HOMOLJE MOUNTAINS (Lucas stone 515 m)

Lucas stone is one of the most interesting peaks of Homolje mountains. It is located exactly across Vukan, the most famous mountain at this part of Homolje. The tour is ideal for short autumn and winter days and is not strenuous at all. But, the big problem is the lack of markings and signposts.

The trail begins in the village of Bistrica. The distance between Belgrade and Bistrica is 125 km, or about 2 hours of drive. You must drive by the Belgrade-Nis highway and then exit at Pozarevac. Follow the signpost for Petrovac, pass through Petrovac and, just before the spa Zdrelo, turn left toward the village of Bistrica (the signpost for Bistrica is on the left side of the road!).

The village of Bistrica has the largest number of watermills in Serbia. Some of them are 200 years old! I think I counted them eight, minimum. Bistrica is a birthplace (and a place of eternal rest) of the first Serbian Olympic player, Dragutin Tomasevic. He died in 1915, in a World War I. He was only 25. It will be remembered that, in 1909, he ran with a train, on the route Pozarevac-Petrovac, and won!

When you enter Bistrica, follow the signposts to the watermills. Just drive straight, to the end of the asphalt road. There you will see a signpost “Church-1300 m” (Crkva-1300 m). A macadam road leads you to 1300 meters distant church of St. Constantine and Helen. Church can also be reached by car; the macadam road is not so bad. You will walk along Bistrica river all the time. The village got its name after river Bistrica.

Bistrica watermill

River Bistrica

When you approach the church, you will see two paths, left (up) and right (down). The right track is the right one. It leads to the rest area, which is 20 meters away from the church. There are some benches and a small stage, which is used at the time of festival. Here you can fill your bottle with a spring water.

Church of St. Constantine and Helen

The ascent to the Lucas stone starts from this place. You must cross the small bridge and turn left. After 20 meters turn right and uphill, next to the hut of Petrovic.

The bridge

Turn for Petrovic hut

Petrovic hut

By this trail, you will reach the top in an hour. The track is not strenuous; the climb is mild. Unfortunately, there are no markings. Just follow the main track and pay attention at the following intersections:

The peak is very interesting. It is a stone, with sharp rocks. It looks like nearby Vukan is at the palm of your hand. If I had longer legs, I think I could jump at the Vukan mountain. Lucas stone (515 m) “architecture” totally differs from the environment . Thirty meters below the top, there is a wooden cross. The cross is located on a terrain which is similar as Lucas stone. Below the cross, in the valley, you will see the monastery of Reskovica (14th century) and the village Zdrelo.

Lucas stone

Mountain Vukan

Ready to jump at Vukan

Monastery Reskovica

You can go back by the same path.

Now, let’s go back to the starting point of the ascent. At the rest area, you have crossed the bridge and turned left. Do not turn right and uphill toward Petrovic hut, but continue straight, for some 300 meters. You will see a watermill. Few meters beyond watermill, there is a hut. Near the hut, you will spot this magnificent waterfall!

 Bistrica waterfall

April 2018.