- Year of construction: 1602
- Project Author: Petr Kordic
- Confession: Orthodoxy (Serbian Church)
- Metropolis: Montenegrin-Primorye
An interesting monument of culture, architecture and history, bearing such an unusual name Monastery of Banya, is an active women's monastery belonging to the Montenegrin-Primorsky Metropolia of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Location:
The monastery of Banya is located on the shores of the Boka Kotorska bay, only 2 km from the ancient city of Risan (towards Perast ), surrounded by picturesque green hills and azure sea surface.
History of creation
With its mysterious name, the Monastery of Banya owes its former Roman baths or baths, which unfortunately have not survived to this day because of the earthquakes that occurred here.
As for the history of the monastery, there is no reliable data on the time of its construction. In written sources, the first mention of this architectural monument dates back to 1602. There is an opinion that the monastery was built with the help of Stefan Nemani at the beginning of the XVII century on the remnants of the medieval church. The author of the project was Peter Kordich. Sanctified a new church in honor of St. George. In 1729, the Monastery of Banya underwent a major reconstruction, the funds for which were collected by the forces of local residents and often coming here to seafarers. Archimandrite Stanasiy was the head of the reconstruction. Despite climatic cataclysms, wars and social unrest, the monastery is perfectly preserved and is one of the main architectural monuments of Risan in Montenegro .
What is interesting about the Monastery of Banya?
Outwardly the building looks rather modest. Around the temple there is a small well-groomed territory, many green spaces, including cypress groves. From here you have a wonderful view of the bay and the mountains. Once inside, pay attention to the main church heritage of the monastery. It includes:
- a particle of the relics of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious;
- ancient icons from Boka, Russia and Greece;
- church clothes with the faces of saints, embroidered with gold and silver threads and intended for ceremonial ceremonies;
- objects of worship.
Visitors to the monastery can go to the extensive library here and see a lot of old church books from different places, including Russia. The monastery of Banya is open for pilgrims and tourists, but it should be noted that, since it is in force, it is necessary to observe the rules of conduct and dress code on its territory.
How to get there?
To the Monastery Bath is the most convenient way to take a taxi or a rented car . On the road near the city of Risan you will see a pointer to the monastery. From it will remain just a couple of minutes and you are there. We pay attention that the door at the entrance to the monastery can be closed. To get inside, pull the rope at the main entrance, the nuns will hear the bell ring and be opened to you.