Vrandol: Sultans Trail, village history and regional cuisine

• Vrandol is at kilometre 20.8 of stage ST-421; the Sićevo–Bela Palanka route is 31.2 kilometres long.
• The village lies between Padine to the east and Vrtopa to the west.
• Vrandol is part of the northern section of the Bela Palanka wine-growing sub-region.

The Sultans Trail is an international long-distance hiking route from Vienna to Istanbul. Vrandol is at kilometre 20.8 of stage ST-421 from Sićevo to Bela Palanka; the entire stage is 31.2 kilometres long. The ST-421a stage between the same places is also listed as 31.2 kilometres, with a duration of 11:23 hours. This hike is considered challenging, passes through hilly terrain and is mostly downhill. The kilometre marker on ST-421 locates the village; the duration and terrain of ST-421a help put the time required for this challenging hike into perspective.

The two valleys of Padine to the east and Vrtopa to the west frame Vrandol’s location. The village also has areas at different elevations: the lower, inhabited part is on the right-bank Nišava terrace of Igrišta, at an elevation of 315 to 317 metres. The houses in the higher part of the village reach up to 360 metres and lie along the contact zone between the Neogene hills and the limestone slopes of rinjska površ. The elevation figures therefore describe different parts of the village, not one uniform location.

The road through Vrandol climbs uphill. As you gain elevation, views open up to the south of Suva planina, Divna gorica, Trem and Sokolov kamen. A local gravel road connects Vrandol and Draževo on the right bank of the Nišava. The landscape is therefore shaped both by the two valleys and by the contrast between the lower and higher parts of the village.

At the Gradac archaeological site, which lies at the former settlement site of Staro Selo, remains of Roman material culture have been found. In 1916, a church site dedicated to Saint George was excavated in Vrandol. A second church site at Klimenta was dedicated by the local population to the Archangel. These places and dedications reflect different historical and religious connections in the village’s history.

A votive cross called Obrok Krst was erected at Vrh and is associated with Đurđevdan. Đurđevdan is also Vrandol’s village Zavetina. For those interested in cultural history, archaeological remains, church dedications and local religious traditions can all be found here.

The Belopalanačka vrtka pepper variety thrives only in the Bela Palanka area, particularly in the village of Vrandol, thanks to the distinctive microclimate and soil. It is used in traditional dishes such as sukana banica and ajvar. Stuffed peppers are also made with it, in both meatless and meat-filled versions. The speciality pretopenica is prepared with leeks and beans. The regional pepper variety is thus used in a range of different dishes.

Country house Vuksanović offers barbecue facilities and a sun terrace; confirm these amenities before your trip rather than relying on them without checking.

Discover more destinations: Zaskovci, Pirot, Izvor and Dimitrovgrad.

At which kilometre of stage ST-421 is Vrandol?

Vrandol is at kilometre 20.8 of the 31.2-kilometre ST-421 stage from Sićevo to Bela Palanka.

How is the ST-421a hike described?

The 31.2-kilometre stage is listed as taking 11:23 hours. It is considered challenging, passes through hilly terrain and is mostly downhill.

What dishes are made with Belopalanačka vrtka?

The pepper variety is used, among other things, for sukana banica, ajvar and stuffed peppers. Pretopenica with leeks and beans is another dish.

What is the connection between Đurđevdan and Vrandol?

Đurđevdan is associated with the votive cross Obrok Krst at Vrh and is also Vrandol’s village Zavetina.

Go to the main travel overview: Pirot District.