Municipality of Sokobanja

Information about the applicant:

Company name: Municipality of Sokobanja, Serbia
Website: www.opstinasokobanja.com
Contact: info@opstinasokobanja.com

Evaluation category:

Category 1: Spa Destination (sub-category: Balneo –Thermal resort)

1. Location – transport communication, airport distance

Sokobanja is located in the central of South – Eastern Serbia. Sokobanja is 30 kmawaz from the highwaz E-75 and the main rail-road from Belgrade.The nearest airport is located in Nis, 58km away from Sokobanja.

2. Natural factors – mineral water, clean air, mud and peat

The climate of this spa is moderate continental with combined stimulating and sedative effect on the human organism. Wast forests protect Sokobanja from the strong winds. Summers are moderately hot; winters are mild with low snowfall, and moderately cold. Ideal altitude, suitable air pressure, high concentration of oxygen, ozone, gas radon and negative ions in the air, absence of pollution, thick fog and strong winds made Sokobanja a renowned climate center. All this makes it suitable for curing and stay of respiratory unspecific diseases patients. The first complete chemical analysis of Sokobanja mineral water was made by prof. dr. Marko Leko. The water was classified as mild mineralized hypo and hyper-thermal earth – alkaline type with little amount of carbon acid and a significant amount of nitrogen and rare gases. Radio – activity of this waters goes from 5.7 to 13.5 ME. There are six thermo – mineral springs in Sokobanja which are used for curing different types of diseases.

3. Infrastructure and green area, parks

Organized arrangement of parks begans at the end of the 19th century. Sokobanja mostly lies on the left bank of the Moravica river, on the southern side of the basin, where the vegetation is more lush and generous (due to underground water and springs) and all the parks are located on that side, at the foot of Ozren.
The central city park was created thanks to the thermal water that erupts in an enviable amount, with a temperature of 46 ºC. Near this spring is another one, which is similar to the first one in terms of water composition. Not far from the bathroom, drilling led to the third source and today there is a small plant with a water pump. The Vrelski stream flows through the park and joins the thermal underground stream in the northern part of the park to flow together into Moravica near the “Zdravljak” hotel. The ground floor part of the park, in front of the bathroom, is the oldest organized park area. The year 1880 is taken as the beginning of construction, it was created in stages, and already at the beginning of the 20th century the park had a dense massif of high greenery. Since 1934, the park has changed its appearance slightly, new species of trees, shrubs and flowers have been introduced and a fountain has been built in the center of the northern circular plateau. In that period, the park in the western part got a children’s sector, where there was also a small amusement park, which was moved after the Second World War. In the years after 1958, the park near the bathhouse was expanded and refreshed with seedlings of new deciduous trees, conifers and bushes. Deciduous trees occupy 62% and conifers 38% of the park’s surface. The most numerous trees are crown-leaved and small-leaved linden, followed by apple, elm, horse chestnut, acacia, ash, maple, Canadian poplar and others. Conifers in the park include spruce, black pine, fir and thuja trees. Today, the central city park covers an area of 2.17 ha, it is beautifully decorated, spacious and decorated. The lighting in the park was renewed, the paths were arranged, new benches were placed, and the children’s playground “Sokolici” with new props for play and fun, was specially fenced. The large fountain in the northern part of the park has been renovated, with an illuminated waterfall, which gives a special charm to the forest oasis in the center of Sokobanja in the evening and at night. The wooden sculptures in the park are the work of a sculptor’s colony that was held in Sokobanja, and here you can also see a bust of local partisan hero Aleksa Markisic.
Park Banjica is located 5 minutes from the center of Sokobanja in the direction of Knjaževac and Boljevac. Like the central park, it was created thanks to water. Thermal springs are also of great importance here, the water of which is used for treatment. There are two thermal springs in the “Park” bathhouse, whose temperature is 28 and 32 ºC, and it is used in the treatment of various neurological diseases. The park is bordered by the bed of the Moravica river. The formation of this park began at the end of the 19th century, after the creation of the First Situation Plan for Sokobanja and the activities of the Society for the Development of Sokobanja, and it covered an area of 0.44 ha (it was expanded to 2.05 ha in 1959) and was only the area around the bathroom with medicinal water. The paths of the park are designed in a straight line, with the aim of taking the visitor the shortest way to the bathroom, then to the beaches or further, to Lepterija and Sokograd. The park is beautifully decorated, with numerous benches, decorated with flowers and greenery. Within the park there is an outdoor gym as well as running tracks (made of tartan). A variety of play furniture is available for the youngest. The park is also decorated with the sculptural works “La Barka”, “Poreklo” and “Nikola Tesla” by the artist Mica Velickovic Miveli. On the bank of the river is the restaurant “Coka”, and below it is the sandy beach “Zupan” with a spacious pebble beach that is nicely decorated, with a shallow area for children. Less spacious but equally attractive beaches continue to it: “Tri kace”, Sest kace” and “Gentleman”. From the park, you can reach the “Moravica” hotel or Lepterija picnic area via a stone bridge.
Park Borici is located in the immediate vicinity of the Special Hospital “Sokobanja”, above the summer stage “Vrelo”, 10 minutes from the center of Sokobanja. The playground is equipped with benches, tables and furniture for playing, and it is suitable for children and adults who have problems with respiratory organs, due to the high concentration of negative ions in the air. For the youngest, there is also an adventure park within the picnic area.
Forest Park “Cuka 2” is located behind the Special Hospital “Sokobanja”, in the settlement of Cuka. An evergreen forest, a health trail, a children’s park, wooden benches and pavilions are just some of the attractions of this picnic area. The area is suitable for various sports activities such as badminton and frisbee, or for excursions and walks in a beautiful natural environment and all-day outdoor living.

