Đavolja Varoš

Đavolja Varoš (Serbian Cyrillic: Ђавоља варош, lit. "Devil's Town") is a special rock formation in southern Serbia. It is on the Radan Mountain, near the town of Kuršumlija.

This place has about 200 tall, narrow shapes made from earth, often called "towers".

These towers are interesting because they are some of the most numerous and tallest in the world. Many people visit Đavolja Varoš to see these natural wonders. The tall earth pyramids make it a unique and popular spot for nature lovers and tourists.

Location

Đavolja Varoš is about 30 kilometres southeast of Kuršumlija. It sits on the southwestern slopes of Radan mountain, near the village of Đake.

Geology

Đavolja Varoš has 202 special rock shapes called earth pyramids or "towers." These towers are between 2 and 15 meters tall and 4 to 6 meters wide at the base. They were formed by strong erosion of soil from a place with lots of volcanic activity millions of years ago. Most towers have a hard top made of andesite, which helps protect them.

The area around these towers is surrounded by thick beech forest. The ground under the towers is called The Hell gully. Long ago, miners came from Saxony to work there, digging for metals like iron, copper, and aluminum. There is also a natural spring with mineral-rich water.

Folklore

The Radan Mountain region, where Đavolja Varoš is located, has many interesting folk tales. One story says the mountain is a magical home for fairies. The people nearby are hardworking and kind. The devil, upset by this peace, sent a big storm with lightning and landslides. After the storm, the devil enchanted a water well. Anyone who drank from it would lose their senses.

In another tale, a brother and sister fell in love under the devil's spell. 200 people gathered for their wedding. Fairies asked God to stop the wedding. A bright light turned the forest and wedding guests into rocks. People believe that taking rocks from this place will turn a person into stone too.

There are also stories about a witch who lived on the mountain. She would help people but asked for something in return. Those who tried to avoid her were turned into stone and hidden under the rock towers. On a special night with many stars and a bright moon, a red sun will appear and melt the towers, freeing those trapped inside.

Other tales speak of hidden mines where old miners are said to still work, and a church built by someone who was healed after seeing a holy vision in the forest. The church has special traditions involving lucky stones and cloth tied to trees for wishes of healing.

Protection

Since 1959, Đavolja Varoš has been protected by the state. In 1995, the Serbian Government named it a major natural monument. It was also a nominee in the New Seven Wonders of Nature campaign.

About 50,000 visitors come each year, but there are not many tourist facilities yet. There are two restaurants nearby, named "Đavolja Varoš" and "Dva Ambara". Just before the rock formation stands a small wooden church dedicated to Saint Petka, built where an older church once stood.