

Following a short break, coffee, and conversation, some members of our group climbed up to Maglič Fortress and explored this impressive medieval stronghold overlooking the Ibar River valley. The visit was another reminder of the importance of preserving Serbia’s historical monuments and natural beauty.

Before returning to Belgrade, we stopped in Kruševac to explore the site of Lazar’s City, the former medieval capital associated with Prince Lazar, and enjoy lunch. This brought our journey through some of central Serbia’s most significant historical sites to a close.

A Friendship That Endures and Creates New Opportunities

This visit was much more than a sightseeing trip. It was an opportunity to strengthen the friendship between our clubs, exchange experiences, present our humanitarian activities to date, and discuss future joint projects.

We believe that encounters such as these embody the very essence of Rotary: bringing people from different cultures together through friendship, mutual understanding, solidarity, and a shared commitment to service.

We extend our sincere thanks to our friends from Rotary Club Lausanne Ouest for their visit, trust, and many years of cooperation. We look forward to meeting again and hope to welcome them back to Serbia, where we can discover other beautiful parts of our country together.

A friendship built over many years, humanitarian work that brings us together, and shared values that guide us forward – this is the strength of our Rotary partnership.