Royal spa on the slopes of Veliki Jastrebac: Serbian rulers strengthened their spirit and body here

Photo: Shutterstock

The forest-covered slopes of Mt. Veliki Jastrebac tower over one of Serbian spas that are known as "royal."

Recommended

Ribarska Banja has often hosted many Serbian rulers, however, it earned that adjective because of its rich offer and many awards it has been crowned with.

A brief history of Ribarska Banja

During the reign of medieval Serbian ruler Prince Lazar, whose courts were near Krusevac, where Ribarska Banja ("Fishing Spa") is today, fishing was widespread, mostly of trout, specifically for the needs of the court. It is assumed that this is where the spa's name comes from.

Nearby archaeological sites have been silent witnesses to the use of these springs since prehistoric times.

Later, Serbian Princess Milica also visited the springs. During the Turkish rule, a hammam was built on the springs of Ribarska Banja, which is proof that their healing properties were known and widely used at that time.

The first to issue an order to test the water in this spa was Serbian Prince Milos Obrenovic. Because he issued that order in 1834, that year is considered as important for the history of the spa.

It is known that many rulers have visited Ribarska Banja. Among them was Serbian King Petar I Karadjordjevic, who signed the Declaration on the Return of Kosovo and Metohija to the Kingdom of Serbia on August 25, 1913, precisely in this spa.

At first thanks to King Petar, Ribarska Banja developed significantly in recent history.

Staying at the royal spa

About 35 kilometers separates Ribarska Banja from Krusevac, about 70 from Nis, and about 220 from Belgrade. It is located at an altitude of 540 meters.

Apart from the thermal springs, whose healing properties many are convinced of, it is also known as an "air spa" thanks to the clean mountain air coming from Veliki Jastrebac, on whose slopes the spa is located.

At the Special Hospital for Rehabilitation Ribarska Banja, patients with degenerative or diseases of the bone and joint systems recover successfully. The healing waters of this spa also help repair orthopedic injuries, and have a positive effect on the general condition of the body.

Since it is also an air spa, it helps people who suffer from respiratory problems.

The hottest source of sulfur medicinal water, out of a total of six that exist in Ribarska Banja, reaches the temperature of 42 degrees centigrade. The water in the coldest is about 16 degrees, and that water is also suitable for drinking. The average temperature in other spa springs ranges from 25 to 37 degrees.

In addition to the use of the pool, visitors can also enjoy a salt room, a gym and a steam bathhouse, but also the spa cetner  that offers various forms of therapy and other services.

(Telegraf.rs)