Brankovina
Kolubarski okrug
The Church of the Holy Archangels in Brankovina, constructed in 1830 by Prota Mateja Nenadović, stands as an important Serbian Orthodox cultural monument. Built on the site of a previously destroyed wooden church, it reflects the baroque style common in 19th-century Vojvodina ecclesiastical architecture. The church is made of stone, plastered and whitewashed, featuring a tall bell tower on its western side. Inside, it houses a treasury enriched over the 19th century with liturgical books, artistic objects, and historical documents, including a 10th-century reliquary cross, the carved cross of Hadži Ruvim, and the Great Gospel gifted by the Russian Tsar. The churchyard contains a monument to soldiers from the Balkan Wars and World War I, as well as family gravestones of the Nenadović family, notable Serbian historical figures. Additionally, the churchyard preserves 19th-century vernacular architecture in the form of "sobrašice," small houses used during church festivals for gatherings and shelter. The Serbian poet and academic Desanka Maksimović is buried here, adding to the site's cultural significance. Together with the nearby school and its yard, the church complex is protected as a cultural monument of great importance in Serbia.
Plan your trip to Serbia with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during spring and autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It is recommended to check opening hours in advance and consider guided tours to fully appreciate the historical and cultural context. Tickets may offer discounts for students and seniors. Photography inside may be restricted, so inquire locally. The churchyard and surrounding buildings provide a peaceful environment for reflection and exploration.
Interesting facts
- •The church houses a 10th-century reliquary cross and the carved cross of Hadži Ruvim, significant religious artifacts.
- •The Great Gospel inside was a gift from the Russian Tsar to Prota Mateja Nenadović.
- •The churchyard contains family gravestones of prominent Serbian figures such as Alekse, Jakov, Sima, and Prota Mateja Nenadović.
- •Desanka Maksimović, a renowned Serbian poet and academic, is buried in the churchyard.
- •The church complex includes 'sobrašice,' traditional 19th-century houses used during church festivals for gatherings and shelter.
History
The Church of the Holy Archangels in Brankovina was built in 1830 by Prota Mateja Nenadović on the site of a former wooden church destroyed by the Turks.
Its construction in the baroque style reflects architectural influences from Vojvodina during that era.
Over the 19th century, the church's treasury was enriched with valuable religious artifacts and documents, including gifts from the Russian Tsar.
The surrounding churchyard became a memorial site with monuments honoring soldiers from the Balkan Wars and World War I, as well as the resting place of the Nenadović family members.
The site has been preserved as a cultural monument of great importance under state protection.
Place Guide
Church Interior and Iconostasis1830
The interior features a baroque iconostasis with icons of the Holy Archangel Michael, Saint John, and Saint Nicholas, showcasing 19th-century Serbian Orthodox religious art.
Church Treasury19th century and earlier
The treasury preserves valuable liturgical books and religious artifacts, including the 10th-century reliquary cross, Hadži Ruvim's carved cross, and the Great Gospel gifted by the Russian Tsar.
Churchyard Monuments and Sobrašice19th and early 20th century
The churchyard contains monuments to soldiers from 1912-1918 wars and family gravestones of the Nenadović family, alongside traditional 19th-century houses called 'sobrašice' used for gatherings during church festivals.
