Monastery of Ljubostinja
Rasinski okrug
The Monastery of Ljubostinja, located on the left bank of the West Morava River near Trstenik, Serbia, is a Serbian Orthodox women's monastery built in 1388 by Princess Milica. It is the first female monastery in Serbia and holds great historical and cultural significance. Architecturally, it exemplifies the Morava school style, uniquely blending Venetian Gothic and Islamic influences, featuring stone rosettes and floral motifs symbolizing paradise. The monastery served as a spiritual and aristocratic center during the late 14th and early 15th centuries, notably housing Princess Milica and the medieval Serbian writer Despotess Jelena Mrnjavčević, later nun Euphrosyne. It preserves their relics and once safeguarded the relics of Saint Petka. The frescoes inside, painted in cool tones like cinnabar red and malachite green, include the famous depiction of Jesus healing the paralytic. As a cultural monument of exceptional importance, Ljubostinja remains a bastion of female monasticism and a site of religious festivals and cultural events.
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Tip: Visit during spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Tickets may be required for entry; purchasing in advance can help avoid queues. The monastery hosts traditional events on Transfiguration and the Feast of the Assumption, which offer unique cultural experiences. Modest dress is advised as it is an active religious site. Guided tours can enrich understanding of its history and art.
Interesting facts
- •The monastery's name is believed to derive from the Serbian word for love, linked to the romantic meeting of Princess Milica and Prince Lazar.
- •It uniquely combines Morava architectural style with Venetian Gothic and Islamic influences.
- •Princess Milica and Despotess Jelena Mrnjavčević (nun Euphrosyne) are both buried there, and their relics are preserved.
- •The monastery once held the relics of Saint Petka, a revered Serbian saint.
- •Frescoes inside are painted in distinctive cool tones, including cinnabar red and malachite green, uncommon in Serbian medieval art.
History
Founded in 1388 by Princess Milica at the dawn of the Battle of Kosovo, Ljubostinja was the first women's monastery in Serbia.
Princess Milica took monastic vows here in 1392 and lived there until her death in 1405, sharing the monastery with her friend, the writer and despotess Jelena Mrnjavčević (nun Euphrosyne).
It became a refuge for widows of Serbian nobility and a diplomatic center during the Serbian Despotate.
Over centuries, it was among the richest monasteries in Serbia and has been protected as a cultural monument of exceptional importance since 1979.
Place Guide
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin1388
The main church building exemplifies the Morava school architectural style, decorated with stone rosettes and floral motifs symbolizing paradise. Its frescoes are notable for their cool color palette and include the famous depiction of Jesus healing the paralytic.
Mausoleum of Princess Milica1405
The final resting place of Princess Milica, who founded the monastery and became a nun here. Her relics are preserved and venerated by visitors and pilgrims.
Monastic Necropolis
A burial site containing over thirty graves of monks and Serbian nobility, reflecting the monastery's historical importance as a spiritual and aristocratic center.
Contact
Phone: 060 4040849
