Studenica Monastery

Studenica Monastery

Studenica Monastery was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. Founded in the late 12th century by Stefan Nemanja, the founder of the medieval Serbian state, shortly after his abdication, this monastery is the largest and wealthiest traditional monastery in Serbia.

The two main monuments in the monastery, the Church of the Virgin and the King's Church, are both built from white marble. These buildings also house priceless Byzantine art frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries. Located in southern Serbia, about 27 kilometers southwest of the town of Raška, Studenica Monastery sits atop a hill, offering a view of the Studenica River flowing through the valley below.

The main church of the monastery is the Church of the Virgin, along with the later-added narthex of King Radoslav’s church. Other churches include the Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne, often referred to as the "King's Church," as well as the ruins of the churches of St. Nicholas, St. John, St. George, and St. Demetrios.