Borski Okrug, or Bor District, is one of Serbia's integral self-governing areas in the country's eastern part. The territory of Borski Okrug contributes to Serbia's state borders, with Romania to the north and Bulgaria to the east. Its northern border is represented by the Danube River, which is, with its adjacent area, part of the Djerdap National Park. Djerdap is the most extensive national park in Serbia, protecting a considerable number of endangered or rare animal and plant species.[4] However, the park also protects several historical and cultural monuments, including the Lepenski Vir archeological site, with excavations dating back to the Mesolithic eras.[10] The capital city and the district's namesake, Bor, can be found in the southern part of the territory. Bor mainly developed in the 20th century, when copper ore was found in its vicinity. Today, Bor serves as a local educational and cultural hub.[3] Near the capital lies the Brestovačka area, known for its spa that features "healing waters."[6] Additionally, the Castle of Prince Alexander Karađorđević is situated in Brestovačka Banja, representing another historical and cultural landmark within the region.[8] One of the best times to visit Bor for moderate climatic conditions is in May, June, and September when average temperatures vary between 20°C and 26°C.[7]
The city of Bor and its vicinity houses several natural resources, including copper and gold ore deposits. People can find the historic Brestovačka spa in close proximity to the town—one of Serbia's oldest spas—which is alongside features such as Crni Vrh heights, Stol and Veliki and Mali Krš Mountains, the Borsko Jezero (Bor Lake), the limestones of Dubašnica region, and the Zlotka Caves of Vernjikica and Lazareva. The western part of Bor falls within the South Kučaj Mountain complex, with Dubašnica's limestone surface covering approximately 70 square kilometers. This area showcases a diverse range of surface relief formations. Rivers that trail off on the western side of Dubašnica reemerge on the eastern edge where limestone meets volcanic rocks. At an elevation of 438 meters above sea level, people can discover the Borsko Jezero, covering 30 hectares, while the Brestovačka spa, known for its "healing waters," sits at 385 meters above sea level.[6]
Not only is the aforementioned Brestovačka area notable for its spa but also for the Castle of Prince Alexander Karađorđević in Brestovačka Banja, which is one of the historically significant landmarks. Built in 1856 by Prince Alexander Karađorđević, the castle stands as an example of neo-Romanesque architecture. The two-story rectangular building combines stone for the ground floor and brick for the first floor, creating a structure reminiscent of Serbian traditional folk houses. The castle features a spacious hall, two rooms on the ground floor, a lounge with a balcony, and four bedrooms on the first floor. In front of the castle lies a courtyard and a vaulted gate. During Prince Alexander's reign, Brestovačka Banja became a center in Serbia, attracting the ruling family and other prominent individuals for relaxation and social gatherings. Reconstruction efforts began in 1969 and continued in 2007, resulting in its reopening as a museum in 2009. Today, the castle houses a permanent collection of artifacts and documents from the Karađorđević dynasty and serves as a wedding venue.[8]
The Bor District, encompassing Majdanpek and Kladovo regions, stands out as the district with the highest number of prominent archaeological sites in Serbia. One of these sites is Kladovo, hosting sites dating back to the Roman Empire, such as Diana, a fortification with valuable sculptures, and Pontes, a fortification protecting Trajan's Bridge, offering a wealth of historical treasures. These sites have garnered international attention and serve as considerable pieces of Serbia's archaeological heritage. Another site is Majdanpek, hosting Rudna Glava, a site historically significant for copper mining in Europe and elaborate altars.[9] Presumably, the best-known of these archeological landmarks is Lepenski Vir. It provides insights into the Mesolithic Iron Gates Hunter-Gatherers era and the transition to the Early Neolithic European Farmers period in the Balkans.
