- Address: Starceva Gorica, Bar, Montenegro
- Date of the foundation of the church: 1378
The population of Montenegro is religious. Here, new churches are being built and carefully guarded by ancient temples. One of them is the monastery Starčeva Gorica (Starčeva gorica), which belongs to the Balsic era and is considered one of the oldest in the country.
basic information
The monastery is located in the western part of the homonymous island, on the Skadar Lake , and belongs to the municipality of Bar . The temple was founded in the XIV century by a monk-hermit named Makarii. The elder lived a righteous life, and devoted all his free time to prayers. Rumor about him quickly spread in the neighborhood, and this archipelago began to be called Starchevo, which translates as "the island of the old man".
In the construction of the shrine, the monk was helped by the monarch Georgy First Balshich. The monastery complex includes the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was built by local seaside masters. After the death of the Elder, the temple was named after him for some time. The architecture of the building has become an example for other buildings of this type.
What is famous for the monastery Starcheva Goritsa?
In the Middle Ages, one of the largest centers for rewriting church handwritten books was located here. In the monastery there were special rooms for storing numerous manuscripts. The most valuable specimen written here is the Gospel, which is currently in the Venetian library. Other publications can be seen in major museums of various European cities.
In 1540 in the chapel at the monastery was buried the famous Montenegrin first printer Bozidar Vukovich together with his wife. He devoted himself entirely to work in a printing house under the state chancellery headed by Ivan Chernoevich.
During the Turkish occupation the monastery fell into decay, and the island passed under the leadership of the Muslim clergy. On the territory of the church they destroyed buildings, kept cattle, desecrated relics.
Architecture of the monastery complex
In addition to the church, the structure of the temple includes farm buildings and monastic cells, surrounded by a stone high fence. Restored shrines began in the 60s of the twentieth century. In 1981, ancient burial places of local ministers were discovered, which in time were restored. Completely rebuilt the complex could only in 1990, when the rector was Grigory Milenkovich.
The Church of the Theotokos is small in size and has one main dome, but it looks majestic. To the temple there are two side chapels and a porch, located on the western side. Originally, the walls of the temple were painted with picturesque murals, which, unfortunately, have not survived to this day.
Monastery Starcheva Gorica today
Now tourists come here wishing to get acquainted with an unusual history and ancient architecture, and also to pray. Here there is a functioning Orthodox monastery, which is accessible for visits. It belongs to the Montenegrin-Primorsky Metropolia under the Serbian Church. Pilgrims are attracted by the ancient walls of the shrine, where there is peace and tranquility.
How can I get to the monastery?
Starcheva Gorica Island is located 12 km from the city of Virpazar , from which you can swim by boat rented on the coast (the journey takes about half an hour). The monastery is a part of some excursions .
When going to visit the shrine, do not forget to bring clothing that covers your knees and elbows, and women need a headscarf.