The Mysterious Pyramidal Shaped Beauty

Rtanj belongs to Carpathian Mountains. Its summit is named Šiljak (1565 m) and represents is natural phenomenon of Karst relief. The mountain rises steeply from the plain and ends with an almost perfect cone, which is why many believe that Rtanj is a pyramid, similar to the pyramids in Bosnia. The base of Rtanj Mountain mostly consists of sandstone and stone, while its higher sections are made of limestone. Its south slope is gentle, slowly transforming into a plateau descending to Sokobanja. The north slope has a very steep ridge at the top, so it is recommended to experienced and trained mountaineers only. The summit Šiljak rises from the east slope of the ridge. Rtanj is “known” for torturing its visitors with thirst. All water passes through limestone, plunges deep and then springs with power along the edges of the mountain. Icicles found near the base of the mountain are created by constant gashes of cold wind, which keeps their temperature low.

Above all, Rtanj is a favourite spot of amateur mountaineers. From the beginning of April to the end of October there are hikes to the summit Šiljak which are organized not only by mountaineering associations, but by regular folk as well. During winter months, due to harsh weather, only the most skilled mountaineers climb to the summit. Nature lovers, adventurists and mountaineers never miss a chance to climb to the top of Rtanj, because from there you can see Danube, Avala mountain, Kopaonik mountain, Stara Planina mountain and Vidin, as well as some parts of Bulgaria. That’s why it is said that a climb to the top of Rtanj is climb to the roof of Serbia. There is a legend saying that a long time ago a wizard’s castle, filled with gold, was once where the mountain is today. The castle was burnt down. The gold melted and poured down the walls, thus creating the pyramid shape. There are also stories about balls of fire and dragons that visitors may hear when at the base of Rtanj.

Rtanj is well known for many researches carried out to establish if it was created naturally or artificially. “Serbian mountain Rtanj is the global centre of alien life and otherworldly phenomena” – that was a conclusion of the World Ufologist Congress held in Baltimore in 2012! Researchers of energy fields claim that Rtanj mountain is some sort of a system, that somehow absorbs negative energy from its surroundings and transforms it into energy with beneficial effects on human body. The longest edge of the pyramid stretches to the north and it is three kilometres long. The southwest edge is one and a half kilometres long, while the edge stretching to the southeast is 750 meters long. Their ratio is 4:2:1 and is equal to the ratio of difference between altitude of start and end point of pyramid edges. The angle of Rtanj slopes is the same as in the pyramid dedicated to the Moon in Mexico, and its angles are equal to the angles of Pyramid of Cheops!

In the base of Rtanj mountain lies a town of the same name, founded by the famous Münch family. In the beginning of 20^th century, The Münchs became owners of mine near Rtanj and the first mine was opened in 1902. The Münch family invested a lot in Rtanj infrastructure. Mining at Rtanj was suspended during wars, but it was followed by intense development.  Stone coal was of the first class. Simultaneously with ongoing mining operations, new mining deposits were explored. Explorations that were carried out at the time showed that deposits in Rtanj would last for at least 20 years. Many qualified staff, such as engineers, surveyors, supervisors were working in the mine. Rtanj mine became a modern mining company. According to information from 1922 the share of Rtanj mine in total Serbia’s coal production for the year was between 15 and 20 percent.

The Münch family built cosy apartments for the workers and their families, organized a private school, opened a health clinic, a grocery store and a cinema within Sokolski dom with a gym and football field. The Münch family put much effort into development of the town. First of all, they invested in a large park, with more than 150 species of trees and bushes and a greenhouse. The workshop, which was a part of the mine, built furniture, which was given to workers free of charge when they moved into their apartments.

Immediately after the First World War, the old Samuilo Münch got ill, went to sanatorium in Vienna, where he died in 1919. His oldest son Julius took over the management of the mine, together with his brothers Adolf and Aleksandar. Greta and Julius had no children, but were very charitable and generous to miners and their families.

Julius Münch committed suicide under unresolved circumstances in his apartment in Belgrade, and Greta continued to manage the mine together with Julius’s brothers - Adolf and Aleksandar. In a memory to her husband, Greta built a small church - chapel dedicated to St. George at the top of Rtanj mountain. The church was built by 1000 workers and consecrated in 1936. Some 20 years ago the chapel fell victim to Rtanj legends. It was demolished by dynamite in an attempt to find a long-lost treasure. There is an ongoing initiative to rebuild the chapel. The popular film “Petrijin venac” (eng. Petrija’s Wreath), starring Mirjana Karanović was filmed at this location.

The Münch family owned Rtanj Mine for 40 years. This period is known for economic and social development, both of those living of the mine and for their families, as well. This area, so wisely designed, speaks of the past times and people who used to live here.

