After a short break, we continued our journey towards Guber Srebrenica, a beautiful region known for its healing waters. Here, various springs with different characteristics and medicinal properties can be found.
The first detailed analysis of the water from Crni Guber was conducted in 1894
The history of Guber Srebrenica is intertwined with mineral springs that were known even two millennia ago. Testimonies to this can be found in the remains of the large Roman bathhouse in Gradina (Sase) near Srebrenica, where inscriptions from the year 220 were discovered, indicating the presence of mineral springs. The first detailed analysis of the water from Crni Guber was conducted in 1894, and even then, it was declared one of the best iron-arsenic natural springs on the continent.
The mineral water from Crni Guber
The mineral water from Crni Guber became known throughout Europe, Africa, and America as early as 1887, during the Austro-Hungarian administration. In 1898, 200,000 bottles of Guber water were exported to the world market, and in 1901, the "Matoni" company from Vienna exported a record-breaking 236,544 bottles. European and domestic experts confirmed the healing properties of this water in treating anemia, rheumatic, nervous, and other disorders.
In 1951, the "Guber" Spa was officially opened. Crni Guber, one of the 450 known mineral waters in this area, was the only one to find a place in the pharmacopoeia. In 1956, water from the Crni Guber spring was declared a medicine.
Srebrenica thus became known for its healing waters, and the "Guber" spa recorded a significant number of overnight stays and annual revenue until the 1980s and 1990s, before the outbreak of the war.
The people of Srebrenica hope that the Guber spa will reopen
Although there were plans for the renovation and construction of new spa facilities, construction was blocked due to legal processes surrounding concessions and exploitation. Unfortunately, the healing waters that once brought Srebrenica fame around the world now end up in the sewer system while waiting for a decision about the future of this region.
Despite the challenges, the people of Srebrenica hope that the Guber spa will reopen and contribute to the development of the town in eastern Bosnia, which is globally known for the genocide against Bosniaks in July 1995. On the other hand, the Guber promenade has been arranged and has become a favorite spot among the citizens and visitors of Srebrenica for relaxing walks and enjoying the nature and beauty that this region offers.