Magical "air spa" near Kraljevo: It hides a mysterious church that little is known about

Photo: Telegraf.rs

Just over 200 inhabitants live in the village of Rudno, which is located in the territory of Kraljevo. Placed on the slopes of Mount Golija, this village is known above all for a church dedicated to St. Nicholas, and then for the fact that due to its geographical position it is characterized as an "air spa."

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Although it is not particularly developed in terms of tourism, this village is particularly attractive to nature lovers. In recent years, some locals have decided to open up to tourists, so now accommodation capacities are slowly but surely developing.

A church little is known about

Although this shrine is characterized as a cultural monument of great importance, with the Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments in Kraljevo responsible for it, not much is known about the church, known as Nikoljaca.

This smallish church was built on a site offering a phenomenal view. From there, you can see the gorge of the Studenica River, whose spring is on Mt. Golija and is specific for its very narrow bed, which is at the same time not at all shallow.

The assumption is that the church dates to the Middle Ages. It is also assumed that the restoration of the Nikolaca was started at the end of the 16th, or the beginning of the 17th century.

How to get to Rudno?

This village is a little less than 80 kilometers away from Kraljevo and can be reached by the Ibar highway.

About 15 kilometers of cobblestone road, from the direction of the medieval monastery Studenica, leads directly to Rudno. There is another option - from Brvenik, towards the Gradac monastery, then to the village.

Enjoying the air spa

Since the presence of three climatic regions means that the area around Mount Golija is considered to be a type of an "air spa," the village of Rudno also earned the same title.

Beside Studenica, there is also the Moravica River, then river valleys and mountain peaks, which makes this destination ideal at any time of year. There are 95 species of birds on Golija, 75 species of mushrooms grow in that area, 40 species of mosses, but also 7 species of lichens and many other animals and plants.

The Golija-Studenica Biosphere Reserve spreads on 53.8 hectares within the Golija Nature Park.

(Aleksandra Blazevic/Telegraf.rs)