Radiocarbon and AMS dating suggest Lepenski Vir's chronology spans from approximately 9500/7200 to 5500 BC. During the late Lepenski Vir phase, unique trapezoidal buildings and monumental sculptures emerged due to the influence of Iron Gates Hunter-Gatherers and Early European Farmers. In today's time, the Lepenski Vir site is part of Đerdap National Park, established in 1974, and in July 2020, the park's broader area received UNESCO Global Geopark status.[10]
Borski Okrug, or Bor District, is located in the eastern corner of Serbia, neighboring Romania to the north and Bulgaria to the east. The entirety of the district's border with Serbia is formed naturally by the flow of the Danube River. Among the Danube, in the northwestern part of the district, stretches the Djerdap National Park, which is the most extensive national park in Serbia.[4] In terms of local mountains, Velika Tresta stands as the tallest summit in the Kučaj Mountains, and it also serves as the highest point within the city of Bor and the Bor District, reaching an elevation of 1,284 meters. This peak is situated at the northernmost edge of the range, specifically on the Tresta hill. Unlike the karst topography found throughout most of the Kučaj Mountains, Velika Tresta—like other higher peaks in the region—is primarily composed of crystalline schists. From an administrative perspective, Velika Tresta straddles the borders of three municipalities: Despotovac, Žagubica, and the city of Bor.[5]
In the northern part of the Bor District lies the aforementioned Djerdap National Park, the largest of its kind in Serbia, encompassing an area of approximately 63,786.48 hectares along the right bank of the Danube River. Established in 1974, Djerdap National Park is home to a considerable ecological diversity, historical significance, and a variety of natural ecosystems. Its centerpiece is the Djerdap Gorge, the longest and largest breakthrough gorge in Europe. The park protects diverse flora, with over 1,000 species and subspecies of plants, many of which are relicts. Some of the species found within the park's borders include Turkish hazel, hackberry, walnut, lilac, silver linden, field maple, and downy oak, along with unique forest and shrub communities.
Djerdap's diverse habitats also support a collection of fauna with relict species, such as deer, lynx, wolf, jackal, golden eagle, Eurasian eagle-owl, and black stork. Moreover, Djerdap's conditions have attracted human settlement throughout history, which is evident in numerous archaeological findings and cultural monuments that can be observed in the park as well.[4]
In May, June, and September, people visiting Bor District can generally expect weather conditions with average temperatures ranging between 20°C and 26°C. The warmest month in Bor is typically August, with an average maximum temperature of around 29°C, making it the hottest month of the year.
On the other hand, January tends to be the coldest month in Bor, with an average maximum temperature of approximately 3°C.
When it comes to precipitation, June typically stands as the wettest month in Bor, receiving an average of 86 millimeters of rainfall.
In contrast, August tends to be the driest month in Bor, with only around 59 millimeters of precipitation on average.[7]
Before the Roman conquest in the first century BC, the Bor region was under the domination of the Triballi, a tribal group. However, the Romans gradually weakened and subdued various Paleo-Balkan tribes. In 30 BC, Marcus Licinius Crassus, the Roman consul, defeated the Triballi-Dacian tribe called the Triballi.
In 87 AD, Emperor Domitian reorganized the region into Moesia Inferior. Evidence of Hellenistic religious influence can be seen in archaeological discoveries in places such as Rovine and Tamnič, where the worship of Heracles and findings of a relief featuring Zeus, Herakles, and Dionysos have been uncovered in Bukovo.
Furthermore, archaeological excavations in the village of Rogljevo have revealed the Roman site of Selište, along with a necropolis. Additionally, valuable silver and gold fibulae dating from 250 to 320 AD have been located at various sites in Negotin.[1]
From the fourth to the sixth centuries, the area of the city of Bor was a part of the Eastern Roman Empire, commonly referred to as Byzantium. Over time, the ownership of this region changed hands frequently.
Initially, it was conquered by the Gepids and remained under their control until it was taken over by the Bulgarians. Afterward, it once again became a part of Byzantium and later became a part of the Kingdom of Hungary.[2]
Bor's written history traces back to the 18th century when it was initially mentioned as a settlement with 58 houses. The city's transformation began in 1903 when Czech engineer Franjo Šistek discovered copper ore while searching for gold for Đorđe Weifert. Copper mining commenced, leading to considerable growth.
The Bor mine changed hands several times. It was initially under French ownership and later came under German control in February 1941. Bor eventually attained city status in May 1947, with approximately 8,000 inhabitants.
In 1961, the Mining and Smelting Basin Bor was formed through the integration of the Majdanpek copper mine. The 1960s marked industrial and urban development. New industrial capacities, mines, housing, and infrastructure emerged. Bor evolved into a hub for education, healthcare, and culture, with institutions such as the Faculty of Mining and Metallurgy and the Copper Institute established during this period.[3]
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