ŽIČA MONASTERY

This magnificent monastery, very photogenic and recognizable by its beautiful bright red-ochre colors, has a special importance in the history of the Serbian nation. Indeed, since its foundation in 1219, the monastery of Žića is the place where the Serbian autocephalous episcopate is established and seated. It was here that the great St. Sava, the first independent archbishop of Serbia, crowned his brother Stefan as king, and later Stefan's sons, Radoslav and Vladislav, were crowned here in turn. However, at the end of the 13th century, the patriarchate of Žića was transferred to Peć in Kosovo, and then the building suffered at the hands of the Ottomans, who burned the church several times (even today, you can see the charred vault of the entrance). The church of the complex, which belongs to the Raška school of architecture, is recognizable by its rectangular plan and square tower. It is flanked by a circular-roofed chapel on each side, and the narthex ends with a three-part apse topped by a dome. In the main church there are paintings from the 13th century by painters from the workshops of King Milutin, with evocations of the life of Jesus and great religious feasts in the central part. The most interesting composition illustrates the Christmas hymn of Saint John Damascene. Among the two groups of church dignitaries are Patriarch Sava III and King Milutin. In the southern chapel, scenes from the life of the patron saint Stephen have been preserved.