10 things to do in Visoki Dečani Monastery Peja Kosovo
Visoki Dečani Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located in the Peja region of Kosovo. It is one of the most important monuments of Serbian culture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery was founded in 1327 by King Stefan Dečanski and is renowned for its beautiful frescoes, which are considered to be some of the finest examples of Byzantine art in the world. Here are 10 things to do when visiting Visoki Dečani Monastery:
1. Admire the Frescoes: Visoki Dečani Monastery is renowned for its beautiful frescoes, which are considered to be some of the finest examples of Byzantine art in the world. The frescoes cover the walls and ceilings of the church and depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments, as well as images of saints and kings.
2. Visit the Treasury: The monastery’s treasury houses a collection of religious artifacts, including icons, crosses, and manuscripts. It is one of the richest collections of religious artifacts in the Balkans and is a must-see for any visitor to the monastery.
3. Explore the Grounds: The monastery grounds are full of interesting sights, such as the ruins of the old fortifications, a bell tower, and a 16th-century chapel. Visitors can also take a stroll around the gardens, which are filled with flowers and trees.
4. Tour the Library: The monastery’s library is home to an impressive collection of books, manuscripts, and other documents. Many of the documents date back to the 14th century and provide a fascinating insight into the history of the region.
5. Attend a Service: Visoki Dečani Monastery is still an active church and visitors are welcome to attend services. The services are conducted in both Serbian and English and are a great way to experience the religious culture of the region.
6. Visit the Museum: The monastery’s museum houses a collection of artifacts from the monastery’s history, including coins, manuscripts, and religious artifacts. It is a great way to learn more about the history of the monastery and the region.
7. Take a Hike: The area around the monastery is home to some beautiful hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. There are also a number of caves in the area, which can be explored by visitors.
8. Enjoy Local Cuisine: Visoki Dečani Monastery is located in the heart of the Peja region, which is renowned for its delicious cuisine. Visitors can sample local dishes such as ćevapi, burek, and ajvar, as well as a variety of traditional desserts.
9. Go Shopping: The area around the monastery is home to a number of shops selling a range of traditional crafts and souvenirs. Visitors can pick up a unique souvenir to take home with them.
10. Attend a Festival: Visoki Dečani Monastery is home to a number of annual festivals, which are a great way to experience the culture of the region. The most popular festival is the Summer Festival of the Monastery, which takes place in July and features music, dancing, and traditional crafts.
Visoki Dečani Monastery is a fascinating place to visit and offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to admire the frescoes, explore the grounds, or sample local cuisine, there’s something for everyone at Visoki Dečani Monastery.