4. Historical background and natural sightseeing

The oldest traces of human settlements in Sokobanja originate from the period of neolith (remnants of pottery found in Ozren cave). From the period of Emperor Justinian there are towns-fortresses (Sokograd, Vrmdza, Bovan), which were part of Serbian medieval state, until 1413 when they were destroyed.
As a community and military fortification, Sokobanja was mentioned for the first time in the biography of despot Stefan Lazarevic, written by Konstantin the Philosopher. Evlija Celebija, the Turkish author who wrote about his travels, was the first person who mentioned the healing features of Sokobanja springs, describing Turkish bath in 1663. This bath was, after liberation from Turks in 1834, restored and enlarged by Serbian Duke Milos Obrenovic.

In 1808 Hajduk Veljko liberated Sokobanja from the Turks in the First Serbian rebellion, and called it his Banjica. In memory of that period there is Hajduk Veljko’s cave, transformed into a restaurant.

In the second half of the XIX and the beginning of XX century, until the 2nd World War, Sokobanja became the meeting place of famous scientists, writers, artists and bohemians: Ivo Andric, Branislav Nusic, Isidora Sekulic, Stevan Sremac, Jovan Cvijic, Mesa Selimovic etc.

On the 8th of Jun, 1837 (the old calendar) from the office of Duke Milos in Kragujevac, a recommendation was written for major Lazarevic, who was sent to Sokobanja to use hot water. This recommendation (voucher) was used to mark the starting point of health tourism of Sokobanja since the 20th of Jun.

Medieval town Sokograd, situated 2 km east from Sokobanja center (on a rock above the canyon of the river Moravica), was built on Roman fortress foundation, (built between IV and VI century). It is mentioned in writings from the times of a few Serbian medieval rulers. Turkish sultan Musa ruined it in battles for Turkish throne in 1413.
12 km from Sokobanja (towards Aleksinac) there are ruins of old fortress called Vrmdza town. It was built to protect Roman roads. During the XIV century it was fortified settlement of noblemen. It was ruined in 1413.
Turkish bath „Amam“ dated from the IV century, was built by Turks, on foundation of Roman terms. After liberation from the Turks, Duke Milos Obrenovic ordered its rebuilding and built one bath for him. Today, this bath with museum value is under the state’s protection.
Across „Amam“ there is a building named Milosev Konak, built as an administration of Duke Milos Obrenovic in XIX century. Today there are shops, exchange-office and cafes.

