B92 - Travel - Sokobanja: Vitality and variety

3 February 2006

Sokobanja: Vitality and variety

Sokobanja is one of the most frequently visited health resorts in Serbia today becasue of its healing thermo-mineral springs, oxygen-rich air enriched by the surrounding woods and moderate continentral climate. The center of the Spa is located around the oldest buildings in the area: a beautiful stone Turkish Hammam that is still in use and Prince Miloš Obrenović's residence (Milošev konak).

Sokobanja (Hawk Spa) lies on the banks of the Moravica River between the mountains Ozren and Rtanj at 400 m above sea level. Thanks to its thermo-mineral springs, oxygen-rich air supplied by the surrounding woods and moderate continentral climate, it is one of the most frequently visited health resorts in Serbia today.
The spa was known to the Romans, but it seems to have first prospered during Ottiman rule. Evliya Celebi, a Turkish traveler from the 17th century describes its hammam tidy and frequently visited by people coming from as far as Asia to enjoy its hot baths. Prince Miloš Obrenović knew this place well and after the wars with the Turks, he ordered renovation of the Turkish bath and added health facilities. Soon after, he built a summer house there. Organised tourism began in 1837, when prince Miloš sent one of his associates to the spa’s doctor. In thr 19th century the spa evolved into a cultural centre and a favorite summer holiday resort of Serbian intellectuals.

The center of the Spa is located around the oldest buildings in the area: the beautiful stone Turkish Hammam that is still in use and Prince Miloš Obrenović's residence (Milošev konak). There is also a small church dating back to 1884, surrounded by old villas and the local museum (Zavičajni muzej) in an old edifice typical for the area.
The town was named after the Soko-grad castle that is some 2 km upstream along the Moravica River. It was built on Roman foundations on a high rock in the late Middle Ages. It consists of two sections: the lower fort which is wider and has a water tank, and the upper and smaller section, used for habitation and protected by seven towers.
Although the whole Spa is one big park, the most beautiful part is the forest called “Čuka Dva”. For people who prefer taking walks, there feature locations for excursions are Lepterija with its cold springs, and Kalinovica. On the slopes of Mt. Ozren there are two sanatoriums and the Ripaljka Waterfall on Gradišnica Stream, the tallest waterfall in Serbia. The artificial Bovan Lake is also near by, known for its abundant stock of fish.
Another attractive landmark is Rtanj Mountain, the northern wall of the Moravica Valley. Its highest peak Šiljak (1560 m) is recognisable because of its volcanic contours. The mountain offers a magnificent view of a large part of Serbia. It is best known for the variety of rare medical herbs that grow on its slopes, which are prepared into a delicious and healthy beverage - Rtanj Tea.

Source:

www.serbiainyourhands.com