Serbia's longest cave is located in a village near Bor: It was named after the horsemen of a Serbian prince

Photo: Ivan Strahinic

In the valley of the Zlot River, at the foot of Mt. Malinik, is Zlot, the largest village settlement in the vicinity of the town of Bor.

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The Zlot caves are located near the village, in the territory of the Lazar's Canyon natural monument. Out of those, of special importance and Serbia's longest is Lazar's cave.

According to legend, the canyon, and then the cave were named after the horsemen of Prince Lazar who came to this part of Serbia after the Battle of Maritsa, and stayed there for a while.

On the other hand, the origin of the name of the village of Zlot is still unclear.

While some believe that the village was named after the currency used in Poland, others believe that it has to do with the river that has a golden reflection (Serbian word for gold is, "zlato"). Another opinion is that the name of the village has to do with a gold mine that was once, again according to legend, located in this area.

Lazar's Canyon is marked by a complex of limestone valleys, as well as a great wealth of flora and fauna. There are more than 700 plant species in this area, including some that are quite rare, such as Crimean pine, Serbian ramonda, and yew trees.

Photo: Ivan Strahinic

(Ona.rs)