You love mountain climbing? Are you an adrenaline junkey? Do you enjoy marvelling at unusual natural phenomena wrapped in untouched nature? Then climb aboard!

To describe such a rare and unusual natural phenomena that’s at the same time so grandiose in size and so impressive in appearance, isn’t an easy task.

But, let’s try, shall we?

Titanic bridges of magnificent beauty… The unique arches of Eastern Serbia… Stone gates of untouched nature… The Prerasts of Vratna are that and so much more. So, let’s start with how the amazing Vratna Gates came to be…

The Untold Secrets of Ancient Caves

vratna malaThere are a couple of theories on how these gems of the Negotin district came to be.

The first detailed description was given by Felix Kantz, a famous ethnographer of the South Slavs, who called the Vratna Gates:

 “a work of erosion and a beautiful limestone scenario”.

But, the first ever scientific research and the widely accepted explanation of the origin of this phenomena was given by Jovan Cvijić in 1865.

He said that they are: 

“natural stone bridges which are remnants of caved in cave ceilings and that these overgrowths are in fact what’s left of the cave”.

Put plainly – the Vratna area was once a huge cave which collapsed under the influence of different natural processes, leaving behind it these magical natural sculptures. Fascinating, is it not?

The Little, the Big and the Dry Prerast

We give to you the “magnificent three”! These three natural phenomena of eastern Serbia are not only the highest stone arches in Europe, but also a rather unique occurrence in the world. In what way? Well, apart from Serbia, only Slovenia, France and Colorado (US) have such stone structures. You must be itching to know the proportions of these unusual guardians of the Vratna river canyon. You have every right!

Vratna GatesLet’s start from the Little Prerast. Don’t let its name fool you! It’s 34 metres high, 30 metres long, and 15 metres wide. The Big Prerast is actually less tall. Along with the Little Prerast it’s called the monastery gate. The Dry Prerast is 20 metres in height, the youngest and the least accessible, but at the same time the most beautiful one and the one most challenging for researchers.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to explore!

An adventure you’ll never ever forget! That’s perhaps the best way to describe the visit, exploration and conquering of these gems of untouched nature. Because of its inaccessibility and astonishing beauty, the Vratna canyon is a real challenge for all those who love unusual destination and adrenaline rushes.

Prerast Vratne
Photo credit: Wikimedia

Those who love diverse flora and fauna need not despair! Vratna has something for you as well! Lots of things in fact.
From the unique plant species that have been here since the Ice Age to all sorts of different bird species. In short – the Vratna canyon is a paradise for all those who love the out-of-the-ordinary, the beautiful and the grandiose.

Since you are already here, don’t miss…

…visiting the Vratna monastery, which makes this area even more special. This sanctity is presumed to have been founded in the 15th century. It’s located at the exit of the gorge, between tall cliff sides, and it is the home of Venetian 1764 octoechos and an evangelical book written in Romanian.

… doing some sightseeing which has to include one-of-a-kind 18th century stone houses better known as Rajačke pivnice or pimnice. These 60 authentic wine cellars are home to the highest quality wine, and the whole locality has been nominated as a candidate for the World Heritage Site list.

…a stroll to the Vratnjansko hunting grounds. Near the Prerasts there is supposedly an interesting hunting cabin and near it hunting grounds with a huge herd of mouflons and fallow deer. Here, you can walk beside roebucks, rabbits, foxes and wild boars.

Tags

Eastern SerbiaNegotinNegotinska krajinaThe Prerasts of VratnaVratna Gates

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