Žiča Monastery

Žiča Monastery was built in the 13th century by Stefan Nemanja and Saint Sava as the center of the new Serbian Archbishopric, responsible for the country religiously and replacing the center (archbishopric) in Ohrid, Macedonia. The design is influenced by the monasteries on Mount Athos, which is why the color of the buildings is red—the color of the holy martyrs. The main church has an octagonal dome, a bell tower, and a large narthex (lobby) at the entrance. It is dedicated to the Ascension of Jesus.

The eastern part of the church is the older section, built by Stefan Nemanja and Saint Sava. Most of the frescoes (wall paintings) inside the building date from the time of King Milutin, who renovated the church. At the entrance, there are other important frescoes from the 14th century, as well as the charter of the monastery—an important historical document. Seven kings were crowned here, and for each of them, an opening was created in the wall of the building, which was later closed.

In the monastery courtyard, there is another small church dedicated to Peter, adorned with beautiful frescoes. The monks’ building to the left of the entrance is new, but its architecture was influenced by the old church. The first Serbian king in modern times, Prince Milan Obrenović, was crowned here. Today, the monastery is the seat of the bishop of the region. From Žiča, the road leads into the winding gorge of the Ibar River, at the entrance to which stands the beautiful medieval fortress of Maglič.

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