Hiking trail METOĐE

The sacred site of Kopaonik, a miraculous spring hidden in the rugged terrain of the Brzećka Reka, is known as Metođe. It is a nature reserve within the Kopaonik National Park, notable for its six distinct phytocenological spruce and beech communities, as well as a large number of rare and relict plant species. There are two routes to reach Metođe: one follows the asphalt road toward Brus up to the gate marking the entrance to the reserve, from where a marked trail leads to the sanctuary. Alternatively, from the center of the Kopaonik settlement, one can take the Karaman, Kneževe Bare, and Gvozdac ski trails to arrive directly at the reserve near a bridge, soon reaching the cold water geyser, whose jet reaches about five meters in height. Continuing along the marked trail by the stream, visitors encounter an abandoned medieval mining shaft from which fresh drinking water flows. Each year on July 3, starting in 1504, a local mining feast is celebrated. On July 3, 1504 (St. Methodius Day), the Turks forced miners to descend into the mine and extract ore, when a violent storm with lightning struck, setting the mine ablaze and resulting in the tragic death of many miners. Along the trail, there are rest stops with benches and tables, allowing visitors to enjoy the view and the fresh air. After crossing a bridge over the Brzećka Reka, the trail enters a dense spruce-beech forest, from where a 20-25 minute walk leads to the sanctuary.
Metođe is a folk pilgrimage site visited by Saint Methodius, where he meditated and transcribed holy texts. The remoteness of the area instills peace in every visitor. The site consists of a spacious rock shelter beneath a stone massif about fifteen meters high. In one corner of the cave, a spring emerges, believed to have healing properties.