Rtanj

Rtanj
Pyramidal shape of Šiljak
Highest point
Elevation	1,565 m (5,135 ft)
Coordinates	43°46′34″N 21°53′36″E / 43.77611°N 21.89333°E / 43.77611; 21.89333Coordinates: 43°46′34″N 21°53′36″E / 43.77611°N 21.89333°E / 43.77611; 21.89333
Geography
Rtanj Location in Serbia
Location	Eastern Serbia
Parent range	Serbian Carpathians

Rtanj (pronounced [r̩̂ːtaɲ]) is a mountain situated in eastern Serbia, approximately 200 km southeast of Belgrade, between towns of Boljevac on north and Sokobanja on south. It belongs to the Serbian Carpathians. Its highest peak is Šiljak (pronounced [ʃǐːʎak]) (1,565 m), a natural phenomenon of karst terrain.

The north side of the mountain is covered with forests and shrubs, full of autochthonous plant species and plenty of sources of potable water. A hunting ground covers 6368 ha. The most common prey are roe deer and wild boar.

According to a legend, the castle of a wizard was situated on Rtanj Mountain, in which a great treasure was guarded. However, the castle has disappeared within the mountain, trapping the wealthy sorcerer inside.

On the peak Šiljak, there is a now the ruins of a little chapel dedicated to St. George. It was built in 1932 by the wife of a former local miner. Today, the chapel is in ruins, as it was partly destroyed by dynamite, when treasure hunters tried to find the hidden gold. There is an initiative to reconstruct the chapel.

For some New Age believers, the pyramidal shape of the mountain is due to it containing an alien pyramid emitting mystical energies. Many people have flocked here prior to the predicted Mayan Doomsday, believing it will protect them.

A widely known traditional product of Rtanj is the "Rtanj tea", made from herbal of winter savory. It is celebrated for its antiseptic and aromatic properties, and is allegedly an aphrodisiac.