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Opština Sokobanja
Source: http://www.traveleastserbia.org/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47
Sokobanja is located in south-eastern Serbia, in the valley between mounts Ozren and Rtanj, on the banks of the Moravica river and with the altitude of 400 m. It is one of the most frequented places in the country, with the annual number of visits of about 100,000 tourists, with about one million overnights. Sokobanja is also a great medical centre. Numerous events which are held in Sokobanja are also very attractive for tourists, among which the most famous are art colony “Sokograd”, Festival of Flowers, Golden Hands and St. John the Herb-gatherer, then Fair of Honey and Healthy Food and the most recognizable of them all – The First Accordion of Sokobanja.
Tourism
Climate is one of the most important elements of tourist valorisation of Sokobanja and it is rightfully called the “air bath”.
Curative properties of the Sokobanja’s thermal springs were known even in ancient Roman times. What makes the present day Sokobanja attractive are thermo-mineral waters, ideal altitude, moderate-continental climate, clean mountain air with lots of oxygen and wonderful, untouched nature. It is one of the most frequented places in the country and it is one of the most renowned tourist centres with the longest tradition of organized touristic activities.
With its historic background, springs, natural beauties, favourable climate conditions, Sokobanja has always been famous in the wider public. Writing about this region, Dr Jovan Cvijić recorded that Sokobanja and its surroundings could be called “Serbian Switzerland”. The following sites can be singled out: Amam (Turkish bath), Local Heritage Museum, Legacy Gallery, sanatorium Banjica and thermal springs. A remarkable tourist spectacle is hiking to Sokograd, and selidbe, a fortress built at the time of Roman Emperor Justinian. Sokograd was first mentioned in the times of King Stefan Nemanja (1170-1196), and the name of the fortress is from that parket period. Two towers, remains of a water cistern, as well as ceramic conduit for conducting rainwater are what now remains of the ancient city. The following natural phenomena can be singled out: spa Jošanica, Lake Bovan, Mount Ozren, Ripaljka waterfalls, Virgin Mary in stone, Stone of Love, etc.