Nature park Stara planina Zavojsko jezero – Gostuša - Pakleštica

Zavojsko Lake is an artificial lake, located 17 km northeast of Pirot, in the middle part of the VisoČica River. It was created in 1963, when a large landslide created a natural dam, which was later surpassed by the construction of an artificial dam. The current artificial dam is located about 1 km downstream from the former village of Zavoj, which was submerged by the formation of the lake, and after which the lake got its name. The tributaries of Lake Zavojsko are Visočica, Gostuška reka and Belska reka, while the only river flowing out of the lake is Visočica. A significant amount of lake water is drained through a tunnel to the Pirot Hydroelectric Power Plant, which uses it to start the generator. Around and near the lake there are villages: Pakleštica, Bela, Gostuša. The village of Gostusa or Stone village is located at 700 meters above sea level and is a part of the Stara Planina Nature Park. The specificity of the unusual place is the unique architecture that has been preserved in its authentic condition. The village of Pakleštica is ideal for hunters and fishermen, and of course nature lovers who like to walk through such landscapes. 3 km above the village begins a canyon in the length of about 2.5 km of the Bishop's Plate. In the village itself is the church of St. Archangel Michael from the 19th century.