The church devoted to Holy Transfiguration located in center of Sokobanja was built in 1892. The building was initiated by the head of Serbian church Mr. Mihailo, born in Sokobanja. He gave a large donation and founded first ecological and tourist society named „Society for Improving and Embellishing Sokobanja and its Surrounding“ in 1895, when world ecology was still not used, even by linguists. There is his bust in the church.
2 km from center of Sokobanja, at the place called Gradasnica there is a church of St. Martyr Maria. During the Turks there was only one Orthodox Church. Its ruins were found in 1913, and later the church was built (in 1928).
The church devoted to St. Ilija is located near the river Moravica spring (11 km from Sokobanja towards Knjazevac). The building was initiated by Princess Persida Karadjordjevic in XIX century.
In Vrmdza village (11 km from Sokobanja) there is the church of Holy Trinity, with valuable icons.
The church of Holy Archangels Mihailo and Gavrilo is situated at the mountain of Ozren (8 km from Sokobanja). During the middle ages there was a monastery built by Armenians in 1392 but Turks burnt it later. In recent years the church is only open during the church’s Slava on 26th of July.
At the picnic ground Lepterija (1.5 km east from Sokobanja) there is the church devoted to Birth of Holy Mother. It is built in 2001.
In Josanica village (15 km from Sokobanja towards Aleksinac) there is the oldest church in the Municipality of Sokobanja, made of stone with valuable frescos and loopholes instead of windows. It dated from  century. This church is devoted to Arising of the Holy Mother.
Next to it there is a museum and the church of St. Martyr Dimitrije, built in 1899. The Museum is situated in one old shelter and it has exhibits from the fields of ethnology and history.

Homeland museum, in the center of Sokobanja, has exhibits from the fields of archeology, ethnology and history.
Across it there is Art Gallery-Legacy of Milun Mitrovic, an academic painter, born in Sokobanja. There is a reach collection of his paintings.
There are a few busts of well-known persons who lived or visited Sokobanja in past times, as writers: Ivo Andric (Nobel Prize winner), Branislav Nusic ( wrote popular saying:„Sokobanja, Sokograd one comes old and leaves young“), or local hero from The 2nd World War, Aleksa Markisic.

Ethno-corner Grudonjske vodenice (Watermills of Grudonjci) contain 2 watermills, over 2 centuries old. Today, one of it is arranged as an ethno kitchen. It is located at the periphery of Sokobanja, in the settlement Gradasnica.

In the center of Sokobanja there are two monuments devoted to victims of the 1st and 2nd World War.
Three commemorative fountains are devoted to our important history persons: Duke Milos Obrenovic, Ljuba Didic and Veljko Petrovic (who first liberated Sokobanja from the Turks in 1808.)
Picnic sight „Vrelo-borici“ is about 250 m away from the center. It is proved that pine tree emits substances that have positive influence upon respiratory organs. So, visit it and breathe freely! You can walk through the narrow footpath and enjoy in delighting smell of the pine forest and birds warble. On this section you should visit the commemorative drinking fountain of Hajduk Veljko Petrovic and open-air stage „Vrelo“ (place where „ The First Accordion“ is held).
Picnic sight „Cuka 2“ is situated at the foot of woody, and rich in water, mountain Ozren. Cold spring water, pine tree abundance (main producers of oxygen), health path and children’s park are some of the attractions you can expect in this area.
Picnic sight „Lepterija-Sokograd“, most visited place in Sokobanja. It is only 1 500m away from the town center. You can get there from several directions, and the most attractive one is the path along the river Moravica. Passing by beaches, gorges and rapids of the beautiful river Moravica you will be a part of an exciting adventure! Get to the hill Popovica and enjoy the beautiful scanery! Try to find the mideval fortress Sokograd (400 m away from the picnic sight) , natural phenomenon in the rock The Holly Mother with Jesus in her arms, The Church devoted to Birth of Holly Mother, Canyon of the river Moravica and so on. When you become tired get rest in the Restaurant „Cave“, and enjoy the beautiful environment by the river.
Mountain Ozren is rich in natural beauties. Sokobanja lies on its northern slopes. Enjoy the intact nature! Take a breath of health! Drink crystal clear water from many springs on this mountain. Visit one of the highest waterfalls in Serbia, The waterfall Ripaljka (40m high), Ozren cave and lake on the river Gradasnica. Climb the „stone of love”! If you are brave enough you can climb to the highest pick (1174m). The main attraction is the church of St.Arhangels Mihailo and Gavrilo.
Spring of the river Moravica is 11km away from Sokobanja, on the road to Knjazevac, at the foot of Devica and represents natural phenomenon because at the vary spring it becomes the course of the river. Nearby is the church of St. Ilija, Marko’s cave and a trout – pond where you can always buy fresh trout.
Sesalac cave is 19 km away from Sokobanja. The interior of the cave is lightened up to the 200 m into the depth, with a lot of stalactites and stalagmites, many small lakes and a lost river which sinks into the earth at the entrance of the cave.
Bovan Lake is 10 km away from Sokobanja on the way to Aleksinac. It is 8 km long, 400 km wide, and 50 m deep. It is a real fishermen paradise, but there are also many beaches and nice picnic grounds. There is a place near village Bovan, where you can rent crafts and boats and enjoy summer.
Vrmdza Lake is situated at the foothill of the mountain Rtanj. It is about 15km away from Sokobanja. It can be reached by asphalt road to the village Vrmdza, and then by macadam road to the plateau where the lake is situated.
Rtanj mountain – fire balls, a natural phenomenon which can be seen only on this mountain, the legend about volcano, numbers of underground springs, and caves and endless pastures, full of well known Rtanj tea are just a part of a long story which has been told trough centuries and make this mountain special and worthy of your attention. Free your adventurous spirit! When you get to the highest point of this mountain (1560 m), gorgeous look goes to the rivers Sava and Danube in the north, and to the mountain Rilla in the east. Incredible fresh air and clouds passing by will make you feel like you have touched the heaven.
„Vrelo“ is 18 km away from Sokobanja, situated in the village Josanica, at the foothill of the mountain Bukovik. It can be reached by asphalt road Sokobanja – Aleksinac to the village Josanica and then by macadam road to the hunting house which is in the ownership of the country. Thick beech forest is rich in streams full of crabs, a rarity which can be seen only in a few Serbian rivers and streams. This picnic sight is especially attractive for passionate mushroom, wild fruit and flower pickers.

