Information
Landmark: Devil's Town (Kuršumlija)City: Nis
Country: Serbia
Continent: Europe
Devil's Town (Kuršumlija), Nis, Serbia, Europe
Overview
Near the town of Kuršumlija in southern Serbia, Devil’s Town (Đavolja Varoš) rises from the earth-a striking maze of stone pillars and red soil that ranks among the country’s most remarkable natural wonders.Rising like strange stone towers, these so‑called “earth pyramids” have drawn travelers for centuries with their eerie shapes and the whispered legends that cling to them.It was once nominated for the New Seven Wonders of Nature and now stands protected as a natural monument, its cliffs catching the first light of dawn.Devil’s Town is home to about 200 striking earth pyramids, each rising between 2 and 15 meters high and capped with heavy stones that shield the softer clay beneath from wind and rain.Shaped over millions of years by volcanic forces, then sculpted further by water, air, and dramatic swings in temperature, these mineral-rich pillars continue to shift and change.Nearby, two springs-Devil’s Water and the rust-colored Red Spring-add a quiet, eerie note to the rugged landscape.These springs hold water so acidic it can eat through metal, with a pH dipping to 1.5, and minerals so dense they stain it a deep, rusty red.Local legend whispers that the towering rock pillars are the stone-turned bodies of wedding guests, struck down by a divine curse.According to the legend, a brother and sister-unaware they were kin-stood at the altar, ready to wed.The townspeople gathered to celebrate, but the curse froze them into stone; nearby, jagged pillars and the sharp, sulfurous scent from the springs stirred talk of dark forces, giving rise to the name “Devil’s Town” (Đavolja Varoš), whose eerie legends match its otherworldly landscape and acrid air.Known as one of the world’s rarest hoodoo formations-more common in dry, windswept places-it stands amid oak and pine forests alive with birdsong and is protected under Serbian law, about 27 kilometers south of Kuršumlija near the village of Đake.You can reach the site easily by road, following clear signs that point the way.Once there, neat walking paths wind past viewing platforms and helpful information boards, and the visitor center offers friendly guides, engaging exhibits, and stories about the area’s geology and local legends.The rock formations are open all year, though spring and autumn bring mild breezes and bursts of color that make them especially stunning.You can also join a guided tour, spread out a picnic, or capture the scenery through your camera lens.The springs burst with vivid color, drawing photographers eager to catch the shimmer of red and gold in the water; too acidic to drink, their strange mineral mix intrigues scientists and travelers alike, and Devil’s Town-once a finalist for the New Seven Wonders of Nature-charms visitors with wind that whistles eerily through its rock spires, a sound locals say belongs to devils, making it a must-visit for nature lovers, geology buffs, and anyone chasing the thrill of the uncanny.With its sheer cliffs, striking rock formations, and legends whispered for centuries, it stands as one of Serbia’s most unforgettable landmarks.You might wander among eerie rock towers, pause to take in the brilliant blues and reds of the springs, or lose yourself in whispered local legends-whatever path you take, Devil’s Town feels like nowhere else.
