This calm spa town in central Serbia produces popular Knjaz Miloš mineral water. Its 19th-century Bukovička Banja park has marble sculptures and thermal springs.
Aranđelovac sits beneath the Bukulja and Venčac mountains in central Serbia's Šumadija region. You can walk among 66 abstract marble sculptures in the town's park, explore the Neolithic remains in Risovača Cave, or drink from centuries-old mineral springs. The town became a cultural center in the 18th century when Serbian intellectual Dositej Obradović frequently visited its spa facilities.
Natural Springs and Spa Treatments
The mineral springs of Aranđelovac have helped treat various ailments since the late 1700s. You'll find the Prince Miloš Pavilion, built in 1907, marking one of the earliest discovered springs. This building is among the first examples of reinforced concrete architecture in Serbia. At Bukovička Banja hospital, doctors use mineral water for hydrotherapy and rehabilitation programs.
Exploring the Marble Sculpture Park
Walk through 21.5 hectares of parkland in Bukovička Banja to see marble sculptures created during the annual "Mermer i zvuci" (Marble and Sounds) festival. The collection includes works by international artists like Lynn Chadwick and Giò Pomodoro. Paved paths lead you through flower gardens and past several mineral water springs where you can stop for a drink.
Mountains and Lakes
Climb to the Bukulja mountain observatory to see four towns spread out before you: Aranđelovac, Topola, Mladenovac, and Smederevska Palanka. Lake Garaši lies 10 kilometers from town, stretching across 65 hectares and reaching depths of 22 meters. While the lake supplies Aranđelovac's water, you can fish here or hike through the beech forests on the mountain slopes.
Prehistoric Discoveries at Risovača Cave
At the town entrance, step into Risovača Cave where Neolithic humans once lived. The Aranđelovac Museum displays tools and artifacts found in the cave. You can tour both the cave and see the permanent exhibition of archaeological findings at the museum.
Wellness Centers
The Izvor hotel complex maintains ten mineral water pools spanning over 1,000 square meters. Modern filtration systems keep the natural mineral content intact. You'll find several other hotels and guesthouses throughout town.
Historical Site of Orašac
Visit the village of Orašac near Aranđelovac to see where Đorđe Petrović Karađorđe led the First Serbian Uprising in February 1804. This rebellion marked the beginning of Serbia's fight against Ottoman rule. A memorial complex now stands at the site.
