Studenica Monastery

Established at the end of the 12th century, this monastery is one of Serbia’s greatest monasteries and is highly regarded by Orthodox Serbs. We entered through the imposing Western Gate, constructed of stone with a wooden pyramid roof.

I took a tour around the exterior of the main church completed in 1191, known as the Church of the Virgin Mary. A prototype of the Raška School style, the architecture seamlessly blends Romanesque and Byzantine styles. The exterior is covered with polished white marble, unique in Serbian medieval architecture. The cupola is a red color, just like the King’s Church. My favorite architectural element is the 3-windowed apse. Framing the three narrow windows are carvings or elaborately sculptured leaves, figures, and mythological beasts, a Romanesque contribution of Italian carvers. A similar style could be found around one of the doors. Most of the original frescoes inside the Holy Virgin church were completed in 1209 and repainted in 1569. Much of this botched repainting has since been removed, leaving the original frescoes potmarked with white indentations. Neither the plaster mixture or color has been successfully replicated. The Crucifixion fresco is especially splendid. Recent earthquakes (compounding previous ones) have raised questions of stability.

Many of Studenica’s remaining treasures (what was left after repeated lootings) are now in a small museum on-site.