Aranđelovac

Etymology

Most of the town territory used to belong to the village of Vrbica, today its suburb. Since duke Miloš Obrenović often resided in the Bukovička Banja, he decided to build a church in Vrbica in 1858 (one of his "repentance churches"), and dedicated it to St. Archangel Gabriel. The growing community surrounding the church was then proclaimed the town of Aranđelovac ("The town of Archangel (Angel)") by the power of duke's decree occupying major parts of territories of villages Vrbica and Bukovik.

Tourism

Aranđelovac is well known for the springs of remedial sparkling mineral water. Dositej Obradović, a leader of the Serbian Enlightenment movement, brought the springs to the public spotlight by frequenting the spa in the late 18th and early 19th century. By personal request of Prince Miloš Obrenović, the water from Bukovik mineral springs was transported and used in his court. Hand-bottling of the mineral water for commercial use began at the beginning of the 20th century, and through the decades to come to receive the highest international honors for quality.

The beautiful park of Arandjelovac Spa shares the popularity with Aranđelovac mineral water. It encompasses the area of 21.5 ha with the permanent exhibition of marble figures of the most eminent domestic (ex-Yugoslavian) and foreign authors, a product of the 30-year tradition of the festival Mermer i zvuci. All the events take place in the summer open scene in the park, or in the Sala Kneževa, in the Staro Zdanje hotel. This 150-year-old hotel is situated in the park itself, and its original purpose was the summer residence for the Obrenović dynasty. The pavilion of Duke Miloš and several mineral water springs are also situated in the park. The mineral water is used in the Spa together with clay from the local area in curing diseases of gastrointestinal and hepatolibiar organs, respiratory diseases, and locomotor organs. The flag-bearer of the tourism in the town, the luxurious hotel and spa resort Izvor is located adjacent to the park. In addition to accommodation for its guests, the hotel offers congress, SPA & wellness services.

The Aranđelovac municipality area also bears historical importance. First Serbian Uprising against the Turks in 1804 started in the village of Orašac (6 km (3.73 mi) from the town). A complex in Marićevića Jaruga in Orašac memorizes the location where the rebellion started. February 15, the day of uprising, is celebrated as the day the modern Serbian state is founded.

10 km (6.21 mi) away from Aranđelovac is the accumulation Lake Garaši, Aranđelovac’s supply of water. The lake encompasses 65 ha, its deepest point is at 22 m, it is rich in fish and it is the town’s anglers favorite fishing location. Aranđelovac Museum has a permanent exhibition of various items from the Neolith Risovačka Cave, which is located at the very entrance of the town.

Economy

Being a spa resort, tourism and hospitality industry is one of the main economy activity in the town. Arandjelovac has number of hotels, including Staro zdanje, Šumadija, and Izvor, as well as many smaller boutique hotels, and guest houses. In addition the streets of town are littered with many cafés, bars, restaurants and shops. Rural and eco-tourism is also popular in the villages around the town.

The most known company hailing from Aranđelovac is Knjaz Miloš AD, which produces the widely popular mineral water, as well as juices, pop, and energy drinks. The naturally carbonised mineral water is extracted from the wells over 100m deep, lying under famous white marble of the Vencac mountain. Marble is exploited by Venčac company. This quality material from Venčac is used to build many statues displayed in the town sprawling central park built by number of international sculptors. Company Šamot produces high temperature materials from the local deposits of aluminosilicates, while Elektroporcelan produces electrical and thermal insulation ceramics. Company Peštan specializes in PVC products. Kubršnica is the well known brick and building material factory.

Twin towns — sister cities

Aranđelovac is twinned with: