Ružica Katun (also known for its central Ružica Church) is one of the most famous, spacious and historically significant katuns on the entire Sinjajevina plateau. It is located at an altitude of about 1,650 to 1,700 meters above sea level, on the border of the municipalities of Kolašin, Mojkovac and Šavnik.
Here are the key details about Katun Ružica:
1. Holy Trinity Church (Ružica Church)
Construction: The church on this katun was built in 1894, during the reign of Prince Nikola I Petrović Njegoš.
Founders and people: It was built with the efforts and contributions of herdsmen and tribes that lived on Sinjajevina (primarily Bjelopavlić, Piper, Mojkovčan and Kolašinac).
Symbol of the gathering: It represents the highest Orthodox temple built at that time in Montenegro. Every year on Petrovdan (July 12) and Trojičindan, a large people's assembly is traditionally held at the church of Ružice, which gathers herders, residents of the surrounding areas and mountaineers.
2. Geography and life in Katun
Space: Ružica is located in a spacious grassy valley surrounded by gentle, rolling hills and pastures without tall vegetation, which is a typical landscape for central Sinjajevina.
Livestock tradition: For decades (even centuries), Ružica has been the main seat of summer cattle raising. Locals from the villages around Tar and Kolašin spend the summer months here, and katun is known for the traditional production of cheese, cream and butter.
3. Crossroads on Sinjajevina
Strategic position: Katun Ružica is located at the key point of the network system of macadam roads that cross Sinjajevina.
Connection: Routes connecting the Vratlo pass (and Lipovo) with the Mojkovac side, Jablanov vrh, Zminički jezero and Njegoduja (towards Žabljak) run through Ružica.
Transverzale: It is a favorite stop for mountaineers, mountain bikers, lovers of jeep safaris and quad bikes that pass through the interior of the mountain.
4. Natural environment
Katun Ružica offers an authentic experience of the vastness and peace for which Sinjajevina is known as the largest pasture mountain in the Balkans. Due to the clean water in the area, spacious meadows and rich history, Ružica is rightfully considered the "spiritual and folk center" of this mountain.
