the program and price list

Great Monasteries of Serbia, Kosovo and
Metochia
9 days / 8 nights
Unique in their architecture, sculpture and ornamentation, frescoes, icons,
manuscripts and numerous works of applied art, the Monasteries of Serbia
have long been a focus of attention for tourists and medieval art experts.
The architecture of medieval Serbian Monasteries is particularly varied. During the 13th and into the 14th
century some of the most striking churches were built, whose proportions and decorative façade and
sculptural work suggest Romanesque influence (Studenica, Banjska, Decani, Gradac, Arilje, Mileseva,
Sopocani and others). These are referred to as belonging to the Raska School. The first half of the 14th
century during the reign of King Milutin saw the construction of works of exceptional architecture and
artwork,such as Gracanica.
Kosovo and Metohija is comprised of two basins. The eastern basin got its name from the bird kos
(blackbird) – Kosovo, while the western part of the territory was covered in metoh – properties owned by the
Serbian Orthodox Church, thus named Metohija.
The territory of Kosovo and Metohija was a focal point of the medieval Serbian state in its heyday at the end
of the 13th and beginning of the 14th century. This is the reason why the endowments of Serbian rulers,
nobility and high church officials have been preserved in Kosovo and Metohia in significant numbers.
The key cities, Pec, Prizren and Pristina, were important political, church and economical centres, around
which the majority of monasteries were founded. As towns developed on the remains of the urban
settlements of ancient times, so numerous churches were raised on older Christian cultural sites, a common
practice in the Byzantine Empire and the countries that gravitated towards it and that came out of the ruins of
the Roman Empire.
Four properties in Kosovo and Metohia have been entered in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List
under the common name Medieval Monuments in Kosovo: Decani Monastery (entered separately in 2004),
the Monasteries of the Patriarchate of Pec and Gracanica,as well as the Church of Our Lady of Ljevis(2006).
Day 01: BELGRADE
Arrival to Belgrade; meet and greet; assistance at the airport; transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation at the hotel. After a short rest, dinner at a national restaurant in the old bohemian part of
Belgrade- Skadarlija. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: BELGRADE
Belgrade is the town at the confluence of the rivers Sava & Danube.
For centuries it was a frontier fortress, the apple of discord between
rivaling invaders, Romans, Goths, Avars, Huns, Byzantines,
Crusaders, Hungarians, Turks and others. Its oldest recorded name
was Singidunum. In the 9th century A.D documents call it „Alba
Graeca“- “White City“ which is precisely what Belgrade means in
Serbian. The Belgrade Fortress has a splendid view over New
Belgrade, Zemun and Panonian Plain. Nearby is Princess Ljubica`s
Manor, the most typical building from 19th century, then Belgrade`s
oldest cafe known simply as „?“ (question mark) built in the rare
Balkan style. From there the city fans out in all directions: the
pedestrian precinct of Prince Mihailo street, central Republic square dominated by a massive statue of
Prince Mihailo on horseback, the National Museum and National Theater on the same square with many
popular cafes and restaurants around. From Prince Mihailova Street where the atmosphere of the old times
is combined with the glamour of modern shops, straight line leads into Terazije square the very center of the
town dominated by hotel Moskva, a fine example of Belle Epoque architecture and Terazije Fountain, then
follows the old Palace, the City Assembly, and the New Palace. Nearby is the monument to the Nobel Prize
winner- Ivo Andric and Temple of St Sava one of the biggest orthodox temples.
Skadarlia street is one of the rare quarters with original ambience.The
pedestrian street has preserved the authentic look of the past times together
with the spirit of the days when it was the center of bohemian culture, well
known for its crowded and lively cafes and restaurants with live music and
traditional cuisine.
Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress, the remains of the ancient city
of Singidunum. The city was founded by a Celtic tribe called Scordisci in the
3rd century BC. Later on it was conquered by the Romans, became a part of
’the military frontier’ between the Roman Empire and the “barbaric” Central
Europe.
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit to the main holy places of Christianity and Sightseeing of Belgrade.
Orthodox Cathedral built in 1837-1840 by the order of ruler Milos Obrenovic. It is
built in the style of classicism with late baroque elements. The church is dedicated
to St. Michael the Archangel. The Serbian rulers of the Obrenovic dynasty (Milos,
Mihailo and Milan) are buried in the crypt. In the churchyard, two famous men of
Serbian culture: Dositej Obradovic and Vuk Stefanovic Karadzic are buried
Church of Saint Parascheva of the Balkans - The chapel was built in the honor of
St. Petka, near miraculous source of healing water. It is located in the Belgrade
Fortress, near the Church of the Virgin (Ruzica). Two Serbian widows - Princess
Milica, wife of Prince Lazar and Jefimija Despot, Ugljesas wife - asked Ottoman
Sultan Bayezid for the relics of St. Petka to be transferred to Serbia.
