Vraćevšnica Monastery
Šumadijski okrug
Vraćevšnica Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located near the village of Vraćevšnica in the municipality of Gornji Milanovac, Moravica District, Serbia. Founded before 1428 by the nobleman Radič Postupović during the reign of Despot Stefan Lazarević, the monastery is dedicated to Saint George. It is an important spiritual and cultural monument, featuring a single-nave church with a semicircular altar apse and a bell tower above the narthex. The monastery is famed for its frescoes completed in 1431, which are exemplary of Serbian medieval art. Over the centuries, the monastery endured damage during Ottoman rule but was restored several times, notably in the late 16th century and during the 18th century under Austrian administration. It played a significant role during the First Serbian Uprising, hosting important assemblies and meetings of revolutionary leaders such as Karađorđe and Miloš Obrenović. The complex includes monastic quarters with a tower above the entrance gate, and the monastery grounds also house the grave of Baba Višnja, mother of Prince Miloš Obrenović, marked by a monument erected in 1901. Today, the monastery is a female monastery known for its spiritual life and the production of renowned honey by the nuns.
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Tip: Visitors should consider visiting during spring and early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It is advisable to check opening hours in advance via the official website or phone. Guided tours may be available, offering deeper insight into the monastery's history and art. Entrance is free, but donations are welcome to support maintenance and restoration. Modest attire is recommended as it is an active religious site.
Interesting facts
- •The monastery’s frescoes, completed in 1431, are considered masterpieces of Serbian medieval art.
- •Vraćevšnica hosted a significant meeting on September 17, 1810, between Karađorđe, Miloš Obrenović, and other leaders planning the Serbian uprising.
- •The grave of Baba Višnja, mother of Prince Miloš Obrenović, is located in the monastery courtyard, marked by a monument built in 1901.
- •The monastery was damaged in a fire in 1920 which destroyed many valuable relics and buildings.
- •Nuns of Vraćevšnica are renowned for producing high-quality honey, a tradition that supports the monastery's economy.
History
The monastery was constructed before 1428 by Radič Postupović as a thanksgiving for the survival of local villagers after the Battle of Kosovo.
It faced damage and abandonment during Ottoman rule but was restored before 1579 by Metropolitan Diomid of Rudnik.
The 18th century saw major renovations under Austrian rule, including repainting of frescoes.
Vraćevšnica was a key meeting place during the First Serbian Uprising (1804–1813), hosting leaders like Karađorđe and Miloš Obrenović.
The monastery was further renovated in the 19th century, with new monastic buildings and a bell tower added.
It transitioned into a female monastery in 1935, continuing its religious and cultural traditions.
Place Guide
Church of Saint Georgebefore 1428
The main church is a single-nave building with a nearly rectangular base and a semicircular altar apse on the western side. It features a bell tower above the narthex and is built with yellowish stone adorned with a shallow relief arch motif under the eaves. Inside, the church houses the original 15th-century frescoes painted in 1431, which depict religious scenes and saints, reflecting the artistic style of the Serbian Despotate period.
Monastic Quarters and Tower18th century (restoration and additions)
Located on the southern side of the church, the monastic quarters include living spaces for monks and nuns. The tower above the entrance gate served both defensive and symbolic purposes, signifying the monastery's importance and status.
Monument to Baba Višnja1901
In the monastery courtyard lies the grave of Baba Višnja, mother of Prince Miloš Obrenović, a prominent Serbian ruler. The monument was erected in 1901 to honor her memory and the Obrenović family's connection to the monastery.
Winter Chapel and Treasury Building1978
Built in 1978 on the western side of the monastery complex, this building houses the treasury and a winter chapel decorated with frescoes by Žarko Vučković, a renowned painter and university professor from Gornji Milanovac.
Contact
Phone: 032 5733309