5. Number of yearly working 4- and 5-stars spa hotels and bed capacity

261

6. Number of beds in 2, 3 stars hotel, restaurants, recreation houses

431

7. Information of services, cultural events, attractions, facilities

If you have not climbed yet to the top of famous mountain Rtanj, come to Sokobanja on July 7th and be a part of an exciting adventure. Learn all about knitting flower wreaths, find the famous herbal aphrodisiac on slopes of mountain Rtanj, and dive into the secret veils that surround this mystical mountain. Wake up the adventurous spirit in you, and enjoy in the unique event in Serbia.

Certainly the most challenging and for adventurers most interesting part of the event is the ascent to Šiljak, the highest peak of mountain Rtanj (1560 m). For those who are not mountaineering enthusiasts, other interesting activities are organized, such as picking medicinal herbs, knitting wreaths and participation in the quiz about medicinal herbs or sports competitions.

Rtanj is known for endemic plants which grow only on this mountain and are protected by law, and the most famous of them is certainly Rtanj tea and catnip (Nepeta rtanjensis). During the manifestation “St. John’s festivities”, paarticipants, accompanied by expert guides, collect medicinal herbs on the slopes of mountains Ozren, Rtanj, Devica and Bukovik.

The crown of the event is the selection of the most beautiful girl decorated with medicinal herbs and field flowers – “Princess Biljarica”, which is traditionally held on July 7th at 8 pm, at summer stage „Vrelo“ or in the center of Sokobanja, in front of the Museum.
One of the most popular traditional events in Sokobanja is the “Wish Marathon”, which offers entertainment, recreation and enjoyment in the natural beauties of Sokobanja, and will be held for the 16th time in a row, on the 7th of September.

The program of the event implies that the participants visit some places, which according to local folklore fulfill various kinds of wishes, and collect coupons, in order to participate in the big prize game. The locations are visited in the following order: “Wish tree” in park „Banjica“ where participants should touch a tree and imagine a wish, “Holly Mother in the rock” where participants write their wishes on a piece of paper, spring „Rujnik“ at the foot of Sokograd, where participants toss a coin and make a wish. Instructors at the mentioned locations give the participants all the necessary details and guidelines on the way to the realization of their wishes. Each participant receives a coupon, which they carry with them and certify at every location with an appropriate stamp, as a confirmation that they have visited the mentioned locations and imagined a wish. The participants have 7 hours on their disposal to visit all the locations, from 10:00 until 17:00. Participants who collect all the stamps can participate in the big prize game. The last destination is Homeland museum in the center of Sokobanja, where participants have to fill in certified coupons with the necessary data, in order to participate in the main prize game, and also have the opportunity to participate in a surprise game and win interesting prizes.
“The First Accordion of Sokobanja” is one of the oldest music festivals in Serbia and a recognizable symbol of Sokobanja. It was held for the first time 62 years ago, and the name of the festival has changed several times, as the importance and interest in the festival increased. It has been held for 41 years under the name “First Accordion of Yugoslavia”, for 15 years under the name “First Accordion of Sokobanja”, and since 2018 the name of the festival is “First Accordion of Serbia – Sokobanja”. Whatever name it bears, the quality, durability and continuity of this festival, which is widely known outside the borders of the former Yugoslavia, is indisputable. A large number of famous accordionists, composers, songwriters, ensemble leaders, and music editors began their music careers with a good placement at this Festival. Many winners of the festival later became famous masters of accordion – Branimir Djokic, Novica Negovanovic, Misa Mijatovic, Vlada Panovic, Aleksandar Sofronijevic, Borko Radivojevic, Kemis and many others. Today’s young musicians see their chance for success and breakthrough in the music world by becoming the festival winners, which speaks of it’s reputation.

