Sokograd
„Sokobanya, Sokograd - dođeš mator, odeš mlad!” „Sokobanya, Sokograd, come here old and leave young”!
Sokobanya (literally translated: “A Falcon spa”) is a small, beautiful city and municipality, which lies 40 km from the city Aleksinac (a city near the exit of the highway E75). Sokobanya is one of Serbia’s first ecologically oriented municipalities. Tourism and agriculture comprise most of its economic activity.
The city of Sokobanya is located on the Moravitsa River bank, between Ozren and Rtanj Mountains, 400m above the sea level. The town was named after the Soko grad (Falco, Soko town) fortress, which is located 2 km from the center of Sokobanya, near the Moravitsa River. Built in the late Middle Ages on the site of ancient Roman remains, the fortress is perched on a spectacular cliff.
Today, Sokobanya is one of the most popular spas in Serbia. Its ideal climate, and restorative thermal and mineral springs are among some of the best in this part of Europe. Sokobanya has attracted visitors for over 150 years. The spa’s healing medicinal springs appeal to those who suffer from chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, psychoneurosis, high blood pressure, chronic rheumatism, exhaustion and a series of other ailments. Therefore there is a saying about Sokobanya: „Sokobanya, Sokograd - dođeš mator, odeš mlad!” „Sokobanya, Soko Grad, come here old and leave young!
But you can certainly come here if you are in perfect health! Visiting Sokobanya is the best way to relax, hike and discover secret and mystical places full of legends…
About this cache:
No one knows exactly when this ancient city on the vertical cliff above the river Moravitsa was built. It is assumed that it was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Justinian in the period between the first and sixth century AD and served in the defense of the Avars and Slavs. This ancient city fell into the hands of the Turks in 1459. Then it was used by the Austrians from in 1690 till 1737.
Lepteria and Sokograd
It is certain that Sokograd, as a medieval fortress, was built on the remains of former foundations. It has unusually strong city walls, large-scale and irregular basis on which influenced the shape of the rocky cliffs. It was composed of two parts: the lower, which was easily approached and which served to provide protection to the local people and the upper town, where nobles found the refuge against upcoming danger.
There are several legends about Sokograd and its habitants… Of course, I prefer the most romantic one 
!
The trail along Moravitsa river
According to the legend, an unnamed commander of Sokograd had a beautiful daughter named Lepteria. She was in love which Zhupan, son of a master of a nearby town. It was, indeed, a great love, which was unfortunately not approved by their parents because of some disputed property. The two young people agreed about runaway. They made a plan: Zhupan with his companions would have ride the halfway toward Sokograd and meanwhile Lepteria would sneak through a secret passage. At the beginning the whole action looked like a fairy tale, but the girl's father soon discovered that Lepteria was gone and sent manhunt for the fugitives. His anger was so great that he ordered the soldiers put Lepteria to death. And so it was. Lepteria was killed by the sword of his father's soldiers and mourners Zhupan, in desperation, jumped into the deepest whirlpool of Moravitsa River and drowned. The place, where the girl was killed today is called Lepteria, and the whirlpool - Zhupan. How sad…
Sokograd the fortress
How to get there: From the highway E75 take the exit toward Aleksinac (and Sokobanja), drive about 40 km toward Sokobanja.
An astonishing view from Sokograd
You can walk to this cache, since it is only some 3 km far from the city. At the eastern end of the city, at R1 turn right up the hill, and take the third street left (R2). Follow the info tables (Lepteria, Sokograd). Walk some 1.5 km on asphalt road to the picnic place Lepteria. At R3 starts the forest trail, first along the river, then up to the hill. Somewhere about R4 (dence woods, therefore poor GPS signal) the trail splits on two: take the right. The fortress is only about 100 meters far. It takes about 30-40 minutes to reach Sokograd from Lepteria picnic place.
The cache is a small white plastic box. Please, be aware of snakes, especially in summer! Check the cache place with a stick or some branch first!!! BE CAREFUL WHEN WANDERING – DANGER OF FALL INTO CAVES OR HOLES!!!!
Please, be very careful when getting out, logging and putting back the cache, in order to protect it of Muggles! In case of lost of the cache the owner can visit the location and restore it only once per year! Thanks.
Sources: Internet. Photos: Internet and original (by Galejnik)