When the Turks conquered Belgrade in 1512, the relics, together with a
large section of the population moved to Constantinople. The Chapel and
other Christian churches, were destroyed during the Ottoman rule.
The present Chapel was built in 1937. It was completed on St Petka’s Day
(Parascheva) and the spring waters are believed to be beneficial to
women.
Today the Chapel and the Church are a place of pilgrimage and several
thousands believers gather every year on October 27.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Belgrade - Even in Roman times, Belgrade was diocese. Kingdom of
Serbia and the Apostolic See signed Concordat in 1914 for establishing the Archdiocese of Belgrade. In
addition to diocesan priests, monks and nuns also serve here (Jesuits, Franciscans, and Salesians land
lazarists).
Church of Saint Anthony of Padua - A church dedicated to St. Anthony
of Padua was built between 1929 and 1932.The design of the Belgrade
church was made by a prominent Slovenian and Central European
architect of the late 19th and the first half of the 20th century, Josip Plecnik
(1872-1957).
Church of Sveti Sava. – the largest Orthodox Church dedicated to
St.Sava the founder of the Orthodox Church. It is built on a location where his remains thought to have been
burned by Turkish Sinan-pasha. Preparation for the construction started way back in 1894. Work on the
interior decoration is to be finished.
The Church of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark - St. Mark's
Church is located in the center of Belgrade It is one of the largest
churches in Serbia. From the very beginning of the church's existence, as
early as 1838, it was the burial place: Prince Milan Obrenovic, the oldest
son of Prince Milos Obrenovic, the royal couple, King Alexander Obrenovic
I and Queen Draga Obrenovic, were buried in this church.
In the evening a boat tour or dinner on one of the famous floating boat
restaurants on the river is recommended . Overnight Belgrade.
Day 03: BELGRADE, MANASIJA, ZICA, STUDENICA
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure from Belgrade.
Manasija Monastery is founded by Despot Stefan Lazarevic in the first half of the 15th century. It has the
best-preserved medieval fortification in the country. Its high defensive walls were additionally protected by 12
towers and a series of hanging machicolations. Within this fortified enclosure there are: the ruins of the old
Refectory, the reconstructed monastic residence with a valuable private library and the Church of the Holy
Trinity with its exceptionally fine fresco paintings.
Zica Monastery. Visit to the Monastery Complex and short break in beautiful garden surrounding the shrine.
Drive on to Studenica Monastery. Accommodation at the Monastery Dormitory. Dinner. Overnight.
Studenica Monastery - Close to the picturesque Ibar river gorge, on the right bank of the river Studenica,
surrounded by high protective walls, the Monastery of Studenica rises up – the endowment of Grand Prince
Stefan Nemanja, founder of the independent Serbian state and of a dynasty that ruled Serbia for two
centuries.
It is the most important medieval Serbian Monastery and a major
spiritual and artistic center of the Serbian people. It took more
than a decade – from 1183 to 1196 – to create this most beautiful
work of Serbian medieval architecture.
Since the 12th century when its community was founded,
Studenica monastic life was never interrupted.
As the endowment and final resting-place of the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty, Studenica served as an inspiration to many
rulers from this line, who built mausoleums resembling the Church
of the Mother of God.
The Church of the Mother of God is considered one of the
most important examples of the Raska school of architecture. An original blend of a Byzantine sense of
space and the building’s structure with exterior forms and finishing in white marble which derive from
Romanesque architecture make Studenica a masterpiece of central European architecture.
The frescoes, masterpieces of Byzantine painting from the early 13 th century, trace the path of Serbian
medieval art. Its vaults keep some prime examples of Serbian applied art, such as the ring of Stefan
Nemanja, objects made of metal, burial shrouds, charters and other relics.
A special place in the Studenica Monastery complex is occupied by the King’s Church, endowment of King
Milutin from 1314, with its exceptionally refined wall paintings.
They are one of the most beautiful examples of Serbian medieval art. With its churches, dining rooms, bell
towers and living quarters, Studenica has retained its original function. It is a site protected to the greatest
extent under law, and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1986. The Studenica Monastery is
located on the Transromanica Cultural Route.
Gradac Monastery is situated in Stara Raska region, on the wooded
and secluded slopes of Golija Mountain on the place locally called
Petrov Krs. Gradac Monastery was built in the late 13th century
/around 1275/, on the ruins of an earlier church. Gradac Monastery is
the endowment of Queen Jelena Anzujska /Queen Helen of d'Anjou/,
the wife of the Serbian King Uros I.
