Drvengrad

Zlatiborski okrug

Drvengrad, also known as Küstendorf or Mecavnik, is an ethno-village located in Mokra Gora within the Zlatibor district of Serbia. Conceived and constructed by the renowned film director Emir Kusturica for his movie "Life Is a Miracle," it sits atop the Mecavnik hill, approximately 680 meters above sea level. The village is designed as a rectangular settlement with a main street running through it, culminating in a small wooden Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Sava, built in the style of Russian log churches. Authentic wooden houses, some relocated from nearby regions including Republika Srpska, are placed on stone foundations, preserving traditional architecture. Drvengrad hosts various cultural amenities typical of a town, such as the Mecavnik hotel, the Macola art gallery, the Sreten Marić bookstore, the underground Underground cinema, the Anica confectionery offering homemade cakes and natural juices, the national restaurant Lotika, and a local crafts shop. Streets are named after prominent cultural and scientific figures, including Ivo Andrić, Ernesto Che Guevara, Diego Maradona, and Novak Djokovic. The village has been recognized by the Brussels Foundation for Architecture as one of Europe's best architectural achievements in recent years. Drvengrad also serves as a venue for cultural events like the "Homeland Days" and the "Küstendorf Film Festival." This unique blend of traditional architecture, cultural homage, and artistic vitality makes Drvengrad a compelling destination for visitors interested in Balkan heritage and contemporary cultural expression.