Moraca Monastery

Morača was founded in 1252 by Stefan Vukanović, a member of the Nemanjić family, on a terrace above the Morača canyon, and it is one of the most important medieval monuments in the country. The main church of the Assumption holds thirteenth-century frescoes including a cycle of the prophet Elijah, among the finest surviving Serbian medieval painting, along with later work. A smaller church, the konak and the walled garden complete the complex.

History

The founding story is carved above the western portal: Stefan Vukanović, grandson of Stefan Nemanja, founded the monastery in 1252. After a fire in 1505 it stood empty for some seventy years, and it was rebuilt between 1574 and 1580 under the monks Tomo and Mojsije with money from the local people, above all knez Vukić Vučetić (Wikipedia, Morača (monastery)).

What you'll find

• The Elijah cycle - thirteenth-century frescoes among the best surviving of their kind.
• The church of the Assumption - the 1252 main church of the complex.
• The walled garden - the enclosed grounds with vines and roses.
• The canyon setting - the terrace above the Moraca gorge.

When to go

May to October is the most comfortable. It closes during services. Mornings are quietest before the coach parties.

Practical notes

It is a working monastery and dress rules are enforced; shoulders and knees covered, and skirts provided at the gate. Photography inside the church is restricted. Coach groups arrive in batches from the main road.

Nearby

Platije Canyon is south, and Kolasin is north.

Key facts