The Church of Gradac Monastery is dedicated to the Presentation of
the Holy Virgin. It is one nave structure with the dome, tripartite altar
and rectangle choir. The central part consists of two chapels, the
main naos and the altar. The architecture of the shrine of Gradac
Monastery is an example of monumental Raska school of architecture with numerous Gothic /Romanesque/
elements, especially on the portals and on all biforas /windows divided by a colonnade into two arches/.
The fresco decoration of the Gradac Monastery interior is considerably damaged but the endower's
composition is still visible. The original stone iconostasis is preserved in its primary appearance. During the
Ottoman rule, in the 17th century, Gradac Monastery was abandoned to be partially restored in the middle of
the 20th century. The Monastery is now days functioning as a nunnery and in its glorious beauty represents
one of the most attractive medieval Serb cultural and historical monuments and spiritual centers.
The small Church of Saint Nicholas is located on the southeastern border of the monastery yard. It is
thought that the church was built before the main Monastery church in order for services to be held there for
Roman Catholic workers, while work was in progress on the Church of the Mother of God.
The Gradac Monastery is located on the Transromanica Cultural
Route.
Departure to Sopocani Monastery- The Monastery of Sopocani is
located at the source of the river Raska, some 15 km west of Novi
Pazar. It was built in 1260 by King Uros I Nemanjic to serve as his
burial place. It was extended and renovated in the mid-14 th century by
his great-grandson Dusan.
The former larger Monastery complex comprised of numerous
structures (dining rooms, residential buildings and others). Today only
the Church of the Holy Trinity remained. The Monastery was once
surrounded by a high stone wall with two gates.
The paintings in the church are among the most impressive examples
of Byzantine fresco painting, bringing the people and events of
Christian history spectacularly to life. The Sopocani frescoes, created in the second half of the 13 th century,
represent the peak of a classical style that primarily emphasized harmony and beauty. The most valuable
fresco is a composition of the Ascension of the Mother of God on the western wall of the church in a
symphony of yellow, blue, green and violet.
The Monastery is in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979 as part of the Stari Ras and Sopocani
complex. The Sopocani Monastery is located on the Transromanica Cultural Route.
Arrival to Novi Pazar in the evening, accommodation, dinner at the hotel and overnight.
Day 04: NOVI PAZAR - DJURDJEVI STUPOVI - MONASTERY DECANI - PECKA
PATRIJARSIJA - PRISTINA
Breakfast at the hotel.
Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul (Petrova Church), Novi Pazar
The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, also known as Petrova Crkva (Peter’s Church) is among
the oldest medieval religious properties in Serbia. Historical sources, mention it as an Episcopal site as early
as the 10th century. It is located on the site of an early Christian structure raised in the 6 th century, close to
Novi Pazar.
Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery- The Monastery is located near Novi Pazar, on top of a cone-like elevation. It is
very rare in the Serbian Medieval Art for a Monastery to be on such a prominent place. The building of the
Monastery started, most probably, in 1167, and according to the endower’s inscription on the western portal
of the church the works were completed in 1170/71. Stefan Nemanja dedicated the church to St. George,
who took him out of dungeons-caves where his brothers shut him.
Following that conflict with his brothers, Stefan Nemanja took over the
power of the Grand Zupan of Raska.
Uniquely, because of the position of the church, the staircase leads to
the western entrance. Craftsmen from the coast lands have brought
along their Romanesque skills. Characteristic of the Romanesque
style are two domes included in the plan of the church, situated in the
west, to the left and right from the narthex. The plan and spatial layout
of the church, portals and stylistic finishing were done in the
Romanesque spirit. UNESCO included the Djurdjevi Stupovi in the
World Art Heritage.
The Decani Monastery is the largest construction of medieval Serbia. The expansive complex is best know
for its perfectly preserved 14th century paintings. The complex was built between 1327 and 1350, with most
frescoes completed in 1350. Decani’s patrons were King Stefan Uros III (1321-1331) and his heir King
Dusan (1331-1355). This Monastery was built based on heavy influence from the Church of the Holy Mother
in Studenica, with rich and diverse plastic decoration on portals, windows and corbels.
The architect Vita from Kotor has taken the structure of an orthodox temple and veiled it with a Romanesque
style of facade.
The paintings of Decani are almost completely salvaged and amount to over 1000 individual figures and
scenes from the history of Christianity. The paintings were created between 1335 and 1350.
