Krusevac
Prince Lazar's 1371 capital, launching point for Kosovo—Kruševac's Morava-style Lazarica survives while 'October 14' metal works anchor modern industry.
Kruševac exists because Prince Lazar needed a capital—and because the West Morava valley provided defensive terrain. Founded in 1371, the city served as Lazar's seat for the eighteen years before the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. From here, Serbia's last medieval prince organized his realm; from here, he led the army to the Field of Blackbirds; from here, his widow Milica governed the vassal state that survived him. The Lazarica Church (1375-1378), built in the distinctive Morava architectural style, still stands as the finest example of that last flowering of Serbian medieval culture.
After the Ottoman conquest, Kruševac faded—Belgrade became the new center. But the 20th century brought industrialization: "14. Oktobar" metal processing, HI Zupa and Henkel-Merima chemicals, Rubin beverages, FAM lubricants. Today the city of 68,000 (113,582 in the administrative area) supports over 1,200 private enterprises and 2,500 small businesses. The industrial base—automotive, textile, food processing—reflects the standard pattern of Yugoslav-era development.
The medieval identity and the industrial identity coexist uneasily. Tourists come for Lazarica and the Kosovo martyrdom narrative; jobs come from chemical plants and lubricant factories. By 2026, Kruševac navigates what all heritage cities navigate: whether the past can drive tourism revenue sufficient to complement manufacturing in decline.