Tall stone formations of Djavolja Varoš (eng. Devil’s Town) that are actually a group of petrified wedding guests, or at least that is what a legend tells, were nominated for one of the New seven wonders of nature
Whether petrified wedding guests who, on devil’s orders wanted to marry a brother and sister, or people petrified by the witch as they didn’t fulfill their promise; high stone formations on mount Radan in the south of Serbia won’t leave you indifferent. A rare natural phenomenon, Djavolja Varoš was a nominee in the New Seven Wonders of Nature campaign.
It is located in Southern Serbia, on mount Radan not far from the town of Kuršumlija. It comprises of more than 200 stone formations, 2 to 15 meters high and up to 3 meters wide, with strange stone caps.
The Djavolja Varoš Natural Landmark belongs to the village of a strange name – Djake, which comes from the Albanian word “gjak” that means blood. The village is located at 660 to 700 meters above sea level. This unusual and mystic place, which very name will chill your bones, comprises of two ravines with ominous names – Djavolja (Devil’s) and Paklena (Hell’s).
The nearby springs – Žito vrele (Wheat spring) and Djavolja voda (Devil’s water), with extremely acid water have well known miraculous properties. A path leads to the stone sculptures and viewpoints offering a spectacular view to the surrounding nature.
Djavolja Varoš consists of two rare phenomena: attractive stone formations created by erosion and two springs of extremely acid water with high mineral content.
Similar phenomena can be seen around the world, none of which is this high and numerous, hence the nomination for the new wonders of nature. Despite not being elected the new wonder, it attracts numerous tourists looking for adventure and mystery.
During centuries people have told legends about this place. According to one legend, these formations are actually petrified wedding guests who, on devil’s orders, wanted to marry a brother and sister. Then God punished them by turning them into stone to stand as a reminder that no sin goes unpunished.
The other legend says that there was a witch who granted people’s wishes as long as they promised to give her whatever she asked for. These 202 stone statues are those who didn’t fulfill their promise or tried to trick the witch.
Science, however, doesn’t have such fairy-tale explanation – Djavolja varoš was formed by erosion.
By destroying forests, man has made way for the destructive power of water. Wind, rain and sun did the rest. Nevertheless, the scientists agree that the shape of some caps and the fact that a peak of 20 to 30 cm in diameter holds a cap of several hundreds of kilograms is somewhat “peculiar”.
Djavolja Varoš is definitely a place to visit. Grandiose and slightly menacing figures in day light, mystical and illuminated by decorative lights at night, these figures will surely leave you breathless. And the legend says that if you drink from one of these springs, you will surely return.
How to get to Djavolja varoš (Devil’s town)?
If you are traveling by car, you can get to Djavolja varoš by turning left towards Dobri Dol on the 80th km on the Niš -Priština road (8 km after the exit for Prolom banja). After 6 km of driving through Zebice village you turn left again and after 3 km of the new asphalt road you get to this unusual monument of nature.
Djavolja varoš is 288 km far from Belgrade and 89 km from Niš. And only 10 km from it, you can find a town named Kuršumlija that is easily reachable by regular bus lines from all major cities in Serbia. From Kuršumlija we recommend taking a taxi to Djavolja varoš.
If you are in the mood for a walk or hiking, you can get to Djavolja varoš by foot from Prolom banja using the “staza zdravlja” (path of health), over the Prolom mountain, which are 9 km long, it would take you around two and a half hours.
When you are already here, don’t miss…
After being amazed by Djavolja varoš, relax in one of the three spas – Prolom, Lukovska, Kuršumlijska, which are famous for their natural beauty and healing powers, ideal for vacation, recreation and healing.
