Sopoćani

Sopoćani is a medieval Serbian orthodox monastery. It is about 750 m altitude, 16 km from Novi Pazar, in a mountainous forest landscape. The monastery was built in the Serbian -Byzantine style of Raška School in 1265 was donated by King Stefan Uroš I and should serve as his grave lay. The marble stone coffin over the grave site of King Uroš I, in the southern part of the church is still preserved. Since the 17th century, during the wars between Austrians and Turks, the monastery suffered severe damage and was there until the early 20th century as a ruin without a roof and dome. Through several steps of restoration it was re-erected and especially the outstanding frescoes are saved.

The single-nave basilica ( building type ) has a semi-circular apse east and to the west a large narthex with side chapels. The transept crossing the dome arches on a round, articulated through windows and blind arches tambour (architecture). Many details on Romanesque influences are from the coastal area. The tall, square bell tower next to the church was Stefan Uroš IV Dušan build in the first half of the 14th century.

The frescoes on the walls and the icons inside of Sopoćani among the most beautiful of Serbian medieval paintings. Many international historians described it as the best work of the Serbian - Byzantine style, and they declared they performed the highlights of Christian- European painting of the 13th century you are in the courtly style on luxurious gold background that has expired unfortunately a few remnants. At the Naos (architecture) west wall is shown in the circle of the apostles and their reception ( shown as a babe ) soul through Christ which passes them to the angels as monumental painting the Dormition of Mary. With its dimensions (6.35 m by 4.25 m ), it is the greatest work of medieval European painting. Further, emphasized paintings include the Nativity, the Transfiguration of Christ, Christ in Limbo and the Doubting Thomas. The frescoes in the narthex are about five years after which originated in Naos. She created another painter in more kleinfigürlich - narrative style, which gives a more vivid effect.

In 1979 the monastery was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.