Adventure in Belogradčik / Fairy tale Rtanj

The spring of Miroštica

The Mirovska reka or Miroštica originates from a strong karst spring (Mirovsko vrelo) and the water of the Rašinačka river, which is one of the sinkholes. The length of the Rašinac River from its source (Rašinac Pass – just above the settlement of Rtanj) to the sinkhole in the Čuka area (at elevation 466) is 4.6 km, while a regional fault extends along this length.

Mirovska River flows into Crni Timok and is one of the cleanest rivers in Serbia. It is rich in trout, which is why it attracts a large number of anglers. Near the source, its course is characterized by a large number of rapids and several smaller waterfalls. Around the source there are several benches with a canopy as well as other rest facilities, which makes the entire stretch around the river an ideal place for a walk and a rest. Within the diverse tourist offer, some accommodation facilities also offer organized meals at the spring of Miroštica, an activity that could easily be included in cross-border packages.

Art gallery

The art gallery in Belogradchik was opened at the end of the eighties of the twentieth century. It has two halls, one of which is for a permanent exhibition, and the other has occasional exhibitions with guest exhibitions of artists, masters of folk and artistic crafts. The art fund includes over 180 paintings and graphics. Here you can see the original works of Vladimir Dimitrov – Master, Stojan Venev, Ivan Hristov, Aneta Dragušan, Georgi Petrov and Bagit Bapishev. Meetings with artists, art critics and other art lovers are held in the halls of the gallery.

History and natural history museum

Both museums are located at the foot of the Belogradči rocks, which makes them easy to fit into tourist programs. Visits to museums are adapted to visitors of all ages, and it is possible to include them in all kinds of programs, regardless of whether the target group is families, children (excursions) or adventure-oriented visitors.

The historical museum was built in 1810. The exhibition in the museum includes 6,000 objects that represent the cultural heritage of the Renaissance and the period of Ottoman rule, as well as the development of craftsmanship in Bulgaria, including. In the historical sense, the largest part of the exhibition is focused on the period of the uprising against the Uttarakhand, the Serbian-Bulgarian wars, and the museum also has a rich collection of coins and icons. In addition to the historical, the museum also presents traditional ethnographic motifs, such as clothing and jewelry. There are ancient tombstones in the yard.

Near the historical center there is also a natural science museum that offers visitors the opportunity to see over 3,000 exhibits of flora and fauna from the territory of northwestern Bulgaria. Lectures during guided tours are adapted for all ages. The museum exhibits rare and endangered species listed in the Red Book of Bulgaria.

Lake Rabiško

Lake Rabiško is the largest inland lake in Bulgaria, whose maximum measured depth is between 10-15 meters. It is located twenty six kilometers northwest of Belogradčik, between the villages of Rabiša and Tolovica, near the Magura cave. It was created by a rare natural anomaly of tectonic origin, which formed a local valley, the bottom of which was subsequently filled with water, by fracturing the underground layers. It is ideal for various types of active tourism such as kayaking, swimming, walking and cycling on the surrounding trails. It is especially ideal for fishing, because it is extremely rich in different types of fish, among which the most common are carp, grass carp and catfish. A large number of local stories and legends are connected to the lake.

Veneca Cave

Veneca Cave is located 12 kilometers from Belogradčik, in the forest of Oresec, in the northwestern part of Stara planina7. Although it was discovered in 1970, it was studied, mapped and opened to visitors only in 2015. So far, five halls have been discovered, while the total length of the corridor is 200 meters. Unlike the Magura cave, which is easily accessible and requires less physical skill, the Veneca cave is still recommended for more physically prepared tourists. Given that the cave has a high degree of humidity (90%), the stairs and handrails are very slippery, so it is necessary to constantly take care of movement. The entrance to the underground part of the cave is through a very narrow opening, which additionally requires the dexterity of the visitors. Apart from the spectacular stalactites and stalagnites, the cave has the largest stalacton. This onyx formation is as long as 25 meters. The cave is closed on Mondays, while on other days it is open for visits from 9 am to 5 pm.

Magura Cave

Together with the Belogradchi rocks and the fortress, the Magura cave is one of the most important tourist and speleological attractions in Bulgaria6. It is located 25 kilometers from Belogradčik, near another natural landmark, the Rabiška lake.The cave is estimated to be 15 million years old. The length of the cave is 2.5 kilometers. The main part of the cave is divided into six chambers, inside which tourists can enjoy the view of the imposing cave decorations, stalactites and stalagmites as well as the most important aspect of the cave – the prehistoric drawings that are similar to those in the Bear Cave in Italy and represent the most important works of art of the European Late Paleolithic . The motifs most often depict the motifs of religious ceremonies, dance, hunting and deities that are unique on the entire Balkan Peninsula, but apart from the depiction of the social life of prehistoric communities, some drawings are entirely of geometric type. Among the most important is the prehistoric calendar. The cave was open for visits since1993. The tour of the cave is possible only with a guide. A large number of agencies both in Serbia and Bulgaria offer this attraction as an integral part of the program in their one-day packages. Magura Winery offers a wine tasting that is organized in one of the halls of the cave known as the “Bat Hall”.

