Lepenica (Great Morava)
The Lepenica (Serbian: Лепеница) is a river in the region of Šumadija, in central Serbia. It is 48 km (30 mi) long and runs through the city of Kragujevac.
Lepenica | |
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View on Lepenica from bridge, near Kragujevac city center, January 2020 | |
Location | |
Country | Serbia |
Physical characteristics | |
Mouth | |
• location | Great Morava |
• coordinates | 44.1594°N 21.1397°E |
Basin size | 625 km2 (241 sq mi)[1] |
Basin features | |
Progression | Great Morava→ Danube→ Black Sea |
The Lepenica springs in the village of Goločelo, southwest of Kragujevac. It receives 37 tributaries, many of which spring on the slopes of the Gledić mountains. It flows into the Great Morava, at Lapovo. It used to be navigable for small vessels, but today is reduced to the minor stream.[2]
Still, the river was known for floods, especially after the streams and creeks from the Gledić mountains rise during the heavy rains. The greatest flood happened in 1897, when the river completely changed its course, leaving the old river bed, and shortening itself for 12 km (7.5 mi), from 60 km (37 mi) to 48 km (30 mi). The banks on its course through Kragujevac were arranged for the first time in 1970, after a major flood. The quay was reconstructed and strengthened in 2017–18.[2]
References
- Velika Morava River Basin, ICPDR, November 2009, p. 2
- Brane Kartalović (1 December 2017), "Popravlja se korito Lepenice" [The riverbed of Lepenica is repaired], Politika (in Serbian), p. 14