No matter if you are a religious person looking to experience spirituality of Orthodox Christianity, or you are interested in medieval fresco painting and architecture, with this tour you’ll definitely reach your goals. These two monasteries are most iconic monasteries we have today in Serbia. Monastery Studenica from the late XII century is UNESCO World Heritage site. Monastery Zica (Žiča in Serbian alphabet) with its authentic red facade is the monastery where Serbian kings were crowned and where seat of Serbian Orthodox Church was for a long time.

What to expect from the tour

Expect a day filled with history, spirituality and sacred arts. Scenic drive and picturesque landscapes are part of the experience as well. After a long day you’ll have a chance to try food in one the most praised local restaurants in Serbia. If your interests are in culture and literacy, you might be interested in Origin of Serbian Alphabet tour.

Tour flow

#YourSerbiaHost will meet you at your hotel or other place of your stay in Belgrade. After pickup you’ll start the trip towards Western Serbia through picturesque Šumadija region. On the way you’ll get chance to see and hear about authentic life in this part of Serbia.

Our first destination for the day is Monastery Zica, located only few kilometers from the town Kraljevo (Kingstown) and approximately two hour drive from Belgrade. Žiča had an important role in Serbian medieval life. Several reasons made it important, in first place it was intended for the center of newly established Serbian Orthodox Church which got its autonomy in the early XIII century. Second, it was a place where first Serbian king was crowned, Stefan Nemanjić, also known as Stefan the First-Crowned. Later during the history many of Serbian kings were crowned here. There was a belief that king was not a king unless he was crowned in Žiča. Monastery’s treasury used to have very valuable belongings, such as right hand of St. John the Baptist. Today it’s in Siena, and you’ll learn how it ended up there.

From Monastery Zica route follows river Ibar through the gorge. In the gorge you’ll be able to see medieval fortress Maglič, which guards the river and the road from a hill. Further down the road we’ll set off from the main road and head for the mountains.

After 14km Monastery Studenica will welcome us in all its glory, beauty and greatness. No matter if you are a believer or not you won’t stay indifferent, you’ll be enchanted by its monumentality, calmness and appearance. The most significant part of the complex is the main church of Holy Virgin. Here you’ll see some of the most beautiful frescoes from the XII century and from the later periods. The most famous fresco of Monastery Studenica is Crucifixion of Christ, which will communicate to you in silence. There is chance that we’ll be accompanied by local curator who is so passionate about the monastery that he will be more than happy to share his passion with you.

We are returning on the main road upon our experience with Monastery Studenica’s history, art and monastic life is completed. Lunch stop is in village Bogutovac, at family owned restaurant “Kod Mira” which is there for over 200 years. The same family runs it for entire period and they nurture traditional hospitality. Local and homemade specialties are waiting for you to highlight the day.

After meal in “Kod Mira” we are driving straight to Belgrade.

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