„Shrine“ or Vrelo is located 850 meters from Hotel Ramonda. Even the prehistoric people used it to fill themselves with positive energy and to improve the condition of their body. The place was found and marked by academician Jovan Davidović and radiation was measured by international team led by Saša Nađfei. The Shrine was researched several times by both domestic and foreign scientists and it was scientifically proven that this was the place with the strongest energy on the planet. It radiates orgone, electromagnetic and ozone energy which combination has a healing effect on the human body.  Measurements showed that energy fields constantly change on Rtanj. The summit of Rtanj mountain – Šiljak, mostly absorbs the energy, while the Shrine radiates positive energy. The energy bursts from Rtanj in vertical direction. There are other locations on Rtanj that radiate the positive energy, but this is the only one that has been researched. There are written records showing that somewhere at the base of Rtanj was a hospital for Roman legionaries, due to proximity of Felix Romuliana. Legends say people believed that positive energy of Rtanj helped wounds heal 3 times faster in this hospital, so the wounded soldiers from the entire Roman Empire were brought here for treatment. The Shrine has positive effects on human body, but it is recommended to spend a moderate amount of time at the location – a maximum 20 minutes a day for two consecutive days.

The heart of the untouched nature of Rtanj, a mysterious mountain that intrigues, fascinates and heals, is the home to one of the most beautiful and the rarest flowers in the world - Ramonda Serbica. Serbian Ramonda, a plant that was first scientifically described by Јosif Pančić, is capable of surviving in extremely harsh conditions. Namely, even when it is completely dried and after spending several years in stagnancy, Serbian Ramonda can be revived by just a few drops of water. Natalie’s Ramonda, known as “phoenix flower”, became a symbol of Serbian suffering during the Great Retreat of the First World War.  The rebirth is related to the Serbia’s ability to get back on its feet after an exhausting battle.

There are a dozen plant species that grow only on this mountain, but there is no doubt that the most famous among them is Rtanj tea, which grows on the southeast slope of the mountain and is widely known for its healing properties, aroma and taste. When they hear Rtanj tea people usually think of a mixture of plants from Rtanj mountain in Serbia, while that is actually a rare plant Winter Savory (Satureja montana), known for its unique healing properties. It was for centuries in traditional medicine and it mainly grows on Rtanj mountain. Winter Savory contains essential oils, a combination of thymol and carvacrol, but it also contains tannins which has strong antibacterial properties, as well as vitamins A, E and B (niacin, thiamine and pyridoxine). Rtanj tea is made from this plant and has a vast range of effects.

In traditional medicine Rtanj tea is considered an elixir that strengthens and rejuvenates the body. Due to is ability to strengthen the immune system and improve general condition of the body, it is recommended to drink it preventively. It has been used for centuries, not only in Serbia but in other parts of the world as well, as a natural remedy for impotency. Due to its aphrodisiac properties, Winter Savory is often also called the “love plant”. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed in its powers and were using it for centuries as an aphrodisiac. Winter Savory is recognized around the world as a natural medicine and spice used in many gourmet dishes.

The most important natural resource of Boljevac municipality is its healthy environment, favourable climate, relief streaked with gorges, canyons, caves, clear rivers and numerous springs.

Sokobanja is a place that offers many possibilities for vacation, so its visitors can choose between enjoying and relaxing in Sokobanja baths or trying themselves out in extreme sports or combine the two activities, just to use all the advantages of the most beautiful and the oldest Serbian spa. Besides picturesque landscapes, the longest tourist tradition in Serbia and hospitable locals, Sokobanja is best known for its thermal springs, clean air, gourmet dishes and sounds of accordion. What makes Sokobanja stand out from other tourist towns is its magnificent and unique nature - many mountains, thick forests, rivers, lakes, caves, clean air rich with negative ions, so it is rightfully been named the “Green Heart of Serbia”. Mystic landscapes of Rtanj, glacier pit, hidden passages of Seselačka and Ozrenska cave, God’s Doors, wild terrains of Devica, are just some of the attractions that you shouldn’t miss out on. Sokobanja is known for its water attractions, that are so refreshing and fun during the hot summer days. Waterpark “Podina” offers a combination of family relaxation and fun, with many tempting water slides and pools, just 1.5 km from the city centre. Besides the waterpark, tourists may also enjoy some of the many beaches on Moravica river and Bovansko lake.

Sokobanja has many valuable cultural and historical monuments and buildings, which have been withstanding the test of time for centuries. Medieval town of Sokograd was built in late 13^th and early 14^th century on the foundations of Roman fortress from the 6^th century. Evidence was found that the fortress existed there from the times of Stevan Nemanja, at the time of expulsion of Bogumil, when it was first destroyed. It is later mentioned in the biography of Despot Stefan Lazarević. It was destroyed in 1413 during the struggle for Ottoman throne between Bayezid’s son - Sultan Musa and rebels of Hamuz Bey. It is located 2 km southeast from the centre of Sokobanja, on the rocks above the Moravica river canyon. Turkish Bath “Amam” is located in the central park of the spa and was built by Ottomans on the foundations of Roman baths in 15^th century. It was reconstructed for the first time in 1834 at the orders of Prince Miloš Obrenović and the last time it was reconstructed was in 2005. This is only functional authentic Turkish bath in the territory of Serbia. Serbian (Latin) translation.  It is also known as a filming location of a scene from the film “Zona Zamfirova”, directed by Zdravko Šotra.

Bor is located in eastern Serbia and is one of its largest city centers. The surroundings of this city, as well as the city itself, hide numerous natural beauties with tourist potential, but also many other interesting things related to mining and metallurgy, as well as the beautiful Zoo.

The municipality of Zaječar is located in the Timok region and represents its geographical, administrative and cultural center. Zaječar is a relatively small town with huge tourist potentials in the area - archeological sites, historical monuments, monasteries, spas and caves.