Koviljača spa This beautiful spa that’s encir- cled by the River Drina and Gučevo Mountain was a fashionable meet- ing spot for all those who were im- portant in the social and cultural life of Serbia at the beginning of the 20 th century. It was particular- ly loved by the royal Obrenović and Karađorđević families, which is why it fittingly carries the epithet of the royal spa. Its renowned spa park was designed in the English and French style, according to the precise wishes of King Alexander I Obrenović. Ban- ja Koviljača was a place of healing as far back as the time of the Illyrians, while the first written records, dat- ing back to 1533, show that mass- es of people came to visit its heal- ing springs. One legend claims that its healing properties were discov- ered by the followers of a caravan that were forced to leave their ex- hausted and injured horse there. The horse wallowed in the black mud and bathed in the warm sulphur- ous water. When the travellers re- turned along the same route, they found the horse grazing, healthy and active. And thus, the legend goes, the medicinal properties of Ban- ja Koviljača were discovered. Vuk Karadžić wrote about this place in the 19 th century, adding an entire series of new layers to Serbia’s na- tional pride. Loznica To conclude your tour of this ar- ea, visit the town of Loznica, if only to see the birthplace of two Serbian greats. Dr Jovan Cvijić, founder of the Serbian school of geography, univer- sity rector and president of the Serbi- an Academy of Sciences, was born in Loznica in 1865. This is also the place where Mića Popović, one of the best painters of the second half of the 20 th century, entered this world, having been born in Loznica in 1923. Along- side diverse nature, harmonious relief forms, fertile soil, rivers and streams, this place also stands out for its tur- bulent history, making Loznica rec- ognisable for its people and happen- ings, but also the monuments and events dedicated to them.
Banja Koviljača je savršeno mesto za oporavak nakon bolesti, ali i relaksaciju i pravi kraljevski odmor Koviljača spa is a perfect spot for post-illness recovery and recuperation, but also for relaxation and a genuine regal holiday
the Writers’ House, as well as 35 wooden houses. They are all con- nected by small lanes that mean- der past wells, picket fences and open fireplaces, and remain in an authentic state as described by Vuk Karadžić, forming this unique and typical 19 th century Dinaric Serbian village, where you can today take a walk through the past. Visitors are naturally interest- ed mostly in Vuk’s estate, where the house in which he was born is locat- ed. Despite having been burned to the ground in Turkish fires ten times, a new one that’s a perfect replica of the house he lived in as a boy is lo- cated there today. It is accessed via a beautiful footpath that runs along- side the small Žeravija river, making this rural idyll complete. When vis- iting Tršić, you’ll certainly tour the village’s central spot, known as the Saborište [Assembly point], where the two largest and most important cultural events – Vuk’s Assembly and the Student Assembly – are held each year in memory of the great of Ser- bian culture that was Vuk Karadžić. September marks the time of the first of these festivals, or more precisely the Sunday prior to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (21 st Sep- tember). This is the biggest event of its kind in Serbia, in terms of its im- portance and the number of people it brings together, so perhaps Septem- ber is the right time to visit Tršić and the surrounding area. Tronoša Monastery When it comes to the surround- ing area, we certainly can’t overlook Tronuša Monastery, which is located
just six kilometres from Tršić and was where the little Vuk was schooled and acquired his first knowledge. Estab- lished in the year 1317, this monas- tery is an endowment of King Dragu- tin and his wife Katalina. Located in front of the monastery is the Chap- el of Saint Panteleimon (Pantaleon), featuring the Fountain of the Nine Jugovićs that was built by the people of the Drina River Basin in honour of Jug Bogdan and his sons, who leg- end has it spent the night there and drank water from the spring before departing for the Battle of Kosovo. Grasshopper Waterfall In the forests of Gučevo, approx- imately 1.5 kilometres from the main road to Budimlija, stands the Grass- hopper Waterfall that’s around sev- en metres high. The path leading to it follows the course of the Budimlija River through wonderful natural sur- roundings. This hidden paradise pro- vides relaxing peace and quiet. Leg- end has it that couples used to meet at this waterfall in order for their love to be eternal, and their marriage hap- py and long.
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