Sokobanja

The first ecological town in Serbia and the spa of Sokobanja represent one of the greatest reservoirs of the oxygen in Europe. That is why this station, situated at 400 m above the sea level had been chosen by Prince Milos Obrenovic 1837 for its climatic values. The ecological descriptions had been made by the geographers Felix Kanitz or Jovan Cvijic. Today its agreeable climate and the freshness of the air have been used to treat the respiratory diseases.

On the banks of the river of Moravica between the massifs of Ozren and Rtanj, Sokobanja had been chosen by the sportsmen of the high level to regain their fitness. Its geographical situation is offering also the possibilities of walks in the open air through its abundant forests.

Finally, the summer time is an occasion to be present at many festivals of reputation like “The golden hands”, or “The cultural summers”. The accordionists competition.

THE SPA

Many sources of the warm water between 36 and 46 centigrade, as well as a strong radioactivity have had since XIX century a reputation of the cure of asthma and bronchitis as well as the nervous diseases. The cure and the rehabilitation are being carried out through the thermal baths, the aerosol therapy and the physiotherapy. About a hundred doctors of numerous specialties re present in all tourist complex.

The centre of Sokobanja is an hotel and hospital at the same time. With not less than 35 specialist doctors and an operation block it is able to treat the rheumatism, high blood pressure and the posttraumatic diseases.
Contact Phone 018 830 124. Site: www.banjica.co.yu ; www.soko-banja.org

But Sokobanja it is also numerous cool, warm or lukewarm mineral water sources disseminated throughout the site. In the spa centre in the place where it was erected the bath “Park” there are three sources of the water of between 42 and 46 centigrade. The baths “Banjica” 600 m away from the centre above the river of Moravica there are many lukewarm water. Sources. Finally, the hotel “Zdravljak” is in possession of the spring of 20 centigrade water.

EXCURSIONS

In the centre of Sokobanja the only point of historical interest is the “Hammam” from the XVII century, the Turkish bath constructed in the place of Roman therms with the female and male baths still in function.

The Mountain of Ozren is offering the possibilities for long walks. Go then to the point of “Vrelo” where you may eat in restaurant of quality. Then the road signed road will lead you to “Ostre Cuke” the culminating point of the mountain of Ozren. The view is going to the river of Morava. Thereafter continue through the road signed pathways to the monastery Jermencic, constructed 1392 by Armenians and maintained until great Serbian migrations during which the monks were compelled to escape to Fruska Gora in the Austro-Hungary Empire. Another road is leading to the waterfall of “Ripaljka” with its 40 m fall is the most important in Serbia.

Another possible 2 km excursion is to the famous fortress of “Sokograd” It has first been reached the place called “Lepterija” where one may see the figure of “Virgin Mary with Jesus”. In one of the supporting columns of the massive have been detached the refined geological forms. The legend says that Virgin Mary had been hidden here escaping from Romans. Thereafter, going by a 15 minutes walk by a normal speed you will reach the summit with the fortress of Sokograd. On a culminating point a medieval city substituted in VII century a Roman fortified place. Turks had destroyed it in a great part 1413, but it remained a nice remnant, even incomplete, from the medieval times on this territory.