South - east part of Serbia was always known as a region that is full of mysteries and interesting stories. You will be introduced to some of them and who knows, maybe we will create a new story ourselves. Our first destination is city of Niš, many people call it city on a crossroad and for a good reason. Positioned on river Nišava banks, in spacious and fertile valley, Niš was destined to become significant place on the Balkans since the first centuries of its existence. With such strategic advantages, Niš was growing during the centuries as significant military, economy, cultural and religious center of the people who inhabited it and states that owned it (Celts, Romans, Byzantines, medieval Serbia, Ottoman Empire and modern Serbian state). Niš is a birthplace of Constantine the Great, one of the most important Roman emperor that legalised Christianity throughout the empire. Fortress that is surrounded by Nišava river is good example of Ottoman fortification architecture. Another side of the coin is Skull Tower and monument of the Battle of Čegar which shows how Serbs fought for liberty and freedom against Ottomans and story of courage and sacrifice. Liberation from varios ocupators continues in memorial Red Cross contrencation camp – places that wisper the stories from Word war II. In the center of the city there is one old Caldron street that had a lot of craft workshops and in it you can see what is true way to drink Balkan coffee and you will learn about „institution“ of merak. Eat burek in a city where burek was originaly made in 16th century, our suggestion is quarter with meat.
After bustle of city we will go to the nature, we will visit infamous Devil’s town. It is a natural phenomenon with 202 earth figures in a specific forms of relief which appear rather attractive, and two springs of extremely acid water with high mineralization. Natural surroundings of the soil figures, seeming very harsh are almost mystical, and in the wider area picturesque and tame, the remains of a settlement, the old church and a few interesting mining groves, only add to the uniqueness of this place. Legend says that on that place there was going to be a wedding of brother and sister that didn’t know they are related and it was orchestrated by the Devil himself. In order to stop the incest, God made all the wedding guests into stone and they still stand today to show the power of God in form of earth figures. Entire valley does feel eerie but there is nothing to be afraid, it is ’’just’’ a natural phenomenon and it will leave you intrigued and happy that you visited something unique.
