If you’re still thinking whether you should visit the monastery complex whose history is more than 8 centuries long, we are going to give you several excellent reasons which will make you visit this miraculous Valley of the Kings and “the mother of all churches”!
When you depart from Kraljevo, a city also known as a “heart of Šumadija”, move towards Mataruška Banja, you will bump into Žiča. The monastery were the first Serbian king Stefan Prvovenčani was crowned, you will recognize by its dark red façade, but also by the unusually beautiful nature that hugs it. The sight which reveals the imposing monastery complex is the main reason why you will want to peek in its interior.
Meeting with the eight century old walls
Yes, you read it correctly. A chance of seeing and touching the walls which have first seen daylight in the medieval century is truly fascinating. They probably hide the answer why one could feel the inexplicable energy in front of the monastery complex. There are feelings of peace and serenity, and then the uncontrolled excitement, amazement and admiration all together.
With peaceful and the sweet voice, kind nun explains to us that it is all because the history which still lives here. You will easily see its trails. A sight of the vivid frescoes that adorn the monastery walls and the smell of frankincense that captivates the room which gives off the sublimity, will insensibly take you on a trip into past. Indulge yourselves in the adventure through time and get to know the monastery where even seven Serbian kings were crowned.
The backyard of the monastery complex hides…
The nature you will want to run up and hug! The smell of the freshly mowed lawn, branched tree crowns and the endless green vastness will make you sit and just enjoy the nature that is surrounding you. Although it is less possible to ever get bored by this sight, once you’ve rested in the comfortable shadow of a tree, take a walk down through the garden that surrounds the magnificent complex.
A large monastery church is something that will attract your attention first. Then you’ll see the uniquely assembled, recognizable raška style, which always leaves the strong impression. Get ready to spend some time studying the interesting details and ornaments that adorn the facades of Church Svetog Spasa, the north chapel dedicated to Saint Sava and the southern one dedicated to the Archdeacon Stefan.
Take a peek into the interior of the most important Serbian sanctities…
Žiča wasn’t spared the wars, destructions nor the weather conditions. During the numerous robberies, valuable relics were taken away, and the most of the paintings destroyed. From the rich décor and frescoes of value, today are saved only bits and pieces. Still, the monastery settled in the fertile plain near Kraljevo has left standing tall and its interior to shines out the beauty, magnificence and charm.
Something you shouldn’t miss are the remaining frescoes. In the North and South choir are kept the Apostles, Crucifixion and parts of fresco called Skidanje s krsta, and the most important ones are those made in the period of 1309-1316. Some of them are Uspenje Bogorodice at the north wall of the nave, charter of Stefan Prvovencani, portraits of Stefan Prvovencani and his son, as well as Apostles Peter and Paul.
Discover the secrets of seven-door Žiča
More than eight hundred years of existance have made this monastery complex being brought into connection with numerous beliefs, myths and legends. The most important one, which was built into the coat of arms of Kraljevo, says that after Stefan Prvovencani, six more kings would be crowned there and that for each of them a door would be open and after that walled. Because of that, the name sedmovrata Žiča (seven-door Žiča) remained.
There are also numerous stories of its creation, starvations and exciting turnovers which have marked the stormy history of this cultural monument of extreme importance. But, we will not reveal all of it. Interesting stories and unusual beliefs you can hear from the amiable residents and kind nuns.
Indulge yourselves into the marvelous nature of Raška district
The Serbian sanctity is settled among the fragrant meadows of one of the most beautiful parts of Serbia and it is the excellent starting point for detour around surrounding beauties. Mountains Stolovi, Goč and Radočelo, a medieval city of Maglič, the valley of the lilac, Mataruška Banja, Studenica and Gradac Monasteries, a “Veseli spust” down the valley of Ibar… all these are things that you shouldn’t miss if you end up in this part of Serbia, and the list is long and it continues.
In the end, one is for sure- for the detour of the entire natural, cultural and historical attractions of Raška, you will need more than one day. But, don’t worry. If you don’t get ready for the multiday tour, you will always have a good reason to come back!
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