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The Zica Monastery
The Žiča Monastery with the Church of the Savoir (Ascension of Christ)
is in Central Serbia, between Kraljevo and Mataruška Spa, and was
commissioned by Nemanja's sons, Stefan the First Crowned and Sava. The time is not exactly known. It has been assumed that it was started in 1206 and most probably completed by 1220. Žiča turned into the first Seat of the Serbian Archbishoprics in 1219, when Sava Nemanjić became the first Serbian Archbishop and the Church acquired autocephaly. Sava crowned Stefan the First Crowned in Žiča as the first King of Serbia. Žiča
is known as the Coronation Church, (seven Kings of Serbia were
coroneted there) and the church of designation of the Serbian
Archbishops.
Žiča became the first Seat of the Serbian Archbishopric in 1219, when Sava Nemanjić became
the first Serbian Archbishop, and Serbia acquired autocephaly of its
Church. It was decorated in frescoes after the acquisition of autonomy.
The architecture of Žiča follows the earlier Nemanja's endowments, but is characterized by a considerably more complex building program, which became a model for the entire later Raška architecture.
A robust Romanesque turret was built in front of the added monumental narthex.
The Romanesque influence was reflected in the decoration of the
portal and windows of this edifice as well as in the characteristic
friezes of blind arcades. Scarce remnants of sculptures still clearly
indicate Romanesque impact, most probably brought by the artisans of
Kotor.
Tourist Information:
Tourism Organization of Kraljevo
Trg srpskih ratnika 25
36000 Kraljevo
Serbia
+381 36 316-000
E-mail
Website


Opening Hours:
- The Monastery is open for visitors daily between 9 AM and 7 PM
- Souvenir shop hours between 9 AM and 6 PM
- Curator available
- Parking with toilets

The Zica Monastery