Studenica Monastery
Stefan Nemanja’s foundation of 1190, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with white-marble churches. About 67 km and an hour and a half by car from the spa.
- Season
- All year
- Duration
- 120 minutes
- Where
- Indoors and outdoors
- For
- couples, seniors, groups, families with children
- Entry
- Free entry
- From the spa centre
- 90 min by car
About the place
Studenica is the most important medieval monastery in Serbia. Stefan Nemanja founded it in 1190, soon after giving up the throne, and was buried here as the monk Simeon. Since 1986 Studenica has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Within the monastery walls are three churches: the Church of the Virgin, Nemanja’s main foundation in white marble, the King’s Church and the Church of St Nicholas. The Church of the Virgin holds the Crucifixion fresco of 1209, one of the high points of Serbian painting.
Studenica is about 67 kilometres and an hour and a half by car from Vrnjačka Banja, via Kraljevo and up the Ibar valley. It is a full-day trip: allow one to two hours at the monastery and lunch on the way. Žiča Monastery, on the edge of Kraljevo, fits easily on the same route.
Studenica is a living monastery with a brotherhood, so respect its rules: dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and do not take photos inside the churches without permission. Groups wanting a guided visit should let the monastery know in advance.
What to expect
Church of the Virgin
Nemanja’s white-marble foundation, with the Crucifixion fresco of 1209.
UNESCO World Heritage
On the World Heritage list since 1986.
A full-day trip
An hour and a half each way; Žiča can be added on the route.
Facilities
- Parking
Where it is
Manastir Studenica, Brezova, Kraljevo
- How to get there
- By car from Vrnjačka Banja via Kraljevo and up the Ibar valley, about 67 km and an hour and a half.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions people ask most. If yours is not here, get in touch and we will get back to you.
Send us a questionHow far is Studenica from Vrnjačka Banja?
About 67 kilometres, an hour and a half by car via Kraljevo.
Can I see Žiča on the same day?
Yes: Žiča is on the edge of Kraljevo, on the way to Studenica.
Why is Studenica on the UNESCO list?
For its white-marble churches and its 13th- and 14th-century Byzantine painting. It has been listed since 1986.
Stay in the spa for this trip
It is a day trip, and Vrnjačka Banja makes a good base: a bed, restaurants and back the same evening.
