Monastery of Naupara
Rasinski okrug
The Monastery of Naupara is one of the oldest and most significant examples of the Morava architectural style, built in the late 14th century. Located in the village of Naupara on the banks of the Rasina River near Kruševac, Serbia, it originally served as a court church for a local noble before becoming a monastery. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and features a triconch base with a dome over the nave and a bell tower above the narthex. Its upper facade is adorned with intricate stone decorative plastic, including a monumental stone rosette on the western facade. The interior frescoes date from the late 14th and 15th centuries, depicting biblical scenes, saints, and religious figures such as Christ Pantocrator on the dome, though only partially preserved. The monastery was restored in 1835 under Prince Miloš Obrenović and further conservation work was completed in 1995. Today, the Monastery of Naupara is protected as a cultural monument of great importance by the Republic of Serbia and remains a spiritual and cultural landmark in the region.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during spring and early autumn for pleasant weather and less crowd. Advance ticket purchase is recommended for guided tours, especially during religious holidays. The monastery offers a serene atmosphere for reflection and photography. Modest dress is recommended respecting the religious site. Discounts may be available for groups and students. Check the official website or contact the monastery for visiting hours and special events.
Interesting facts
- •The monastery's stone rosette on the western facade is considered a masterpiece of Morava decorative plastic due to its beauty and monumentality.
- •The frescoes inside the church were painted in two phases, late 14th and 15th centuries, featuring a Christ Pantocrator on the dome and cycles of Great Feasts.
- •In 1895, the monastery owned 642 hectares of land, with 610 hectares covered by forest, but had no significant capital accumulation.
- •The monastery once hosted a primary school serving the local community.
- •The conservation and research efforts on the monastery's frescoes and architecture were finalized as recently as 1995.
History
The Monastery of Naupara was constructed in the late 14th century, during the eighth decade, initially as a court church for a local noble.
It was mentioned in a 1382 charter by Prince Lazar, linking it to the estate of the Drenče Monastery.
In 1835, it was restored by Prince Miloš Obrenović and the Simić brothers.
By 1870, it was part of the Kruševac district and housed four monks, with an associated primary school.
The monastery owned significant land, mostly forested, but had limited capital.
Conservation and research of its architecture and frescoes took place in the early 20th century, concluding in 1995.
It is now a protected cultural monument of great importance in Serbia.
Place Guide
Church of the Virgin MaryLate 14th century
The main church building of the monastery, showcasing the Morava architectural style with its triconch base, dome over the nave, and bell tower above the narthex. The facade features exquisite stone decorative plastic including a monumental stone rosette on the western side. The interior contains partially preserved frescoes from the late 14th and 15th centuries depicting biblical scenes and saints.
Contact
Phone: 037 655456
