Bela Crkva lakes

Coordinates: 44°53′41″N 21°24′30″E / 44.894644°N 21.408226°E / 44.894644; 21.408226

Vračev Gaj lake

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 the Serbian province of Vojvodina. Deep pits emerged as a result of gravel exploitation, and were subsequently filled by aquifers and rainfall. With clean and unpolluted water suitable for bathing, they are a popular travel destination.

Map of Bela Crkva lakes

The lakes occupy the total area of 150 hectares (370 acres).^[1] There are six lakes:^[2]

• The Main lake (Glavno jezero) is situated closest to the town centre. It is the best equipped, and has several pebbly beaches, restaurants and paved paths.
• Vračev Gaj lake (Vračevgajsko jezero) lies further down the road towards the village of Vračev Gaj. It has a camp site, with some bungalows, and a pebbly beach.
• Gravel pit (Šljunkara) is the largest lake, with a large beach and an island.
• Carp lake (Šaransko jezero) is not developed, and is a good destination for fishing.
• New lake (Novo jezero) is the farthest from the town.
• Small lake (Malo jezero)

Exploitation of gravel in the area started in 1904. First, it was dug out manually and transported by horse carts, and then the process was taken over by excavators and railway transport. The gravel was used for roads and river embankments.^[3] Gravel is still excavated only on the New lake.

References

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