From 2018, the competitive part of the festival has two phases – pre-qualification competitions in several cities in Serbia and abroad and the finals of the festival, which is held in Sokobanja in mid-August. Pre-qualification competitions are held during May and June in Leskovac, Žabari (festival “Assembly of accordionists of Serbia”), Pančevo, Borovo-Croatia (festival „First Accordion of Slavonia, Baranja and western Srem“), Vienna (Austria), Bijeljina (Bosnia) and Sokobanja.

Come to enjoy the sounds of the accordion of the best virtuosos on this instrument! Make sure that “First Accordion” is still one of the most prestigious music festivals in Serbia today. Besides excellent young contestants, the audience can hear some of the country’s best accordion players and also enjoy the concerts of famous folk music performers from Serbia and surrounding countries.
The tourist-cultural event “Golden Hands” has been held since 1983. and represents a competition in the preparation of old, forgotten dishes and the skills of old crafts.

The number of visitors of this event is always large, because it is held in summer season, and there is great interest from visitors, especially from large urban areas, to see and experience traditional customs and intangible cultural heritage, which are becoming a rarity in today’s modern world. Visitors have the opportunity to try some of the old Serbian forgotten dishes, or to buy authentic souvenirs made in the traditional way. Every year, over 100 participants from all over Serbia participate in this event, which attracts more than 5.000 visitors. The manifestation “Golden Hands”, in addition to its competitive character, has one much more important function, and that is the preservation of traditional heritage, culture and customs for future generations.

From the beginning of the event until today, the meals were prepared from healthy ingredients, without the addition of modern chemicals and in traditional dishes made of clay.

Over the years, in addition to the preparation of old dishes, other competitive disciplines have been added, which includes several categories: the best preserved and most original exhibit, use of ethno motifs on modern items, best embroidery, handwork done during the event, preservation of the tradition of old crafts.

In recent years, the event has attracted participants from all over Serbia and gained a national character, so that visitors, in addition to traditional dishes, handicrafts and folk costumes from the Sokobanja area, can see the traditions, customs and cultural heritage of some other parts of Serbia. Another confirmation of the quality of this event arrived in 2014 in the form of the Tourist Flower Award, the most significant recognition in the field of tourism awarded by the Tourism Organization of Serbia.
During the summer tourist season, from July 1st until September 1st, as part of the “Spa’s Cultural Summer”, numerous cultural and entertainment events are held daily: theater plays and monodramas performed by famous theater troupes from all over Serbia, children’s plays, acrobat performances, jugglers, magicians, pantomimists, performances of cultural and artistic societies, performances of dance groups, concerts of famous singers and bands, summer cinema, professional lectures, literary evenings, etc.

8. Seasonality and occupancy rate

Sokobanja records an increase in tourist traffic every year and is the first in the realization of tourist vouchers given by the Ministry of Tourism and Youth. By August 20, Sokobanja had 370,000 overnight stays. 85,000 tourists stayed, and foreign tourists made up 6% of the total number.

9. Green policy and sustainability

Improve the visibility of Sokobanja as green, active and health / wellness
destinations on the tourist market through the positioning of Sokobanja as
escapist tourist destination, which provides contact with nature and
displacement from everyday noise and pollution, in accordance with the proclaimed vision and
market positioning proposed by this Program. Additionally, support
more added value to the development of agriculture (based on authentic
traditional / local products of Sokobanja), also brings bigger
opportunities for the development of tourism products on those bases;
Therefore, it is of key importance for the application of the principles of sustainable tourism development that
decision-makers and key drivers of social and economic development of the municipality
Sokobanja in other, related areas, accept the philosophy of implementation
principles of sustainable development. These are sectors such as: agriculture,
water management and forestry, spatial planning and environmental protection, culture
and protection of monuments, traffic, health, regional development, etc.

10. Nominations, prizes, certificates

5 tourist flowers awarded by Touristic organization of Serbia
4 awardes from SACEN
Many recognitions and awards for tourism content, events, propaganda material

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