Natural Monument Đavolja Varoš (Devil's town), located near Kuršumlija, represents the most beautiful picture of Serbian tourism, since it’s last year nomination for the Seven Wonders of Nature. Although not able to enter to the first seven list, Đavolja Varoš was supported by the public in Serbia, was the favorite in the Balkans, and the visit to this destination was the highest in the last 20 years.  
From the moment it became Serbian candidate for the Seven World Wonders of Nature this destination visited about 60,000 tourists in the past three decades there were more than 3,000 visitors. At the end, it was placed among the 77 qualified candidates, although from the beginning it held first place in caves, rock formations and valleys. Anyone who has once visited Đavolja Varoš will wish to return and again enjoy the rare sight clay figures, surrounded by forested hills and mountains and a fraction of the industrious and mystical nature which leaves every visitor breathless.  
Clay towers are 15 to 25 meters high, and have stone caps on top. There are 202 pieces and while some of them are disappearing, new ones are forming. They are located in two ravines, Đavolja (Devil's) and Paklena (Hell’s).

The destination is also known, for two sources of highly acidic water with high mineralization. "Devil's water” is located near the clay pyramids. Đavolja Varoš was formed by centuries of soil erosion, but many legends about this natural phenomenon also contributed to mystification of that place. An ethnic restaurant was built so that the visitors can enjoy ethno music, local food and "Prolom” water. Also, there is the gallery within the photo colony. Fotokolonija (photo colony) is unique manifestation of its kind in Serbia and Europe, that brings together photo artists from the country and the world, who photographed Đavolja Varoš. At the entrance to Đavolja Varoš, a wide variety of souvenirs with motifs of the locality can be bought.
Đavolja Varoš recently got illumination for night visits, and the first tourists interested in the night visits and camping were announced in March this year. The whole pedestrian path to Đavolja Varoš was Illuminated, a length of 1150 meters, with mining pane, red hot spring and earth pyramids. These are eight types of lights of different colors, which reflect light and produce 21 effects. The tourist company "Planinka" emphasize that this investment is of great importance to this site since the late-night visits should significantly increase number of visitors, and could even be doubled.

  Legends

Strangely sculpted clay figures, wildlife, a strange tasting and smelling water, mystery created by the sound effects when the wind blows influenced the local population to name the site Đavolja Varoš (the Devil's town). Many legends were told to explain the creation of Đavolja Varoš, and the most famous is the one that says that figures represents petrified wedding party that followed brother’s and sister’s wedding. Local fairy, according to legend, tried to prevent devil's plan, and she still protects this area. Fairy failed to reason with wedding party, so they continued jurney to the church. She then began to pray to God that in some way he prevents this sacrilege. God heard her request, connected heaven with earth, strong, cold wind started to blow and petrified wedding party with the newlyweds.

Natural monument

The site was placed under state protection in 1959, and in 1995 Serbian government declared it a natural resource of great importance and placed it in the first category of protection-a monument of nature. An area of 67 hectares is protected. Currently, the Government of Serbia has the request for the protection of 1014 hectares.
In Europe there are similar occurrences in the Alps, with both sides of the saddle Brener in Austria and Italy, near Bolzano, and also in Valerien, in the province of Haute-Savoie, France. The famous "Garden of the gods" is located in America. Đavolja Varoš has more towers, with larger dimensions and much more stable.

Road to Đavolja Varoš

Monument of Nature "Đavolja Varoš " is located in the south Serbian district of village Đake, 27 kilometers southeast of Kuršumlija, 89 kilometers southwest of Niš, and 288 kilometers from Belgrade. Road from the entrance of Đavolja Varoš to the site of devil’s pyramids is 900 meters long.

What to see

Visit to Đavolja Varoš should be used for touring this part of Serbia and Kuršumlija. There are three spas in the municipality of Kuršumlija - Prolom, Lukovska and Kuršumlijska spa, and all three are known for their natural beauty and medicinal properties, ideal for rest, recreation and treatment.  
Tourist Organization of Kuršumlija organizes many events during the year – gusle (local string instrument) night that is held in the city since the end of the '70s, with the participation of famous gusle artists from all over the country, "Miss Prolom spa" - held in July and August, the "Golden Voice of Prolom Spa"- organized in September," Golden Flute of Prolom spa "- in July." Vidovdan Prolom spa days "- organized at Lazarica Church in Prolom spa on Vidovdan Day, 28. June.
Every year in April, on Lazar’s Saturday traditional cross is held from Lukovska spa to Treska, and using the map, girls and men should go 16 kilometers and 26 kilometers respectively and return to starting position. The event "chase the wolf" is held in February, with the participation of 350 to 500 hunters from across the country. After the hunt dinner is organized with the song and friendship.
If the tourists are in the mood for walking and hiking, Đavolja Varoš can be reached by foot from Prolom spa, with the so-called "path of health”, through Prolomske Mountains, in the length of 9 kilometers and two hours walk.

By Snezana Dragas, journalist, Beta Agency