The Mystery called Rtanj
Rtanj Mountain is known for its pyramid shape. It can be seen from all directions. Its peaky top can be seen from all mountains in Sumadija (Central Serbia). When the weather is sunny and clear it can be seen in its foggy distance even from Avala, a mountain in Serbia, overlooking Belgrade.
A mere pyramid-shape mountain, an extinguished volcano, a mystical tomb of ancient deities or just one of the planetary stations where spaceships land? It is hard to say. Still, since the beginning of time, this magical mountain has attracted and inspired but also frightened people.
There have always been stories and legends about Rtanj Mountain. There are stories about mysterious blazing balls rolling down from the mountain peak. There are stories about accidents which have never been explained or accounted for. Then, there is a story about a mysterious whistle of its wind; about the strange temperature changes in the mountain and creepy stories about the mountain’s abysses and bottomless pits.
Nowadays, a growing number of mountaineers visit Rtanj Mountain any time of the year. They come from all over Serbia and climb the top regardless of the rain, mud, fog, snow, cold or wolves that also live there. Besides the mountaineers, Rtanj is also visited by cyclists for whom this mountain is a real challenge. Since recently the mountain has been frequented by paragliders, too.
Lozica Monastery
Lozica Monastery is situated at the foot of Rtanj, on the left side from Zajecar-Paracin regional route, about 3km from the village of Krivi Vir.
Today it acts as a parish church of Krivi Vir village, although it is rather far away from the settlement itself. It is assumed that it was built in the 14thC or 15thC. It is dedicated to St Archangel Gabriel. The Monastery was first rebuilt in 1680 and after that in 1850 and has been active since 1854. There are no written documents regarding its origins.
Today, there is a porch built beside the church. A billet is also planned to be built in the future. Near the church there is a powerful water spring which makes the already wonderful place even more beautiful. Since 1980 Lozica Monastery has become a site protected under law.
