Josanica Banja Spa
Jošanica banja Spa is health and spa resort of Serbia, at the foot of Kopaonik Mountain-National Park, in the territory of Raska Municipality in Central Serbia, in the valley of the Josanica and Samokovka rivers. The Josanica Banja Spa – Jošanička banja is known as the “Gate to the Kopaonik”and the Air spa in Central Serbia with multiple years reputation in improvement of health thanks to its five thermal healing springs. The curative springs of the Josanica Banja Spa belong to the hyper thermal waters with the main spring of the capacity of 7 liters-second, and the temperature of 78,5′ C. The curative springs of Josanica Banja Spa are the rare in Serbia with the radioactive characteristics and can be used for healing of rheumatic diseases, sterility and skin illnesses. Besides, the curative waters of the Josanica Banja Spa are recommended for healing of the secondary diseases caused by injuries and-or in post-operative treatments. In the center of the Josanica Banja Spa, on the spot of the former popular sabor – assembly of locals that was traditionally held here and especially for the celebration of the Ascension of the Holy Virgin Christian festivity, which gathered numerous locals who danced the kolo dance for the whole day, there is nicely appointed spa complex of open and indoor pools with comfortable amenities for usage of thermal healing waters. The Josanica Banja Spa complex includes several facilities for usage of thermal waters and treatments like the thermal baths, a sauna, and beds for massage and health examination. The Spa Center is encircled with lovely arranged walking paths with greenery and flowers and a children playground. The Josanica Banja Spa complex contains the spa bath and the old Turkish bath constructed and opened in 1935 where patients and visitors use health services in the indoor pool with usage of the Jacuzzi bath, a sauna and massage services. Just next to it are lazy chairs, benches and dressing room. Visitors of the Josanica Banja Spa have the special privilege to enjoy in night baths in the hot thermal waters of the open pool that provide option for bathing in the winter time when this area is covered with snow….
The surroundings of the Josanica Banja Spa is characterized with well-preserved natural environment and wonderfully clean mountain air with well-marked hiking and cycling trails which lead to the nearby sights and places of interest and excursion – the observation point of Borje and the lakes of Borjak and Comage and the hunting cabin, from where spreads view to the Kopaonik Mountain. Those trails go through fragrant pine forests and along the vast meadows, and are equipped with benches and tables so that visitors and picnickers can truly enjoy in benefits of clean air and protected nature surrounding the Josanica Banja Spa! The orange trail shows the lenght of 1,5 km and marks the drinking water in close proximity. The offer of authentic products of Josanica Banja Spa include various healthy products from nature and local production which make excellent souvenir to remember Josanica Banja Spa – cheese, kaymak, forest and meadow natural honey, teas, herbs, slatko – fruit jelly and jams prepared from forest and natural fruits, veal, lamb and pig bacon, homemade sausage, dried forest fruits, dried mushrooms, nuts, hazelnut, corn flour…..
In immediate vicinity of the Josanica Banja Spa complex, on the banks of the Josanica River, there is the Monument and the Memorial Room of Milunka Savic – the highly respected and celebrated Serbian heroine and the sergeant of the Iron Regiment – Gvozdeni puk, who is the most decorated participant of the Balkan War, and the First WW. By her courageness, dedication and sacrifices, heroine Milunka Savic marked the dramatic historical period of liberation of Serbia and is the only women awarded with the French War Cross with the golden palm. The Memorial room of Milunka Savic in Josanica Banja Spa is arranged with photos of this heroine commemorating battles and wounds and numerous medals from battles she took part – the Kolubara and Kajmakchalan battles, the Salonica Front, among which is the Medal of Karadjordje’s Star and other. Milunka Savić died in Belgrade on the 5 October 1973 and was buried in the family tomb in the New Graveyard of Belgrade. Earthen remains of heroin Milunka Savić were transferred on the 10th November 2013 to the Alley of Distinguished Citizens in the New Graveyard of Belgrade. The Memorial room of Milunka Savić in Josanica Banja Spa organizes lectures for children and youth as well as presentations of the Book of Milutin, the cult book of the Serbian literature by Danko Popovic. The Book on Milutin provides the tragic story to the imagined listener about the Sumadija peasant, host and soldier as the memory of the former warrior from the Kustunici village. The Book of Milutin contains the history of the Serbs from the Sarajevo assassination of Prince Ferdinand until several years after the Second World War, which refers to the thoughts of the Serbian soldier that consider both the war winners and losers – the losers.
