Babušnica (Serbian Cyrillic: Бабушница) is a town and municipality situated in the Pirot District of southeastern Serbia. As of the 2022 census, the town has a population of 4,254, while the municipality has a population of 9,109.
Geography
The municipality covers an area of 529 km² (204 sq mi) and is located in the Lužnička Valley (Lužnička kotlina), at an elevation of approximately 470–520 meters. It is situated on the Lužnica River, a right tributary of the Vlasina River. The municipality borders Gadžin Han to the northwest, Bela Palanka to the north, Pirot and Dimitrovgrad to the east, Bulgaria to the south, and Crna Trava and Vlasotince to the west. The town lies on the M-9 regional road connecting Leskovac and Pirot, approximately 65 km southeast of Niš, 25 km southwest of Pirot, and 55 km northeast of Leskovac.
History
Archaeological findings indicate that the area has been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times, with remains of Roman fortifications and roads. During the Ottoman period, Babušnica was a çiftlik (estate) settlement. It was relocated to its present site after a plague epidemic in 1834–1835. The settlement was first recorded in an 1879 census with 17 households and 81 inhabitants. From 1929 to 1941, it was part of the Morava Banovina of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. After World War II, the Lužnica srez (district) became the municipality of Babušnica in 1960.
Settlements
Aside from the town of Babušnica, the municipality comprises 52 villages, including Aleksandrovac, Berduj, Berin Izvor, Dol, Draginac, Izvor, Kaluđerevo, Ljuberađa, Raljin, Stol, Strelac, Zvonce, and others.
Demographics
The municipality has experienced a steady population decline over the decades, from 37,532 in 1948 to 9,109 in 2022. According to the 2011 census, the ethnic composition was: Serbs (88.84%), Bulgarians (5.14%), Romani (1.98%), and others.
Economy
The local economy is based on manufacturing (1,142 employees as of 2018), wholesale and retail trade, education, public administration, and human health services. Industrial facilities include chemical, rubber, and textile plants. Notable companies include Tigar Tyres, Lisca, and D Company.
Tourism and Landmarks
- Zvonačka Banja – A spa town located 28 km east of Babušnica, known for its beneficial effects on the nervous system, situated at 680 meters elevation.
- Stol (Stolski kamen) – A prominent peak (1,239 m) east of Babušnica, part of the Vlaška Planina.
- Mount Ruj – A mountain to the south with a peak of 1,706 m.
- Kupališni kompleks – A swimming complex popular during summer months.
- Jeremija Hill – A nearby excursion site with a historic fortification called Šanac, built by King Aleksandar Obrenović.
Culture
The town features a cultural center with a cinema hall, reading room, and library. The Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas is located on the town's periphery. Local gastronomic specialties include vurda (a dairy product), lužnička sukana banica (a type of pie), and traditional rakija.
