Žiča Monastery
A 13th-century monastery near Kraljevo, seat of the first Serbian archbishopric and coronation church. About 28 km and 40 minutes by car from the spa.
- Season
- All year
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Where
- Indoors and outdoors
- For
- families with children, couples, seniors, groups
- Entry
- Free entry
- From the spa centre
- 40 min by car
About the place
Žiča is an early 13th-century monastery at the mouth of the Ibar valley, on the edge of Kraljevo. It was built by Stefan the First-Crowned, and from 1219 to 1253 it was the seat of the Serbian archbishopric. By tradition, Serbian kings were crowned here, which is why it is called the coronation church.
It is about 28 kilometres and 35 to 40 minutes by car from Vrnjačka Banja, via Kraljevo. It is the nearest of the great monasteries, so a visit fits easily into half a day: Žiča in the morning, back in the spa for a swim or a walk in the afternoon.
The church is easy to spot from afar by its red facade. Allow half an hour to an hour in the grounds, and if you want a talk or a guide, let the monastery know you are coming.
Žiča is a living monastery, so respect its rules: dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and do not take photos inside the church without permission. If you also want to see Studenica, that is a separate full-day trip.
What to expect
The coronation church
By tradition, Serbian kings were crowned at Žiča; the church stands out with its red facade.
Seat of the first archbishopric
From 1219 to 1253 Žiča was the seat of the Serbian archbishopric.
Half a day from the spa
About 40 minutes’ drive each way and an hour in the monastery grounds.
Facilities
- Parking
Where it is
Manastir Žiča, Kraljevo
- How to get there
- By car from Vrnjačka Banja via Kraljevo, about 28 km and 35 to 40 minutes. The monastery is on the edge of Kraljevo, towards the Ibar valley.
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 Žiča from Vrnjačka Banja?
About 28 kilometres, 35 to 40 minutes by car via Kraljevo.
How long does a visit take?
Half an hour to an hour in the grounds, about half a day with the drive.
What should I wear?
Modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. No photos inside the church without permission.
Why is Žiča called the coronation church?
By tradition Serbian kings were crowned there, and from 1219 to 1253 it was the seat of the Serbian archbishopric.
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.
