Monasteries in Serbia. There are many, if there is some travel guidance, they are the main content. We visited one with our friends, the Manasija monastery south of Belgrade.

What you see first has more the aspect of a medieval castle. High rising towers and strong defenses protect the monastery which is tucked away in a valley off the main roads. Because Serbia is on the watershed between Christianity and Islam, and also between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. And when the enemy invaded the country he seldom cared to conserve the adverse religion and culture.

Monasteries have also their national role. Here people knew to read and write. Here were schools. The own writing and culture was conserved and developed. It does not come as a surprise that the first Serbian government of our times met first in a monastery some 200 years ago.

Communism oppressed religion, but religion survived and is currently on the rise. New churches are build and there are many young priests and nuns. Religion becomes part of everyday live again and has its importance in building the nation. But traditionally orthodox church supported a national way, and today it is close to the nationalist parties. While the catholic church sees her role as facilitator of dialogue, some orthodox bishops are engaged in a way that triggers criticism.

The interior of the churches is decorated with frescos. The paint was applied on the wet chalk, which conserves the colors very well - if the church is not destroyed itself. The paintings follow a certain scheme. There is a place for the donor of the church, another for the prophets, the evangelists, the Saint-Warriors, the scenes from the bible - they all have their specific place in an orthodox church.

The monastery which is in renovation is still active and is today a female monastery.

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Upd. on 08. jan 2006