Urban geoheritage and degradation risk assessment of the Sokograd fortress (Sokobanja, Eastern Serbia)

Abstract

Abstract Sokobanja is a well-known spa centre in East Serbia, whose popularity is mostly based on its natural heritage (thermo-mineral springs, waterfalls, canyons, caves, and pits). However, built heritage also offers significant potential for developing geotourism. This article aims to assess the geoheritage values of the geocultural site Sokograd fortress to support geotourism development in this area. For the assessment of geotourism potentials, the urban geoheritage assessment model (UGAM) was applied. To support the criteria of UGAM (e.g. variety of geodiversity and educational potentials), a macroscopic mineralogical–petrographical observation of the building stone was performed. The results revealed significant educational potentials, especially concerning petrodiversity, with sedimentary rocks (limestone, sandstone, tufa, and conglomerates). By comparing the obtained results with the local geology, it is recognized that the building stone was mainly of local provenance. The UGAM parameters, such as geocultural and ecological values, as well as a variety of geodiversity, confirmed that Sokograd has great potential for urban geotourism development. After all, the assessment of degradation risk was performed and revealed that tourism development cannot cause serious threats to the site, but tourism has to be adequately regulated and managed in a sustainable way. The results of this study can provide information to policymakers, local governments, and other interested stakeholders on whether and how to develop urban geotourism at the Sokograd fortress in the upcoming period.