Bela Crkva lakes

Bela Crkva lakes is a group of six larger and several smaller artificial lakes near the town of Bela Crkva, in the southern Banat region in the Serbian province of Vojvodina. Deep pits emerged as a result of gravel exploitation, and were subsequently filled by aquifers and rainfall. With clean and unpolluted water suitable for bathing, they are a popular travel destination.

Lakes

The lakes occupy the total area of. Larger ones include:

The Main lake or the City lake is situated closest to the town centre. It is the best equipped, and has several pebbly beaches, restaurants and paved paths.Vračev Gaj lake lies further down the road towards the village of Vračev Gaj. It has a camp site with 200 camping spots, some bungalows and a pebbly beach.Gravel pit is the largest lake, with a large beach and an island.Carp lake has a crystal clear water, is not developed for swimming and is a good destination for fishing.New lake is the farthest from the town.
'''Small lake'''

History

Exploitation of gravel in the area started in 1904. First, it was dug out manually and transported by horse carts, and then the process was taken over by excavators and railway transport. The gravel was used for roads and river embankments. Industrial excavation began c.1948 and since then the pits were mostly created. The gravel is still excavated only on the New lake.

Tourism

During summer, there are up to 5,000 visitors on the lakes' shores. Many cultural, entertainment and sports festivities are being held throughout the season. They include "Carneval of the flowers" and "Bela Crkva's apple picking".
The lakes are especially popular among fishermen. In 1957, a wels catfish, which was long and weighted was caught in the Main lake. In 1988 a story another massive catfish in the lake was published for the first time. It was named "Besi", an acronym of la Crkva and Ne, Serbian rendering of the name Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Ever since, a yearly tournament titled "Hunt on Besi" is held. It is estimated that by 2008, Besi has grown to. Catfishes of are commonly caught in the lakes.