Serbia - Studenica Monastery

Studenica Monastery (1986)
Serbia

The Studenica Monastery was established in the late 12th century by Stevan Nemanja, founder of the medieval Serb state, shortly after his abdication. It is the largest and richest of Serbia's Orthodox monasteries. Its two principal monuments, the Church of the Virgin and the Church of the King, both built of white marble, enshrine priceless collections of 13th- and 14th-century Byzantine painting.

Yugoslavia 1968. Studenica Monastery, painted by the Yugoslav artist Dorde [George] Kristic (1851-1907). The painting is from a set of five stamps, dedicated to Yugoslav Art in the 19th century.

Yugoslavia 1968. Studenica Monastery, painted by the Yugoslav artist Dorde [George] Kristic (1851-1907).

The monastery Studenica [stoo-DEH-neetsa], dedicated to the Presentation of the Holy Virgin, is the mother-church of all Serbian temples. It was constructed over a quite long period. The first stage works were completed by the spring of 1196, when Stefan Nemanja abandoned his throne and settled in the monastery's foundation.

Yugoslavia 1986. 800th anniversary of Studenica Monastery.

Yugoslavia 1992. Mosaic of Stevan Nemanja, with a model of the church in Studenica.

Yugoslavia 1994. Studenica Monastery, with the UNESCO-emblem of World Cultural Heritage.

Serbia 1942. German occupation of Serbia. Studenica Monastery. Engraving dated 1185.

Yugoslavia 1986. 800th anniversary of Studenica Monastery.
Yugoslavia 1992. Mosaic from the Church of Mother of God in Studenica, featuring Stevan Nemanja, with a model of the church.
Yugoslavia 1994. Studenica Monastery, with the UNESCO-emblem of World Cultural Heritage.
Serbia 1942. German occupation of Serbia. Studenica Monastery. Engraving dated 1185.

When he later left for Hilandar, his son and successor Stefan took over the care of Studenica. Nemanja died in Hilandar in 1299. Nemanja's third son Sava, after reconciling his brothers Stefan and Vukan, moved Stefan's relics to Studenica.

Yugoslavia 1979. Western entry to the Church of The Mother of God, Studenica.

Serbia Montenegro 2005. Painting of Studenica Monastery by Djordje Krstic, c. 1881-1883.

Yugoslavia 1993. Icon, Birth of Christ, Studenica Monastery.

Yugoslavia 1979. Western entry to the Church of The Mother of God, Studenica.
Serbia Montenegro 2005. Painting of Studenica Monastery, by Djordje Krstic, c. 1881-1883.
Yugoslavia 1993. From a series "Icons of Important Monasteries". Birth of Christ, Studenica.

Under guardianship of Sava, Studenica became the political, cultural and spiritual center of medieval Serbia. Among his other endeavors, Sava composed a Typik, the rule-book where he described St. Simon's life, leaving evidence of the spiritual and monastic life of his time.

The two stamps on the right show the same fresco from Studenica Monastery.

Yugoslavia 1969. Fresco in Studenica. 13th century. "The Crucifixion".
Yugoslavia 2002. Idem.

Yugoslavia 1969. Fresco in Studenica. 13th century. "The Crucifixion".

Yugoslavia 2002. Fresco in Studenica. 13th century. "The Crucifixion".

Sources and links:

Tanya Velmans: Rayonnement de Byzance. ISBN 9-782220-046280.
Studenica Monastery
Images from Studenica Monastery

Many thanks to Mr. Miomir Zivkovic (Serbia) for all help, support, and encouragement.

Other World Heritage Sites in Serbia (on this site). Please refer to the UNESCO-listing, Serbia section, for further information on the individual properties.

Back to index