Ovčar Banja
| Ovčar Banja Овчар Бања | |
|---|---|
| Village | |
 | |
  Ovčar Banja | |
| Coordinates: 43°53′N 20°11′E / 43.883°N 20.183°E | |
| Country |
 Serbia |
| District | Moravica District |
| Municipality | Čačak |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 122 |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Historical population | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1948 | 185 | — |
| 1953 | 241 | +30.3% |
| 1961 | 310 | +28.6% |
| 1971 | 191 | −38.4% |
| 1981 | 203 | +6.3% |
| 1991 | 184 | −9.4% |
| 2002 | 168 | −8.7% |
| 2011 | 122 | −27.4% |
| Source: [1] | ||
Ovčar Banja (Serbian: Овчар Бања) is a village in the City of Čačak, central Serbia. It is located near the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge in the valley of the West Morava, known as the "Serbian Mount Athos" because of the numerous monasteries situated in this area. The monastieres of Vavedenje, Nikolje, Jovanje, Preobrazenje, Sretenje, Svete Trojice, Blagovestenje, Uspenije, Vaznesenje and Ilinje have existed in this gorge for centuries. The church of St. Sava and the cave church Kadjenica are also situated in this region. According to the 2011 census, it had a population of 122.
Geography
Hydrogeological researches were insufficient, though they were conducted in two periods, 1978-83 and 1989-92. It was concluded that the spa area represents a complex, discontinuous water-bearing terrain. The terrain itself is the tectonically damaged and karstificated limestone from the Middle Triassic. The land was drilled up to 50 m (160 ft), where the hot water of 58 °C (136 °F) was discovered. There is also an unusual hot spring in the bed of the West Morava itself which noticeably warms the river's waters in the spring area. First expert medical opinion on the healing properties of the hot mineral springs in the area and the chemical composition of the thermal waters dates from 1856. That year, dr Emmerich P. Lindenmayer, chief of the Serbian Army Medical Corps, handed over a report on the spa to the government.[2]
History
In the medieval Serbia, Ovčar Banja was the largest and the best known spa. Later, Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi visited the spa in 1664 and wrote: In the vicinity of this settlement in the mountains rich with trees, there are baths. Even during the times of the Christian kings, on this healing waters magnificent high domes were built, a large pool, numerous coolers, large living rooms and dressing rooms. Yearly, in the watermelon season, 40,000 to 50,000 souls gather, the fairs are being held and the trade is blooming. As the water of these spas is very hot, a cold water is being added to it.[2]
On 29 December 2011, the Government of Serbia declared Ovčar Banja as the 28th official spa in Serbia. Designated area covers 867 ha (2,140 acres) on the territories of the City of Čačak and the Municipality of Lučani.[2]
Characteristics
The spring produces 30 l (6.6 imp gal; 7.9 US gal) of hot thermal mineral water, heated from 35 to 37.8 °C (95.0 to 100.0 °F). It is beneficial for the rheumatic diseases, spondylosis, arthrosis and bone fractures. The spa bath, which was renovated in 2011, consists of two pools and the hot water is transported to the bath by pipes over the outflow canal of the "Ovčar Banja" hydroelectric power plant.[2]
References
- ↑ Comparative overview of the number of population in 1948, 1953, 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991, 2002 and 2011 – Data by settlements, page 29. Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, Belgrade. 2014. ISBN 978-86-6161-109-4.
- 1 2 3 4 Gvozden Otašević (January 2012), "Ovčar Banja dobila zvanje", Politika (in Serbian)
Coordinates: 43°53′N 20°11′E / 43.883°N 20.183°E
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