A spa is nested at the foot of Mt. Gucevo and Koviljka's Town: Meet Banja Koviljaca

Formerly called Smrdan Banja or Bara, this Serbian spa is especially appreciated by people who suffer from diseases of the musculoskeletal system, although it also helps with many other conditions

Right next to the main road that connects Loznica and Zvornik, at the foot of Mt. Gucevo, 128 meters above sea level, there is a spa resort.

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The nature of Podrinje, in which Banja Koviljaca (Koviljaca Spa) is located, boasts Sokol, Cer, Gucevo and Boranja mountains. The Drina River gives a special charm to this area.

Spa on the remains of a Roman settlement

According to available data, in ancient times, the Roman settlement of Genzis was located in the area of ​​today's Banja Koviljaca.

Later, during the medieval times, there was the also the far-and-wide known Koviljka's Town, whose remains can be seen today above this spa, and people already knew a lot about the healing properties of the thermal mineral springs of Banja Koviljaca. In the first half of the 16th century a rural settlement is mentioned in this area.

Although it is believed that many were already abundantly using the healing water, as well as the mud in this spa, the first written trace of the construction of a bath house for the treatment of women dates back to 1720.

Considering there is also a source of sulfur water and because of its specific, let's say unpleasant smell, people also called the place Smrdan Banja ("stinky spa") or Bara ("puddle").

The discovery of the healing properties of spa mud is attributed to a horse. Namely, according to legend, a horse was in one of caravans got injured, so they left it very close to Smrdan Bara to die. The animals rolled in that mud and got cured. Traveling back, the people in the caravan noticed that, and thanks to that event, it was discovered that the mud had healing properties.

Another legend is related to sisters Vida and Koviljka, who were extremely rich. With the money they inherited, Koviljka built a town on Mt. Gucevo. When she went from Koviljka's Town to the spring in Smrdan Banja and drank water there, others immediately followed. The spa eventually got named in memory of the woman who discovered the sources of the healing water.

The first accommodation facility in Banja Koviljaca was officially built in 1858. It was a building with 10 bedrooms.

From that moment, its history as a health resort began.

During the reign of Serbian Prince Mihailo Obrenovic, in 1867, Banja Koviljaca was officially placed under protection.

From the moment the law on the transfer of Banja Koviljaca for use of the people of the Podrinje District was passed, which happened on August 1, 1898, its significant development as a health resort officially stated.

Banja Koviljaca today

One of the symbols of this spa is definitely its park, which occupies an area of ​​40 hectares. There are as many as 80 species of trees in it, as well as the preserved bath house of King Petar I Karadjordjevic, but also villas that were built there before the war.

The spa also houses the Special Hospital for Rehabilitation "Banja Koviljaca" which treats patients with osteoporosis, muscle and rheumatic diseases.

The waters of this spa also help with certain skin and gynecological conditions, as well as those with lesions of peripheral nerves and minor damage to the central nervous system.

Staying in this spa benefits people who are treated for infertility, as well as those who suffer from lymphedema and disc herniation, but also patients who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic conditions.

(Telegraf.rs)