Vujan Monastery
MoraviÄŤki okrug
Vujan Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located on the forested slopes beneath the peak of Vujan mountain, between Gornji Milanovac and Čačak in Serbia. Though its exact founding date is unknown, it dates back to the 13th century and belongs to the Eparchy of Žiča. The monastery is dedicated to the Assembly of the Holy Archangel Gabriel. Architecturally, the church is a single-nave building with segmental vaults, featuring a disproportionate round bell tower above the porch instead of a dome, and an exterior wooden narthex. The church, dedicated to Saint Archangel Michael, was rebuilt in 1805 by Nikola Milićević Lunjevica. The original frescoes from 1805 were destroyed, and the current ones date from 1939 and 1943, lacking significant artistic value. Historically, the monastery was linked to the nearby older Obrovin Monastery, founded by monks fleeing Catalan mercenaries in the early 14th century. After devastation by Ottoman forces in 1597, it was restored in 1805 through the efforts of local benefactors and Prince Milan Obrenović. The monastery holds relics of the "Vujan Saint" and the body of the rebel leader Lazar Mutap, whose banner with Serbian and regional heraldry is preserved. The monastery's location amidst century-old forests and the constant whispering wind that inspired its name adds to its unique spiritual and cultural atmosphere.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Vujan Monastery is during spring and early autumn when the surrounding forest is most vibrant. Visitors are advised to check opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets or arranging visits through local tourist offices to avoid waiting. Discounts may be available for groups, students, and seniors. Respectful attire is recommended as it remains an active religious site.
Faits intéressants
- •The name 'Vujan' derives from an old Serbian word related to the constant howling wind that sweeps down the mountain through ancient forests.
- •The original frescoes from 1805 were destroyed, and the current ones date from 1939 and 1943 but are not considered artistically significant.
- •The monastery holds the relics of the 'Vujan Saint' and the body of the rebel leader Lazar Mutap, who fought against Ottoman forces.
- •Lazar Mutap's banner preserved in the monastery features the coat of arms of Tribalia (historical Šumadija), Serbia, and Rama, with inscriptions mentioning Serbs and Serbia.
- •The monastery was a refuge for monks fleeing Catalan mercenaries in the 14th century and was historically a place for local gatherings and assemblies.
Histoire
Vujan Monastery traces its origins to the 13th century, though the exact founding date is unknown.
In the early 14th century, monks fleeing Catalan mercenaries established the nearby Obrovin Monastery, which was abandoned after Ottoman attacks in 1597.
The current monastery was rebuilt in 1805, sponsored by Prince Milan Obrenović and Nikola Milićević Lunjevica.
Over the 19th century, the monastery held significant land and served as a spiritual center for surrounding villages.
Before World War II, it was a pilgrimage site for the sick, especially those with mental illnesses.
The monastery underwent various restorations and expansions, including the construction of a new konak (residence) in the 1930s.
Guide du lieu
Church of Saint Archangel Michael1805
The main church is a single-nave structure built in 1805, featuring segmental vaults and a unique round bell tower above the porch instead of a traditional dome. It is surrounded by a decorative frieze of blind arcades and has a wooden narthex added externally.
Relics and Artifacts
The monastery houses relics of the 'Vujan Saint' near the southern wall of the porch and the body of rebel leader Lazar Mutap, who died near ÄŚaÄŤak in 1815. The preserved banner of Lazar Mutap features regional heraldry and inscriptions in Slavic script.
Monastic Residence (Konak)1930s
The konak was rebuilt in the 1930s under the guidance of Hieromonk Nikolaj Lazović with help from local villagers, replacing an older structure built by Prince Aleksandar Karađorđević that was in danger of collapse.
Contact
Téléphone: 032 5485179
