Moraca Monastery: An Overview of History, Amazing Facts, and Things to Do
Moraca Monastery, located in Podgorica, Montenegro, is a stunning example of Medieval Serbian Orthodox architecture. The monastery is nestled into the Moraca River valley and is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. The monastery is one of the most important cultural and religious sites in Montenegro and has a long and interesting history. Here is an overview of the history, amazing facts, and things to do at Moraca Monastery.
History
The Moraca Monastery was founded in 1252 by Saint Sava, the first archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The monastery was built on the site of an older church, which was destroyed in 1252 by the Mongols. After the monastery was built, it became a major center of religious and cultural life in the region. The monastery was also a major center of learning and scholarship, and many important books and manuscripts were produced there.
In the 16th century, the monastery was destroyed by the Ottomans. It was later rebuilt in the 17th century and has remained largely unchanged since then. The monastery was declared a National Monument of Culture in 1979 and is now a popular tourist destination.
Amazing Facts
One of the most interesting facts about Moraca Monastery is that it contains a unique fresco of Saint Sava. This fresco is the only known fresco of Saint Sava in the world. The fresco was painted in the 16th century and is believed to be the work of the famous Serbian painter, Dimitrije Popovic.
The monastery also contains a number of important religious artifacts, including a wooden cross that was carved in the 16th century and a reliquary that was made in the 18th century. The reliquary contains the relics of several saints, including Saint Sava.
Things to Do
Visiting the Moraca Monastery is a great way to experience the history and culture of Montenegro. The monastery offers guided tours that provide visitors with an in-depth look at the history and architecture of the monastery. The tours are available in both English and Serbian and are a great way to learn about the history and culture of Montenegro.
The monastery also offers a number of other activities, such as painting classes and lectures on religious and cultural topics. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes located near the monastery, so visitors can enjoy a traditional Montenegrin meal after their visit.
The Moraca Monastery is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Montenegro. The monastery is a beautiful example of Medieval Serbian Orthodox architecture and is filled with interesting artifacts and stories. Visiting the monastery is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Montenegro and to experience the beauty of the Moraca River valley.