Rocks and Belogradchik Fortress

The Belogradchik rocks rise in the city of Belogradchik, in the northwest of Bulgaria, and represent one of the biggest cross-border attractions at the tri-border of Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. They are an integral part of the slopes of Stara Planina and extend for about 30 km in length and from 3-5 km in width. They are divided into several groups, near several villages, such as: Falkovets, Borovitsa, Dabravka, etc. The central group of rocks extends to the town of Belogradchik, where the rocks are located: the Madonna, the Monks, the Horseman, the Schoolgirl, the Dervish, the Bear, Adam and Eve, Hajdut Velko, the Castle, the Lion and the numerous stone figures around the fortress, declared a Natural Landmark.

The Belogradchik fortress, located between the unique shapes of the Belogradchik rocks, makes this attraction even more attractive. The fortress is located at 610 m above sea level. height and extends over an area of 10,200 sq.m. The slender silhouette of the Belogradchik fortress fits magnificently into the space surrounded by the reddish colored rock massifs towering above Belogradchik. A unique view is revealed from the highest part. To the south, the gaze caresses the folded ridge of Stara Planina, to the west it is attracted by the sharp copper mountains and the Carpathians. The fortress was built in the 1st – 3rd centuries AD. like a small fortress-hideout. At the beginning of the 7th century AD was included in the Byzantine fortification system, and later in the system of fortifications of the rulers of the First Bulgarian State. During the time of Vidin king Ivan Sratsimir in the 14th century, it was strengthened and expanded. In 1396, the Belogradchi fortress was captured by the Ottomans and partially destroyed. A complete reconstruction and expansion began in 1805 and was completed in 1837, forming three fortress courtyards with three portals, firmly fortified with massive iron-clad doors. Today, the Belogradchi fortress has the status of a National Cultural Monument. In terms of tourism, the Belogradchik rocks and the Belogradchik fortress are an invariable part of the tourist offers of the agencies aimed at weekend tours, as well as at the international cruise ships that dock in Vidin. The number of tourists and, accordingly, its popularity is constantly increasing every year. In this sense, the Belogradchik rocks and the fortress represent the basis of the regional tourist offer and as such should be included in the program of cross-border packages that will connect Belogradchik with Bolevac.

Lapusnja Monastery

At the foot of the mountain Rtanj, between the villages of Krivi Vir and Lukovo, there is an important cultural-historical and spiritual building – Nanastir Lapusnja. The monastery was built at the beginning of the 16th century, most likely on the site where a church had previously existed. The monastery church is dedicated to St. Nicholas, and the foundational composition, which shows the founders of the monastery – duke Radul and prince Bogoje, is partially preserved from the painting. Today, the church is in a very bad condition, but every year on May 22, the temple’s glory is celebrated – Transfer of the relics of the holy father Nicholas the Wonderworker, when local residents gather and together with the temple elder, break a cake and pray for the restoration of the monastery. Lapusnja Monastery is a cultural monument of great importance and is under the protection of the Republic of Serbia.

Krepičevac Monastery and Radovan river

The Krepičevac Monastery is located on the road that leads from the Boljevac side of Rtnja towards Jablanica. It is 12 kilometers from the village of Boljevac. The monastery dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary dates back to the end of the 14th and beginning of the 15th century. On the northern wall of the chancel, in the first zone, one of the latest medieval foundational compositions in Serbia has been preserved. It shows the founder, prefect Georgije and his wife Zora. The monastery is reached by an unpaved, dirt road.

Near the Krepičevac monastery is the Radovan river, the most important tributary of Crni Timok. Like the Mirovska river, the Radovanska river is extremely clean and represents an important tourist resource of the municipality of Boljevac, because it supplies the surrounding towns with clean, drinkable water, as is the case with the nearby ethno-village of Ilina. The Radovan river is rich in trout, which is why it is suitable for fishing, and for the same reason ponds were built along its course. Tourists can also see old mills on its course.

Timok Spring (Krivi Vir)

In the village of Krivi Vir, 20 km from the village of Boljevac, there is a spring of Crni Timok. This river starts from a source complex called Pećura, located at the foot of the Kučaj Mountains. Eighty kilometers downstream, near Zaječar, the Black Timok flows into the White, and together they form the Timok River. The town of Krivi Vir is historically known for the famous Timočka Rebellion that began on October 3, 1883. Krivi Vir is also known for its famous cheese and cheese. In terms of tourism, visits to Kriv Vir are most often included in one-day trips of smaller tourist agencies, during which the natural attractions of this place are combined with a tour of the Lešje monastery and the Grza river. Therefore, in the process of creating cross-border tourist packages between Boljevac and Belogradčik, Krivi Vir will be easily included in the program, when all its advantages are taken into account: proximity, tour time and natural beauty.

