A Blend of History and Beauty
The church at Studenitza Monastery is a mix of marble and whitewash, filled with precious relics and colorful decorations. Despite its age of six hundred years, the church has seen better days. Time and conflicts have caused damage; it shows signs of wear and tear. The grey marble floor is cracked and uneven, and some beautiful marble pillars that used to stand tall in the sanctuary have been taken away.
Many of the statues of the Apostles inside are now battered and hard to recognize. The walls are decorated with frescoes of saints painted in the bold Byzantine style, but over the years, the colors have faded. In some places, the frescoes have completely disappeared, replaced by cheap plaster. The Turkish invaders have left their mark, with spears smashing the painted faces of the saints, leaving behind only patches of plaster to cover the damage The Simple Life in Serbia.
A Rich History in Pain
There are also images of sainted kings who played important roles in Servian history. While many foreigners may not know their stories, locals recount tales of their heroic deeds with passion. The altar screen is beautifully adorned with scenes that remind one of “Pilgrim’s Progress.” Surrounding this area are heavy gold and silver decorations, showcasing the wealth of the monastery.
Inside, there is a cupboard filled with sacred books written in old Slavonic, all gifts from Russia dating back to the time of Peter the Great. Sadly, the Turks burned many of the old Servian manuscripts, destroying parts of the rich cultural heritage.
Celebrating Saint Mary
During my visit, the monastery was preparing for the feast of Saint Mary. Peasants had traveled from far and wide—some even making journeys of two to three days. These sturdy, God-fearing people dressed in traditional Balkan clothing added color to the scene. Some arrived on horseback, but most walked to the monastery.
The women, wearing bright kerchiefs, sat together in small groups, while the men wandered the monastery grounds, chatting and enjoying the atmosphere. A few stayed at the nearby inn, while others found places to sleep on the balcony of the cells or beneath the trees Private Bosphorus Tours.
A Night Under the Stars
The day before the festival, nearly a hundred visitors arrived in the late afternoon. As the sun set, they shared simple meals of black bread and prepared for the night. When darkness fell, they wrapped their cloaks around themselves and settled down to sleep under the stars, with the bright silver moon lighting their way.
At four in the morning, the bell rang out, calling everyone to the church. The early hour brought a sense of excitement and anticipation as the faithful gathered to celebrate this important feast day, united in their devotion and the shared experience of faith.
