Kovilje Monastery

Kovilje Monastery, just like projected and chosen by God sits atop a cliff overlooking the Nošnica River, and makes a very secluded shrine dedicated to St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Kovilje Monastery is located on the gorgeous slopes of Golija and Javor Mountains, in Nošnica River valley, in Smiljevac village of Stari Vlah area, 25 km southwest of Ivanjica, in central-south-west Serbia. The first records on Kovilje Monastery dates from the 1606. The monastic complex of Kovilje consists of two churches : The cave Church of St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel and later St. Nicholas Church. The Church of St. Archangels is real ascetic hermitage partly reclined in the stone thus representing the spiritual nest. It is one nave tiny structure with altar apse and floor carved with white and rose blocks of marble from Radočelo Mountain. Fresco decoration of Kovilje Monastery date from the 13th century and is party preserved, the best vivid are scenes of saints and Christ Pantocrator.

By legends and found scripts it is to believe that the Kovilje Monastery was founded at the end of the 12th and the beginning of the 13th century. During its turbulent history Kovilje Monastery took the central role in spirituality, political and national issues of Orthodox population of this part of Serbia. One of the fist schools in Serbia was established here. Kovilje Monastery was thoroughly damaged and looted during the history and often hosted rescued Serbs persecuted by Turks from their homes. Orthodox population was forced to flee from this region and settled in the northern parts. In respect to their spiritual shrine left in pitiful status new settlers have built the Church dedicated to St. Archangels in Kovilj village in present-day Bačka District. Nowadays Kovilje Monastery represents unique spiritual, cultural and liturgical center to admire. After 200 years the monastic life has been reestablished in this gorgeous and remote place of worship.