The Studenica Monastery

The Studenica Monastery, set in a peaceful forested valley in central Serbia, is the largest and most revered of the country's medieval Orthodox monasteries and a UNESCO treasure. Founded in the late twelfth century by the founder of the medieval Serbian state, its two beautiful white-marble churches, ringed by a circular wall, hold some of the most precious and finest examples of Byzantine fresco painting in the world, including the serene and masterful Crucifixion, making it the spiritual and artistic cradle of the nation.

History

Stefan Nemanja, founder of the medieval Serbian state, built the monastery over a long period; the first stage was done by the spring of 1196, when he abdicated and took monastic vows here, and after he left for Hilandar, where he died in 1199, his son Stefan cared for it, while his third son Rastko, Saint Sava, brought his relics back to Studenica and made it the political, cultural and spiritual centre of medieval Serbia. The Nemanjić kings kept adding to it: King Radoslav built a narthex in 1235 and King Milutin a small church of Saints Joachim and Anna. After the last medieval Serbian state fell in 1459 the Turks often attacked it, the frescoes of the Church of the Virgin were repainted in the first major restoration in 1569, and an earthquake and a fire in the early 17th century cost many documents and works of art; it was declared a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1979 and a World Heritage Site in 1986 (Wikipedia, Studenica Monastery).

The main sights

• The white-marble churches - the serene Church of the Virgin and the King's Church.
• The Byzantine frescoes - the masterful medieval wall paintings.
• The Crucifixion fresco - the celebrated, serene masterpiece.
• The valley setting - the tranquil forested monastery grounds.

When to go

May to October for the best weather to reach the monastery in its mountain valley; it is a working monastery and pilgrimage site, so dress modestly and behave respectfully. It is quiet and serene, a place of contemplation away from the crowds.

What to expect

It is remote, in a central Serbian valley reached by winding roads, so it takes a trip and ideally a car to visit, often combined with other monasteries. As a working, sacred monastery, modest dress and quiet respect are essential, and photography of the frescoes may be restricted. It is a place of serene spiritual and artistic significance rather than a busy attraction, and its frescoes are world-class.

Nearby

The Zica Monastery, the town of Kraljevo and the Kopaonik mountains are within reach.

Key facts