Experience medieval Serbia

Experience Medieval Serbia at the Foot of Mount Golija

A cultural tour through which you will discover the beginnings of Serbian history and hear ancient stories about the Holy Nemanjić dynasty.

The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul – the foundation of Serbian statehood

Our tour begins not far from the town of Novi Pazar, at the ancient Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, known to the people as Petrova crkva (Peter's Church). We will visit the oldest church in Serbia and admire its unique architecture and historical significance. The place where the sons of the great Stefan Nemanja were baptized, and among them Rastko Nemanjić – Sava, will leave you breathless with the fact that it was founded in the distant 9th century and that Stefan Nemanja held his great assemblies here. External and internal sightseeing, followed by a visit to the grave of Blessed Stojna, a newly canonized saint who rests in the churchyard of this ancient church.

Đurđevi Stupovi – a symbol of Nemanja's rise to power

We continue towards Đurđevi Stupovi, a journey of about 15 minutes, enjoying panoramic views of the town of Novi Pazar along the way. We learn about the history of the monastery, which was built as a token of gratitude to Saint George for Nemanja's deliverance from prison and as a symbol of his ascent to power. For the first time in the Middle Ages, we encounter the Raška style of construction and hear stories about the difficult times the monastery went through. At the end of the visit, we learn the story of the monastery wine and the winery that was revived after 800 years of being closed.

Sopoćani – the source of medieval fresco painting

After Stupovi, we travel to Sopoćani, where we hear the story of Stefan Uroš I, the ancient Saxon miners, and the healing water of the Raška River, which helped our king heal his throat and hoarse voice. We enjoy the unique frescoes created in the 13th century and get to know the Serbian Mona Lisa – the image of Saint Apostle Philip, created about 200 years before Leonardo's Mona Lisa.

At the end of the tour, depending on the guests' arrangements and wishes, it is possible to organize a tasting of monastery wines paired with Novi Pazar gastronomic specialties, or to continue the tour with a visit to the Ottoman part of the town of Novi Pazar.