Vratna Gates

The Vratna gorge holds three natural bridges cut by the river through limestone, called the Small, Large and Dry Gates: the Small Gate stands about thirty-four metres high and twenty-two wide, the Large Gate is a passage some forty-five metres long, and the three have been protected as a natural monument since 1957. A path runs up the gorge from the Vratna monastery, a small foundation with medieval roots, reaching the first two arches in twenty minutes or so and the third almost three kilometres further up the gorge on a rougher route; it is called dry because in summer the river sinks underground just above it. The gorge is narrow and wooded, and the arches appear suddenly rather than being visible from a distance. The area is part of the karst country of eastern Serbia and sees few visitors, partly because the region as a whole is remote and thinly populated.

What's there

• The Large Gate - a forty-five-metre passage over the river, known for its acoustics.
• The Small Gate - the first arch reached from the monastery, the tallest at about thirty-four metres.
• The Dry Gate - the arch far up the gorge, waterless in summer.
• The wooded gorge - the narrow limestone valley and river.

When to go

April to October; spring brings high water in the gorge and autumn brings colour. Paths are slippery after rain. Winter access is possible but the road and paths can be icy.

Things to know

The path beyond the first two arches is rough and involves scrambling. Facilities are minimal, with a small restaurant near the monastery. The region is remote with poor public transport. Signage is limited and mostly in Serbian.

Nearby

Negotin lies southeast; Rajac wine cellars are in the same region.

Key facts