DJAVOLJA VAROŠ
The Legends

Strangely formed, and even more strangely organized earthen figures, the wilderness of the erosive formation, the water of strange smell and taste, mystic and mysterious atmosphere created by the acoustic effects of the wind, have influenced the locals to name the site “Devil’s Town” and explain all these odd natural occurrences by the legends that have been created throughout centuries. There are many legends about “Devil’s Town”, and the most common are mentioned below.

According to the first legend, long time ago, this area was inhabited by humble, calm and religious people. This annoyed the devil so he made “Devil’s Water” to make them forget their lineage. As the inhabitants drank the water, they arranged a marriage between a brother and a sister. The devil’s plan was interrupted by the fairy who, according to the legend, still keeps this area under her protection. The fairy could not reason with them, so the bride and the groom were on their way to church. At that moment, the fairy started praying to somehow end the incest. God heard her prayer and joined the earth with the sky, then the cold wind blew and God turned the wedding guests into stone.

 

According to the second legend, earthen figures represent stone devils. These evil devils have been carried by people on their backs for a long time, suffering misfortunes. The people managed to get rid of them after spending a night in the vicinity of St. Petka Church, which is situated near the earthen figures.