Native house of Ljubinka Savić Grasi

Ljubinka Savić Grasi (1922-1999) was a famous Serbian sculptor, born in the village of Ilino, five kilometers from Boljevac. After marrying the famous Yugoslav stonemason Giuseppe Pino Grassi, she took his last name. Her creative oeuvre is characterized by a large number of works made in plaster, bronze, terracotta, as well as numerous exhibitions in Serbia and abroad. Also, a large number of her works are preserved in our largest museums, cultural and educational institutions and private collections.14 Therefore, today, the native house of Ljubinka Savić Grasi in Ilin represents an important cultural landmark open for tourist visits. It was completely restored in 2008 and apart from the works of the famous sculptor, in the house it is also possible to see traditional objects that were used in the domestic crafts of Serbian homes at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. Near the native house there is an Ilin spring, a source of drinking water.

Vrelo energy field

In the settlement of Rtanj, at the foot of the mountain of the same name, there is an attraction that the local residents called the “Vrelo Energy Field”, also known as the “Sanctuary”. “Vrelo” is located 850 meters southeast of the “Ramonda” hotel. The small attraction complex consists of a circular path inside which there are stalls that are believed to have a beneficial effect on the human body. The attraction is marked with a wooden board and a three-dimensional pyramid, which in its shape resembles the Rtanj mountain. It is pointed out on the pyramid that the “Spring” has been explored by a team of international scientists on several occasions. This sign also says that in order to achieve a beneficial effect on the body, visitors should spend a minimum of twenty minutes inside the circular path. There is another similar attraction nearby, which is visited by a large number of tourists during the year for similar reasons. It is about a large stone called “Megalith”, located at the foot of the mountain, only five hundred meters from the “Ramonda” hotel. Unlike “Vrela”, this location does not offer any instructions for using the stone artefact, which the locals claim was once located on Šiljko, the highest peak of the Rtanj mountain, apart from the access board. On the way to “Vrelo”, visitors will have the opportunity to buy local souvenirs and domestic products from the locals, among which the most famous are tea and honey from Rtanj.

Bogovinska cave

The Bogovinska Cave is located at the foot of the Kučaj Mountains and is one of the longest caves in Serbia. The total length of the system of internal channels is about 6000 m, while the arranged part of the cave, accessible to tourists, extends for a length of 540 m12. The cave is located only 12 km from Boljevac, which is why, together with Rtnja mountain, it represents an important surrounding attraction, one of the two supporting points when it comes to creating cross-border or local tourist packages. The information center with a guide service is located 200 m from the entrance to the cave, but it is necessary to announce your arrival to the Tourism Organization of the municipality of Boljevac, which manages the attraction and on whose orders the guide goes out to meet tourists. The path in the cave is two-way, elevated from the river bed, so that tourists have access to the main attractions, the four main halls: Concert Hall, Mining Hall, Hall of Giants (Cyclops) and Hajdučka Hall. The story of the local hero Hajduk Veljko, whose name is borne by the reddish-colored stalagmite, is also connected to the cave. The environment around the cave is additionally decorated with a large number of water mills, the earliest of which were built in the 18th century and today represent an important testimony of the traditional and authentic way of life that is passed down from generation to generation in these regions.

Mountain Rtanj

Rtanj is one of the most famous and recognizable mountains in Serbia, primarily because of its specific, pyramidal shape. It is located in Eastern Serbia, 200 km from Belgrade and only ten kilometers from the village of Boljevac. It belongs to the Carpathian Mountains, and the highest peak Šiljak rises at a height of 1,565 meters and represents a natural phenomenon of the karst relief. 10. The easiest ascent is from the settlement of Rtanj – on the east side, while there are also more difficult paths, ascents on the north and south sides. Mountaineers and nature lovers visit Rtanj throughout the year. Especially interesting are the ascents during the beginning and end months of the year, when on the way to “Šiljko” it is possible to experience all four seasons.

Because of its natural resources, the mountain has become a Special Nature Reserve since 2018, especially because of its unique relief and rare plant and animal species. Out of a total of 3,662 plant species, as many as 18% grow on Rtnja, as well as 45% of bird species, a large number of bats, and it is important to mention the pastures, which represent an important element in diversifying and maintaining biodiversity. At the very top of the mountain are the remains of a small church-chapel built by Greta Minh in memory of her husband Julius. The historical and social development of the settlement Rtanj, which is located at the foot of the mountain, is closely related to the married couple Minh. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Julius owned the fabric factory in Paračin and the coal mine in Rtanj in this part of Serbia. In addition to the chapel, it is possible to see the Rosary of the Minh family in the Rtanj settlement. Also, in the settlement of Rtanj, it is possible to visit two points that the locals believe are specific due to their unusual energy effects. We are talking about the “Vrelo” energy field, also known as “Sventilishte” as well as the “Megalith” location. Both locations are located near the “Ramonda” hotel, one of the largest SPA centers in Serbia, which has been visited by an increasing number of guests in recent years. Apart from the “Ramonda” hotel, it is possible to spend the night in a large number of apartments and rural households in the village. Fresh air, high-quality gastronomic offer and local products such as Rtanj honey and tea (saturea montana)11 additionally contribute to Rtanj being perceived in the minds of its tourists as a place that provides opportunities for a large number of activities, and at the same time has a beneficial effect on the health of visitors.