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Monasteries of Serbia - serbian spiritualty

Monasteries are one of the most important cultural and historical values in Serbia, erected between XII and XVII centuries and situated in a vast area from Fruska Gora in the north across the valley of the Morava and Ibar up to Kosovo.

They vary in architectural styles and attract many tourists from all over the world because of their sculptures, frescoes, icons and manuscripts.

Important churches were built in XIII and XIV centuries with Romanic influence. Many extraordinary architectural and art achievements were made in the first half of XIV century during the reign of king Milutin such as Madonna of Ljeviska in Prizren, Gracanica. Monasteries Studenica, Banjska, Decani, Gradac, Arilje, Mileseva and Sopocani belong to Raska style. A special architectural style with polichrome facades and decorative ornaments was developed in the valley of the Morava - Ravanica, Lazarica, Ljubostinja and Kalenic monasteries.

Particularly beautiful are 17 monasteries of Fruska Gora as well as monasteries in Ovcar and Kablar gorge. Both places are called Serbian Holy Mountain because of many monasteries of cultural and historical importance.

Medieval monasteries are the soul of Serbia and have been for centuries centers of spirituality of Serbian people while frescos and icons in Serbian churches are valuable treasures of European and world cultural and historical heritage. The complex Stari Ras with Sopocani, monastery Visoki Decani and Studenica are part of UNESCO's world heritage.

Discover the monasteries in Serbia.