Vrmdža
Vrmdža is a rural settlement in the base of Rtanj Mountain, which was built on top of a settlement that is mentioned in written documents as early as in 3rd century. The village centre is dominated by Latin - grad, roman fortification used to defend the imperial road leading to Near and Middle East, built in the 6th century. The town later expanded, as the Byzantine Empire defended from the invasion of Slavic tribes. It is mentioned in a written document from the 14th century as a place of residence of rich landowners who used to trade with Dubrovnik. It was destroyed in 15th century (1413). Today it is a rural settlement, attracting tourists and having several restaurants built on the location of old mills.
Church of the Holy Trinity in Vrmdža, was built from hard materials in 1818 and expanded in 1892. Milisav Marković from Knjaževac painted the iconostasis of the house of warship in 1894. According to a popular story the church was first built in the 13th century and burnt to the ground on three occasions, so today’s church was built on the old foundations within a monastery. The story also tells that it was saved during the Ottoman rule by “ferman” (royal decree) of Ottoman officer from Sokobanja, issued as an appreciation for healing of his mentally ill son.
The Ethno Museum in Vrmdža was opened in 2010 in the building of the parish house. There is a permanent exhibition of folk costumes, pottery, fabrics and tools. Exhibits were collected by residents of the villages Vrmdža, Mužinac i Trgovište. Visitors can witness the entire process of traditional making of folk costumes.
Vrmdžansko Lake is located at the base of Rtanj mountain, 15 km from Sokobanja and 3 km from village Vrmdža. It is one of the rare karst lakes in Serbia, listed as the geo-heritage of Serbia. According to the old people, Vrmdžansko lake, was a terrible storm hit the area in 1892. Torrents pushed a heap of hay to the valley and closed a deep hole in the ground. Now, the water in the lake is renewed by a small, inexhaustible nearby spring, and by rain and melted snow. It is an ideal place for vacation, fishing and picking of wild berries and herbs.