A popular picnic spot near Belgrade - Kosmaj mountain

About 50 km from Belgrade there is a popular excursion destination - Kosmaj mountain. At 626 meters above sea level, Kosmaj is the second-lowest mountain in Serbia after Avala. The easiest way to get to Kosmaj is from Belgrade, on the highway to Nis, following the exit for Mladenovac. Somewhat more exciting and interesting is the old road that leads us through Banjica, Jajinci, and Avala forest right next to Avala.

Kosmaj Belgrade

Kosmaj is a word derived from one Celtic word cos (forest) and the pre-Indo-European word Maj (mountain). However, the Romans adapted Kosmaj to mythology because it was given the meaning of the casa Maiac - the habitat of the goddess Maya. Also, during the Romans, Kosmaj was considered an important mining site, and there are some data that iron ore was mined on Kosmaj even before the Roman era.

Characteristics of Kosmaj mountain

Kosmaj has three peaks: Mali, Goli, and Rutavi. The main ridge of Kosmaj is crescent-shaped and stretches in the southwest-northeast direction. Although it is a low mountain, concerning the low Sumadija that surrounds it, it stands out with its appearance, like an island rising from the sea.

The entire landscape of Kosmaj is covered with dense vegetation. The steeper side of the mountain is overgrown with forest (mostly beech and oak, and in some places coniferous). Milder slopes are under grassy vegetation, while at the very foot there are field orchards. The glades stretch along the plateau.

Kosmaj mountain

source: wikipedia.org

Kosmaj also has wildlife that is important for hunting tourism. Rabbits, deer, pheasants, partridges, foxes, and quails can be found on Kosmaj, and wolves used to walk through Kosmaj a long time ago. Unfortunately, with the expansion of urban areas, Kosmaj wolves disappeared.

The great natural resources of the Kosmaj mountain are almost untouched. This is probably the case because there are not too many catering facilities on Kosmaj itself, which will guarantee you peace if you decide to go on a trip to Kosmaj. According to the data obtained from the Ecological Society Kosmaj, as many as 95 sources of drinking water are present in the mountains. Kosmaj is a habitat for 551 plant species and as many as 300 species of fungi, among which there are poisonous ones, so caution is advised.

Kosmaj is also characterized by the characteristic wind rose, created over that area. Air currents from the Carpathians and the Mediterranean merge, creating a favorable climate, which is why we often call Kosmaj and air spa.

Kosmaj monument

source: wikipedia.org

Attractions on the Kosmaj mountain

Kosmaj is not only a place for excursions and enjoyment but also a place that is a testimony to the history and battles that took place around this area. Namely, the monument to the fighters of the Kosmaj detachment stands out as one of the symbols of Kosmaj. The monument was erected in 1971 in their honor. It is an impressive monument, with a futuristic look. The arms of the monument represent sparks, while the marble middle of the monument represents the eternal flame, symbolizing the courage, sacrifice, and skill of the fighters of the Kosmaj detachment.

Kosmaj mountain

source: wikipedia.org

Another building that tells stories from the past is a wooden lookout, which can be reached by car because the road is finally paved. Legend has it that this lookout was created on the foundations of a medieval observatory. And really, just imagine Sumadija, which is seen as "in the palm of your hand", and you will understand the potential significance of this observatory.

Wiki_Šumadija_IX_Kosmaj_263

source: wikipedia.org

In the immediate vicinity, there is a memorial ossuary in the White Stone, which was erected in honor of the warriors of the Timok Division who laid down their lives in 1914 in the battle for Belgrade.

Kosmaj has also become a home for a "craft beer" brewery - "Kabinet", so all of you beer lovers, can enjoy a magnificent view and craft beer at one place.

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