ORTHODOX MONASTERIES

Ravanica monastery is located in central Serbia, near Ćuprija. It was built, together with Church of Holy Ascension, by emperor Lazar in second half of 14th century. Besides religious purpose, monastery was also important cultural and educational center with particulary vivid literary activity resulting, among other things in most of epic poems dedicated to Battle of Kosovo being created here. In 1686, monastery was devastated by Turkish army which invaded Serbia and most of the monks were murdered. Survivors fled to the north, led by Arsenije Carnojevic. Since they couldn't return to their occupied home they settled down in abandoned monastery "Vrdnik" many miles away and in memory of abandoned home they named it "Mala Ravanica", which means "Little Ravanica". See more photos

"Mala Ravanica" monastery is one of the most important monasteries on Fruska gora. It was founded approximately at the turn of 15th and 16th century but it remains unknown exactly when and by whom. Part of the surviving monks from Ravanica found sanctuary in this place, revived it and brought relics of Emperor Lazar with them. Despite the fact that monastery church is one of Holy Ascension, in memory of Emperor Lazar and all the Serbs fallen during Battle of Kosovo, this monastery celebrates Vidovdan as patron saint. See more photos

Manasija monastery, also known as Resava is one of the most important artefacts of Serbian mediaval culture and architecture.Located in the vicinity of Despotovac, it was built by Stefan Lazarevic in 1418 and construction lasted for ten years. Entire monastery area is surrounded by massive walls which had defensive purpose at the time. Monastery church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity. See more photos

Pokajnica monastery,  near Velika Plana was initially built as wooden church and it is dedicated to transfer of relics of St. Nicholas. It is also known as cultural monument and asset of exceptional importance. It was built in 1818 by one of Serbian national leaders of that time, Vujica Vulicevic. Since he was involved in murder of his Godfather, Karadjordje, it is believed that building this curch was an act of remorse, therefore the name "Pokajnica" ("Penitent"). See more photos