Blackthorn liqueur, black cheese, buckwheat pie and fritters, hunter’s stew and schnitzels served with homemade dark beer, along with a cake made with blackthorn jam and juice, lovingly prepared, form the menu of the “Black Queen,” which has delighted the palates of many visitors, including foreigners traveling to Ribnik from all over the world.
The legend of the Black Queen, passed down from generation to generation in this region, has inspired numerous tourism ventures in Ribnik. The latest, combining tourism and gastronomy, is the “Black Queen” menu, which recently earned an award for “initiative of the year.”
Svetlana Elez, director of the Tourist Organization of Ribnik, told “Glas Srpske” that these delicacies can be enjoyed at the “Simetić” rural household.
“The goal was to create a menu that includes local producers. For example, women from the ‘Vrbljani’ association make the liqueurs, the ‘Sladojević’ agricultural household prepares the black cheese and buckwheat pie, while the main dishes, including hunter’s stew and schnitzels, are handled by the Simetić family. The dark beer, which uses blackthorn from the Sana canyon, is crafted by the ‘Varcar’ craft brewery from Mrkonjić Grad,” Elez explained.
She added that the story of the Black Queen gained attention with the arrangement of the trail to the “Okomoljak” viewpoint, offering a unique view of the Sana river canyon and featuring a photo frame for creating personalized postcards.
“We wanted to showcase the natural potential of our region and its tourist attractions, which led to the creation of this unique menu,” Elez said.
Visitors to Ribnik can also explore where these products are made and learn about traditional crafts, such as wool spinning and knitting.
“What tourists from around the world seek, in addition to good food, is an experience, and we can certainly provide that,” Elez emphasized.
Slavka Simetić, the head of the “Simetić” household, told “Glas” that many foreign guests have sampled their delicacies.
“We’ve hosted Italians, Germans, as well as visitors from Serbia and Croatia, and they’ve all been impressed by the ‘Black Queen’ menu. Those who try it once always come back,” Simetić shared.
According to legend, the famous Black Queen ruled this area in the Middle Ages. Though there are no written records, the stories say she resided on Mačkića Kamen in Sitnica and later retreated to the Prizrenac fortress during an attack. After betrayal from within her ranks, she reportedly destroyed a hill and fled to the “Okomoljak” viewpoint, where she was last seen.
One version of the legend claims she shod her horse backwards to escape, while another says she transformed into a black snake and magically sealed her treasure in a stone vat. According to the tale, on Đurđevdan (St. George’s Day), a man with a pure heart who allows her to kiss him will see her turn back into a stunning beauty and receive her love and treasure.
Ribnik officials promise that the story of the Black Queen will continue to grow through new attractions and experiences.
The Tourist Organization of the Municipality of Ribnik recently received the “initiative of the year in tourism” award, presented by the business portal “Indikator” in collaboration with the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Chamber of Commerce.
Source: See Srpska
