Vršačke Planine / Vršac Mounties
The Vršačke Planine Mts. are an autonomous and separate geomorphological unit in southeastern Banat, and the highest mountain massif in Vojvodina (Gudurički Vrh – 641 m ASL).
This massif represents a residue of the old Pannonian mass. The original relief of metamorphic rocks and magmatic breakthroughs was modified during time, so that characteristic blocks and boulders are visible today, representing an exceptional value of the overall geodiversity of the Vršačke Planine Mts.
The genesis and position of the Vršačke Planine Mts. caused the richness of flora and vegetation that developed at the border of the forest-steppe and forest zone, namely in the area where the influences of the Pannonian, Dakian, and Moesian floral-geographical provinces intersect. The flora of this massif consists of more than 1,000 species, and among them are endemic relic and rare species such as Minuartia hirsuta subsp. frutescens, hellebore (Helleborus purpurascens), wild sunflower (Doronicum hungaricum), and bellflowers (Campanulla grossekii and Campanulla sphaerotix), which grow only here in all Vojvodina. The vegetation of the Vršačke Planine Mts. consists of 17 forest and many meadow communities.
Owing to the diversity and relatively well-conserved autochthonous ecosystems, the fauna is also rich. Among many species of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, many species are natural rarities, nationally and internationally significant. The bird fauna is a special natural asset. The total number of bird species that inhabit the Vršačke Planine Mts. is around 130 species, of which 90 are nesting species. Among the most significant are the Ural owl (Strix uralensis), short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus), and collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis).
Fourteen archaeological finds were discovered in this area, of which some are noted in all archaeological maps of Europe. The remains of the old City of Vršac – a medieval fortification from the 14th century, and the Monastery Mesić, a cultural monument from the 16th century, are located in this area.
