Bela Crkva lakes (Serbian: Белоцркванска језера, Belocrkvanska jezera) is a group of six artificial lakes near the town of Bela Crkva, in the southern Banat region in Serbian province of Vojvodina. The lakes emerged as result of gravel exploitation, and the pits were subsequently filled with underground waters. With clean and unpolluted water suitable for bathing, they are a popular destination, and a small tourist resort.
The lakes occupy the total area of 150 hectares (370 acres).[1] There are six lakes, with various levels of urbanization:[2]
Exploitation of gravel in the area started in 1904. First, it was dug out manually and transported by horse carts, and later the process was taken over by excavators and railway transport. The gravel was used for roads and river embankments.[3] Abandoned pits were filled by underground waters, creating the lakes. Gravel is still excavated only on the New lake.