Araca used to be on path of crusaders and silk: Today it stands lonely watching over Vojvodina's golden fields

Photo: Ivan Strahinic

Araca, the ruins of a medieval Romanesque church that has been declared a cultural asset of great importance in Serbia, is located 12 kilometers from Novi Becej, in the fertile plain of the province of Vojvodina.

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It was built around 1230, looted and destroyed five decades later, and rebuilt in 1370 on the order of Queen Jelisaveta Kotromanic of Anjou.

In the 15th century, Araca passed into the hands of Serbian Despot Stefan Lazarevic, and then to Djuradj Brankovic. A century later, the Turks left it in ruins.

In the immediate vicinity of Araca is Slano Kopovo, whose healing mud, according to legend, helped Richard the Lionheart heal his wounds.

Another legend says that there was an underground tunnel that led from Araca to a church in Novi Becej. However, that tunnel has not been found to this day.

Araca used to be on the path of silk traders and crusaders; today it is awaiting reconstruction as it stands lonely, watching over the golden fields of Vojvodina.

Photo: Ivan Strahinic

(Ona.rs)