The Patriarchate of Pec is situated at the very entrance to the
Rugovska Klisura gorge, not far from Pec. There are four churches
within the monastery, built one against the other such that they now
form a single whole. The oldest is the Church of the Holy
Apostles, raised in the 13th century, its benefactor the second
Serbian archbishop Arsenije I. At the beginning of the 14th century,
within the space of a decade or so, new churches were built on both
sides – on the north side the Church of St Dimitrije, on the south
side the Church of the Mother of God, and against this church the
small Church of St Nicholas. To the west side a narthex was
added.
Arrival at Pristina. The city is 365 km from Belgrade and 136 km from Nis, at the crossroads of important
routes leading from Serbia to FYROMacedonia, Montenegro and Albania. The Velusa stream flows through
Pristina, joining the Pristevka river in the city itself and then the Sitnica river in turn.
Accommodation. Dinner at the hotel and overnight.
Day 05: PRISTINA - MANASTIR GRACANICA - PRIZREN
Breakfast at the hotel.
Gracanica was built in 1321 year as the endowment of King Milutin,
in the form of a five-domed structure with a cross-in-square layout
and façades of alternating rows ofbrick and stone.
It was in Gracanica that, for the first time in old Serbianart, the
family tree of the Nemanjic dynasty was depicted, with 16 portraits,
while at the entrance to the church are portraits of the benefactor,
King Milutin and his wife Simonida.
The Monastery houses an important collection of icons, of which the oldest is Christ the Merciful from the
14th century, unusual because of its size
(2.69 x 1.39 m).
Drive on to Prizren, the most beautiful town in Kosovo and Metohia ,through the National Park . Sightseeing
of the Holy Archangels Monastery in the valley of Prizrenska Bistrica River.
Arrival to Prizren, accommodation and short time to rest . Tour of the Holy Virgin of Ljevish Church
/UNESCO heritage and the old quarter. Dinner, overnight.
Day 06: PRIZREN, MILESEVA
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Pec and visit to Visoki Decani Monastery, the most majestic Serbian
Medieval Monastery, built by Serbian King Stefan Decanski in the 13th century. Drive continues to Pec
Patriarchate with sightseeing of the Medieval Complex of four Medieval churches with magnificent frescoes.
Continue to Montenegro along gorgeous scenery and after passing border with Serbia arrival at Prijepolje.
Accommodation at Mileseva Monastery Dormitory. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 07: MILESEVA, ZLATIBOR
After breakfast at the hotel, tour of Mileseva Monastery.
It was built in the 1230s by King Vladislav Nemanjic. Mileseva is one of the
most important centres of spirituality and art of the Serbian people. The
Monastery gained widespread popularity when the relics of St Sava were
transferred there from Trnovo in 1236. A press operated in the Monastery in
the 16th century, in which liturgical books were printed.
The Church of the Ascension is of the Raska School, with a single-nave
floor plan, three-sided altar space, a dome raised where the choir transept
intersects the nave, and a narthex. The external narthex, and the chapels of
St George and St Dimitrije which flank it, was built in around 1236.
Until 1228, the naos and narthex boasted frescoes of exceptional beauty.
The fresco of the White Angel on the Grave of Christ is a masterpiece of
13th century Serbian and European art. Continue to Belgrade via Zlatibor
Mountain and break for refreshment. Dinner and overnight.
Day 08: OVCAR KABLAR, BELGRADE
Breakfast atthe hotel. Deaprture.
On the way to Belgrade visit to 2 or 3 Serbian Medieval Monasteries
and churches known simply as the Monasteries of Ovcar and Kablar
or "Small Serbian Holy Mount". At present time there are :
Vavedenje Monastery (Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the
Church), Vaznesenje Monastery (dedicated to the Ascension of the
Lord), Preobrazenje (dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ),
Sretenje Monastery (The Purification of the Virgin Mary), Saint
Trinity Monastery on the right bank of the river and Blagovestenje
Monastery (dedicated to the Holy Annunciation), Ilinje Monastery
(dedicated to St. Eliah), Jovanje Monastery (dedicated to the birth of
St. John the Baptist), Nikolje (St. Nicholas). The Church "Kadenica" dedicated to tragedy of local population
during Turkish conquest and the St. Sava Church with curative spring .
Arrival to Belgrade. Accommodation. Dinner.
Day 09: BELGRADE
After breakfast free time until departure to airport.
.
"GLOB METROPOLITEN TOURS"
Belgrade, Makenzijeva 26, tel/fax: 381/11 -2430 899; 2430 852
[email protected]
www.metropoliten.com
www.travelserbiabelgrade.com
License OTP 133/2010. - 05.02.2010.