Morača Monastery

The Morača Monastery (Serbian: Манастир Морача) is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located in the valley of the Morača River in Kolašin, in central Montenegro. It was founded in 1252 by Stefan Vukanović, a member of the Nemanjić dynasty. As one of the most important medieval monuments in Montenegro, the history of its foundation is engraved above the western portal. The monastery endured difficult periods, including a fire set by the Ottoman Turks in 1505, after which it was abandoned for seventy years. It was rebuilt between 1574 and 1580 with financial support from the local population. The main structure of the monastery is a unified church in the Raška style, featuring Romanesque portals and dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God. Its interior is adorned with valuable frescoes, including the oldest known depictions of the life of the Prophet Elijah from the 13th century, as well as later works such as the representation of the Last Judgment from 1577–1578. The monastery has also witnessed significant historical events, including the 1944 session of the Yugoslav Land Assembly, where the status of the Bay of Kotor was discussed. Renowned not only for its architecture but also for its rich cultural and artistic heritage, the Morača Monastery remains a vital landmark in the historical and spiritual landscape of Serbia and Montenegro.