Toplica District between Mountains, Springs and History

Mountain landscapes, warm mineral springs and a succession of historic places characterize Toplica District and offer different focal points for planning a trip. The Kopaonik mountain massif forms the western mountain boundary of Toplica. The name Toplica is associated with the large number of warm mineral springs and the spas of Prolom, Lukovska and Kuršumlijska.

A notable natural monument is Đavolja Varoš: this erosion landform has more than 200 stone pyramids. The viewpoint at Đavolja Varoš can be reached on foot via a route of approximately 900 meters. Prolom Banja lies on the southern slopes of Mount Sokolovica in a former volcanic mountain area.

Prolom Banja is also connected by an 11-kilometer asphalt road to Rudare, the Niš–Priština highway and the Niš–Kuršumlija–Kosovo Polje–Peć railway line. The Lukovska is the most important tributary of the Toplica for tourism in the local area.

Pločnik represents two different approaches to the past. The archaeological site has a rich cultural layer and evidence of continuous settlement since the beginnings of the Vinča culture. In European archaeology, Pločnik is known for its significant metallurgical finds. The Pločnik Archaeopark reconstructs a small Neolithic settlement with replicas of five houses.

Kuršumlija leads into medieval sacred history. The Monastery of Saint Nicholas in Kuršumlija was founded by Grand Župan Stefan Nemanja and was established in the seventh decade of the 12th century. Fragments of frescoes from the first half of the 13th century have been preserved in the chapel of the monastery’s south tower. The Roman name AQUARUM BASIANARUM has been passed down in Kuršumlijska Banja.

In Prokuplje, the Church of Saint Procopius was built at the foot of Hisar Hill at the end of the 9th or beginning of the 10th century. The Church of Saint Procopius in Prokuplje is considered, after the Church of Saint Peter in Ras, to be the oldest sacred building in Serbia. The traditional town celebration in honor of Saint Procopius in Prokuplje includes a program lasting several days, with liturgies, processions, sports activities, concerts, exhibitions and other cultural events. The Latin Church in Prokuplje is a single-nave building constructed between 1340 and 1360.

The more recent culture of the region includes the “Boža Ilić” art colony. The art colony has existed since 1998 and has had an international character since 2004. The Toplica Wine Route runs through picturesque landscapes with sun-drenched vineyards, a rich history and native grape varieties. Prokupac and Chardonnay are highlighted along the Toplica Wine Route.

There is a small ski lift and ski slope near Lukovska Banja; the snow cover enables recreational skiing near Lukovska Banja.

Other places in Toplica District: Prolom Banja, Lukovska Banja, Kursumlijska Banja, Barbatovac, Kuršumlija, Prokuplje, Blace, Merdare and Lukovo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Central Serbia.