Bela Crkva lakes, meer in Servië
Bela Crkva lakes are a group of six large and several smaller artificial lakes near the town of Bela Crkva, formed by gravel extraction over a century ago. The largest lake sits close to town with paved beaches and walkways, while others like Vracevgaj offer campsites and pebbly shores, with smaller lakes used mainly for fishing or quiet relaxation by the water.
Gravel extraction began in 1904, creating deep pits that filled with rainwater and groundwater to form the lakes. Early extraction relied on hand labor and horses, but after World War Two machines took over the work, with gravel used for road construction and river embankment reinforcement.
The lakes take their name from a small white church located on an island, visible from the shore and symbolizing the connection between the community and this natural landscape. Local traditions and stories are intertwined with the lakes, making them an important part of the region's cultural identity and lifestyle.
The lakes are easy to reach by car, bus, or taxi, about half an hour from Vršac or less than two hours from Belgrade. Summer months bring diving and sailing schools for lessons, while nearby beaches, campsites, cafes, and sports courts provide various options for activities and meals during your visit.
A legendary catfish called Besi was caught in the main lake in 1957 weighing around 150 pounds, and another large specimen was reported in 1988. This led to an annual fishing tournament called Hunt on Besi where anglers compete to catch this famous fish, which has grown even larger over the years.
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