Known from antiquity as the favorite destination of aristocracy, Vrnjačka Banja (eng. Vrnjačka spa) is a health resort in the heart of Serbia, popular nowadays for its springs of water with healthy features.
Vrnjačka Banja was named after the village of Vrnjci where mineral springs were first discovered. It is located in Central Serbia, 200 kilometers south from the city of Belgrade, at forested slopes of mountain Goč and in valleys of the Vrnjačka river and the Lipovačka river.
It has mild continental climate, and it has seven mineral springs, four of which are used for balneological therapy. History says that these mineral springs were discovered in ancient history at the time when this area was populated by the Celtic tribe Scordisci.
Based on archaeological findings, we can say that these springs were used in ancient times and at hot mineral spring in Vrnjačka Banja Romans built the health resort Aquae Orcinae, visited both by legionnaires and aristocracy. The remains of antique pools and terms are preserved to this day.
According to a legend, its healing powers were well known to the Turks as well, as it is known that Turkish “sipahi” came here looking for a piece of heaven. Local people covered the springs with dirt attempting to hide them.
The modern history of Vrnjačka Banja begins in 1868, when Pavle Mutavdžić, the district chief in Kruševac of the time, formed an appropriate Constitutive association together with some other people of high reputation.
They bought land, ground catchment was performed, a pool was built, and drinking fountains of hot and cold water were set.
In 1883 state ownership was declared, and the inaugural season was opened by the Serbian Prince Mihailo (1867) when the spa became an elite summer resort.
Hot and cold mineral springs, helped by modern medicine, are used for treatment of diseases of the digestive system, diabetes, kidney diseases and urinary tract diseases, cardio vascular diseases and many more. Mineral waters from Vrnjačka Banja are also recommended to healthy people due to their curative effects.
Vrnjačka Banja is one of the most visited spas in Serbia, but what it also offers are numerous possibilities for sports and recreation.
A “must see” event organized in Vrnjačka Banja is The Carnival of Vrnjci, and those who enjoy other kinds of festivities can visit The Film Script Festival, The Great Summer Film Marathon and The Great Poetic Meeting.
The Carnival of Vrnjci is held every July and gives you a chance to join numerous costume balls and see many interesting exhibitions, concerts and theatrical plays.
While staying in Vrnjačka Banja you should visit some of the medieval monuments located near the spa. The monasteries Studenica, Žiča, Gradac, Djurdjevi Stupovi and Sopoćani are situated along the valley of the Ibar river.
The unforgettable experience awaits you at the medieval cities and fortresses of Ras, Maglič and Koznik. The magnificent manor house Belimarković, including the museum of Vrnjačka banja, enriches the beauties of this town.
How to get to Vrnjačka banja?
If you are traveling from the direction of Belgrade, you can get to Vrnjačka Banja using the Belgrade–Kraljevo road or the Belgrade-Niš-Skopje highway via Pojate. The road is around 200 km long.
If you are coming by bus all the major cities have bus connections to Vrnjačka Banja. Also you can go to Kraljevo, and then take a local bus to the spa and the distance is 30 km.
