I have already written about the beauties of the Mlava river valley, but it is so interesting, diverse, and unique that it cannot fit everything in one post, not even in a hundred of them. I have also already mentioned that Eastern Serbia belongs to the transitional type of karst, which is great for modeling rare and interesting forms of relief, which in combination with greenery create unreal natural beauties. There is no peace like in nature, so there are many monasteries in the valley of this beautiful river. This time I take you to the source of the river Mlava - as we call Vrelo Mlave and to the remains of a 14th century Blagoveštenje Monastery.
This spring is one of the most beautiful in Serbia. The amazing emerald color is what is the most striking feature of this karst spring. The color comes from the greenery of the Beljanica mountain, which in the form of an amphitheater encircles the spring, as well as great depths.
The depth of the spring is still unknown. The diving team reached an incredible 72 meters in 2008, but due to strong currents, they could not go further. The lake you see in the picture is actually a submerged sinkhole.
It is interesting that the water temperature varies from 7 to 11 degrees Celsius. Simply, the water comes from great depths and does not heat up even during hot summer days. So, there is no swimming here. Only trout enjoy this cold water, which is also a specialty of the nearby restaurant.
Immediately after the circular source of the Mlava, the bottom of the river is rocky, so the color changes in accordance with the background. The river continues its course to the north, winding towards the Danube. Mlava means unrest, due to its restless flow, but it is amazing how much the banks of this river cause the opposite feeling. Her water hypnotizes. This is one of the reasons why there are many monasteries in its valley.
This is a natural reason, but there is also a historical reason why it is so. Namely, after the death of Tsar Dušan, the Mlava basin was ruled by the landowner Radič Branković, who wanted to become independent. In order to consolidate power and preserve the unity of the country, Knez Lazar built monasteries on this place.
The most famous is the monastery Gornjak, but the most interesting to me is the Monastery of the Annunciation, ie the remains of the monastery that are tucked into the rocks of Vukan Mountain. The remains of the monastery date from the 14th century, ie from the reign of Stefan Lazarević, the son of Knez Lazar.
The monastery is located right next to the asphalt road, but on a big curve, so you only need a little concentration not to miss the only parking space nearby.
The remains of the monastery look miraculous, and the monastery was especially interesting to the children.
I hope you enjoyed another trip through the Mlava river valley. We often organize family trips there.
I will soon take you near the mouth of this interesting river, which is also very interesting in cultural terms.
Until next time
Lots of love,
Snežana