- Address: Montenegro, Skadar Lake, Virpazar
- Type: for men
- Condition: active
- Confession: Orthodoxy (Serbian Church)
- Metropolis: Montenegrin-Primorye
In Montenegro, on the territory of Skadar Lake, there is the Moracnik Island, in the eastern part of which is the monastery of the same name (Manastir Moracnik or Moračnik).
Description of the temple
The monastery was built at the request of Prince Zeta Balsi the Third between 1404 and 1417 years. He fully paid for the construction of the main church, which is called the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. The temple was consecrated in honor of the miracle-working icon of the Three Hands. These data were taken from the government's charter of the time.
Like most Balsicic churches, the roof of the church is crowned with just one dome and 3 conchs (half-cupolas). The monastery itself is small. Later, an additional chapel of St. John Damascene was added to the facade of the building. In the 15th century, the walls and ceiling of Moracnik were decorated with all sorts of frescoes depicting scenes from the Holy Scriptures.
To this day only the remnants of this painting have come down. The small church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, part of the monastery complex, was completely destroyed and is a ruin. The shrine itself was subjected to severe persecution and partial destruction during the reign of the Ottoman Empire.
Monastery Moracnic now
The condition of the whole temple until the middle of the twentieth century was deplorable, it was almost completely destroyed. Of the monastery complex, only a small part has survived:
- the remains of a four-story tower with a chapel on top;
- stone fence adorning the entrance monumental gates;
- refectory in the southern part of the complex;
- cell phone, located in the east.
In 1963, partial restoration and repair work was carried out here. The main achievement of this project is the restoration of the dome over the church. In 1985, excavations took place on the territory of the monastery, as a result of which valuable historical artifacts, household items, dishes and remains from another ancient temple were found. It was located on the highest point of the island and was built around the same time.
Today, the Moracnik Temple is an active male monastery and belongs to the Orthodox Church of Serbia of the Montenegrin-Primorsky Metropolis. When going to visit the shrine, do not forget to put things on your elbows and shoulders, and women - headdress.
How to get to the monastery?
The temple is located on a small island in the south of Skadar Lake and belongs to the municipality of Bar . In 13 km from it there is a border with Albania , and in 19 km the city of Virpazar is located. Visiting the sights is part of many excursions taking place in this area. Also here you can get by boat or boat, which are rented in the nearest settlements.