DO YOU KNOW THE LEGEND OF CAREVE VODE NEAR PALE?

Hidden on the slopes of Mount Romanija, just seven kilometres east of the centre of Pale, lies Careve Vode, a historic spring and fountain surrounded by legends, history and the untouched beauty of the mountain.

The exact date when the fountain was built remains unknown, but it is believed that its present form dates back to the period of Ottoman rule.

Careve Vode is located alongside the former “Imperial” or “Constantinople Road”, an important route that once connected Sarajevo with the eastern parts of the region and the Drina River.

Because the road passed through mountainous and difficult-to-access areas, it was frequently targeted by hajduks, who would retreat into the mountains after attacking and looting caravans.

Several guard posts, known as karaule, were established along the route, where guards watched over travellers and protected the road.

COLD MOUNTAIN SPRINGS AND THE BELIEF IN THEIR POWER

The mountain springs of Romanija are known for the quality of their water. Not far from Careve Vode is Novakovo Vrelo, another well-known spring in the area.

Local tradition has long attributed special powers to these cold mountain waters. According to popular belief, the springs could even rejuvenate those who drank from them.

THE LEGEND OF SULTAN FATIH

One of the most famous stories connected with Careve Vode dates back to the Ottoman conquest of Bosnia.

According to the legend, when the Ottoman army set out to conquer Bosnia and extend Ottoman rule, the soldiers stopped one afternoon to prepare lunch. However, there was no water anywhere nearby.

Then, according to the story, one of the soldiers dug a small hole in the ground, and water suddenly began to flow.

Sultan Mehmed II, known as Fatih the Conqueror, ordered fountains to be built at the site. Since then, the place has been known as Careve Vode, or “The Emperor’s Waters”.

The story was recorded by Vlajko Palavestra in his book Legends of Old Sarajevo.

A PLACE OLDER THAN THE LEGEND?

While the Ottoman-era legend remains an important part of the site's heritage, there is a possibility that the spring was used long before the arrival of the Ottomans.

It is believed that the natural spring may have been known to earlier inhabitants of the region, including the Illyrians, Romans and ancient Slavs.

Today, Careve Vode remains a fascinating destination on Romanija, where natural beauty, old roads and centuries-old legends come together to tell a story of the region's rich past.