Vodice: Springs, Landscape and Cultural History

• Vodice lies at the transition from Šumadija to the central Pomoravlje.
• Pera Todorović’s birth house is protected as a cultural monument.
• The higher-lying southwestern part extends parallel to the Jasenica at an elevation of 120 to 203 metres.
• An area with mineralised acidic waters in the south of the municipality is considered a special natural asset.

The higher-lying southwestern part of Vodice forms the outermost foothills of the Rudnik Mountains and extends parallel to the Jasenica River. Below the last houses are the river’s terraces and floodplain. The hillside, river and lower-lying floodplain are therefore concrete geographical features of the place; the elevation of 120 to 203 metres describes the southwestern part, not all of Vodice.

In the south of the municipality, the spring area of the mineralised acidic waters of Vidovača, Vodička kisela voda and Cerovačka kisela voda is considered a special natural asset. A historical ethnographic account locates the Izvor Vodice spring in the village centre and traces the place’s name to it. An ethnographic account from 1923 locates Zdravkovac in the lower part of Vodice. One of the two springs with acidic water mentioned in Vodice is in Kaluđerica.

Pera Todorović’s birth house was built around the middle of the 19th century, close to the village centre. It is protected as a cultural monument and has memorial significance associated with Todorović. In the second half of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century, he was a well-known figure in Serbia’s social, political and cultural life.

Between 2008 and 2017, the house was partially restored by the Association of Journalists of Serbia, the Municipality of Smederevska Palanka and the local heritage association “Vidovacha.” The aim was to preserve the building and convert it into a museum of the press and journalism. The planned museum focus complements the memorial connection to Todorović with the history of the press and journalism. This gives you a specific historic building with a clear cultural connection to consider.

According to local tradition in Vodice, Vidovača is described as a medieval monastery and is said to have been endowed by Serbian Prince Lazar. According to local tradition, people from the surrounding area came to the spring of Vidova svetinja, also called Vidova voda, on Fridays and Sundays. The Vidovača spring in Vodice dates from 1908. These names and traditions give the springs a distinct connection to local history and religion.

If you are looking for hotels in Vodice, consider whether the character of the place suits your travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Udovice, Smederevska Palanka, Krnjevo, Markovac, Smederevo, Velika Plana.

Why is Pera Todorović’s birth house significant?

It is protected as a cultural monument and commemorates Pera Todorović, a well-known figure in Serbian social, political and cultural life.

What characterises the southwestern part of Vodice?

It lies at an elevation of 120 to 203 metres, extends parallel to the Jasenica and forms the outermost foothills of the Rudnik Mountains.

What do local traditions say about the springs?

In local tradition, Vidovača is considered a medieval monastery and a possible endowment of Prince Lazar. According to tradition, people from the surrounding area came to Vidova svetinja, or Vidova voda, on Fridays and Sundays.

For the broader travel overview: Podunavlje District.