Manasija Monastery

Manasija Monastery is one of the most significant monuments of Serbian medieval culture and belongs to the Moravian style group. The monastery is the endowment of the ruler Despot Stefan Lazarevic, and was built between 1407-1418. Immediately after its establishment, Manasija became the cultural center of the land. The Resava Literary School was famous for its transcripts and translations even after the fall of Despot reign throughout the 15th and 16th centuries. The monastery complex consists of a church, a dining room, 11 towers, the largest of which - DON-JUAN or Despot's Tower, is located north of the church. The monastery of Manasia has been ruined many times during its existence. Most of the frescoes have been destroyed and the mosaic is only partially preserved. Despite everything, Manasia is one of the greatest reaches of medieval painting. The best preserved frescoes are on the west wall of the nave with the image of Despot Stefan and the model of the monastery church in the lower zones, while the upper scenes from the life of the Lord Jesus Christ and his Gospel story. During the restoration of the interior of the church, the relics of Saint Despot Stefan were excavated. The sample of genetic material was compared with that of Prince Lazar and showed genetic similarity to that present among the closest relatives. Manasija Monastery is one of the most significant monuments of Serbian medieval culture and belongs to the Moravian style group. The monastery is the endowment of the ruler Despot Stefan Lazarevic, and was built between 1407-1418. Immediately after its establishment, Manasija became the cultural center of the land. The Resava Literary School was famous for its transcripts and translations even after the fall of Despot reign throughout the 15th and 16th centuries. The monastery complex consists of a church, a dining room, 11 towers, the largest of which - DON-JUAN or Despot's Tower, is located north of the church. The monastery of Manasia has been ruined many times during its existence. Most of the frescoes have been destroyed and the mosaic is only partially preserved. Despite everything, Manasia is one of the greatest reaches of medieval painting. The best preserved frescoes are on the west wall of the nave with the image of Despot Stefan and the model of the monastery church in the lower zones, while the upper scenes from the life of the Lord Jesus Christ and his Gospel story. During the restoration of the interior of the church, the relics of Saint Despot Stefan were excavated. The sample of genetic material was compared with that of Prince Lazar and showed genetic similarity to that present among the closest relatives.