Sokobanja

Sokobanja (Serbian Cyrillic: Сокобања, pronounced [sɔ̂kɔbaɲa]) is a spa town and municipality situated in eastern Serbia. In 2011 the population of the Sokobanja town is 7,972, while population of the whole municipality is 15,981.

Sokobanja is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Serbia. It is situated in the southern part of Sokobanja valley, surrounded by mountains Ozren, Devica, Janior, Rtanj and Bukovik. The Moravica River runs through Sokobanja. It creates a canyon just 2 km before entering the town. Remains of the Roman and later medieval Serbian fortress Sokograd stand today near the canyon of Moravica. Lake Bovan is situated some 10 minutes of drive to the west of Sokobanja. It is especially popular among fishermen. Special hospital for lung diseases is situated on Ozren mountain. Town center of Sokobanja is home to the 16th-century Turkish baths and 19th-century buildings of elementary school, Milošev konak and Serbian Orthodox church.

Soko Grad (Соко Град), also known as Sokolac, was a medieval city and fortress 2 km east of Sokobanja. The fortress was declared a Monument of Culture of Great Importance in 1982, and it is protected by Republic of Serbia. The fortress was founded in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, to prevent incursions of Pannonian Avars and Slavs into the Balkan peninsula. In 1172, it was occupied by Stefan Nemanja and became part of the medieval Serbian state. The Ottoman Empire occupied it in 1398. The town was destroyed by the Ottomans during a conflict, and today the only visible remains of the upper town are the gate, walls, and three towers.