Around Despotovac the oldest remains of human settlements in this area were found. People lived here during the Roman period, because the Romans were known to be miners and fans of hot mineral water found here. Despotovac was first mentioned in 1381 as village Voinci (soldier), in the Gift Charter of Prince Lazar, who founded the monastery and nobility of the Holy Assumption of the Lord in Ravanica.

Natural beauty such as highland areas, diversity of flora and fauna, and river flows provide good conditions for development of recreation and hunting tourism. Karst composition of mountain Beljanica caused the presence of numerous depressions, coves and caves. The most famous is Resavska cave. Within the complex an ethno house was open as a unique exhibition space. It possesses exhibits 50 to 200 years old. On the expanded part of the canyon, at 376 meters above sea level lies the village Lisine. Below the mountain range Sokolac a strong Veliko Vrelo springs, which after a few hundred meters makes an attractive waterfall Lisine.

On the other hand, the rich cultural and historical heritage of this region is extremely attractive to archaeologists, anthropologists and culturologists. Manasija monastery (Resava) is one of the most important monuments of Serbian medieval culture, and the most important building which belongs to the so-called ‘Moravia school’.

Events: "Days of Serbian spiritual transformation" that traditionally starts on 19th of August in the churchyard of the monastery Manasija, with extensive program (concerts, scientific conferences, exhibitions, literary evenings, theatrical performances, films, folklore).Despotovac is known for its international festival of poetry, "Slovo ljubve" (late May), fine arts colony "Resava (late June), and event "Resavska poselo" which is held during the winter months.