Church of Saint Sava, Užice
Zlatiborski okrug
The Church of Saint George in Užice, Serbia, is a one-nave Serbian Orthodox church constructed from 1840 to 1842 and consecrated in 1844. It stands as an immovable cultural monument of great importance. The church features a simple façade with a semi-circular apse and rectangular choir spaces. Architecturally, the interior nave is divided by Doric pilasters into four bays, and the porch is vaulted with a barrel vault. The iconostasis and wall paintings were created by Dimitrije Posniković and Milija Marković in 1851, with preserved royal doors and the northern side of the iconostasis surviving a fire in 1955. The choir hosts wall paintings of Serbian saints such as Saint Sava, King Uroš, King Stefan Dečanski, King Milutin, Saint Simeon Mirotočivi, Emperor Lazar, Despot Jovan, Mother Angelina, and Saint Steva Stiljanović. The church has undergone several repairs, notably a major renovation in 1990 when a copper roof was installed. It was built with support from the local people and the district authorities, with financial backing approved by Prince Mihailo Obrenović. This church holds significant cultural and religious value for the Užice community and reflects 19th-century Serbian ecclesiastical art and architecture.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the exterior and interior artworks. Purchasing tickets in advance is generally not required, but checking local opening times by phone is recommended. The church may offer discounts for groups or religious pilgrims. Respectful attire is suggested when visiting the church. The best time to visit is spring through early autumn when weather conditions are favorable.
Interesting facts
- •The church is recognized as an immovable cultural monument of great importance in Serbia.
- •The iconostasis and wall paintings were crafted by notable 19th-century Serbian artists Dimitrije Posniković and Milija Marković.
- •A fire in 1955 destroyed the southern side of the iconostasis, but the royal doors and northern side were preserved.
- •The church's architecture features Doric pilasters dividing the nave into four bays, a feature uncommon in rural Serbian churches of the period.
History
The initiative to build the Church of Saint George in Užice was supported by the local district authorities in 1840, with construction beginning the same year.
Prince Mihailo Obrenović approved a loan to continue the building works.
After two years, the church was consecrated in 1844.
The iconostasis and wall paintings were completed in 1851 by local artists Dimitrije Posniković and Milija Marković.
The church suffered damage in a fire in 1955, which destroyed part of the iconostasis.
It has been repaired multiple times, with a significant restoration in 1990 involving the installation of a copper roof to preserve the structure.
Place Guide
Iconostasis and Wall Paintings1851
The iconostasis and wall paintings, created in 1851 by Dimitrije Posniković and Milija Marković, depict numerous Serbian saints and are key artistic highlights of the church. Despite partial damage in 1955, the royal doors and northern side remain intact.
Church Architecture1840-1842
The church has a one-nave design with a semi-circular apse and rectangular choir spaces. The interior nave is divided by Doric pilasters into four bays, and the porch is vaulted with a barrel vault. The façade is simple with arched friezes and blind arcades.
Contact
Phone: 031 517282