Monastery Sopoćani
Monday, 20.03.2006.
11:06
Monastery Sopoćani
16 km west of Novi Pazar, close to the source of the river Raška, stands the medieval monastery of Sopoćani, an endowment of King Uroš I(1243-76). Only the Church of the Holy Trinity is left of the original monastery compound built during the 1260s. The outer narthex with a high bell tower was added in the first half of the 14th c. The prestige of this sanctuary was elevated by the burial of the founder, his Queen Mother Ana Dandolo, his father Stefan, the First-Crowned and Grand Duke Djordje, Uroš’s uncle. Shortly after the fateful Battle of Kosovo Polje (1389) with the Ottoman forces, Sopoćani suffered serious damage and had to be restored by Despot Stefan, who paid special attention to strengthening its fortifications. In 16th c Ottoman attacks forced the monks to flee to the secluded Crna Reka monastery. Brought back to life in late 16th c, the Sopoćani Monastery was finally deserted in 1689 when it was ruined and set aflame by the advancing Turks who chased the rebellious Serbs northwards. The monastery was left in a pitiful state for the next two and a half centuries until it was finally renovated in 1929.The outer open narthex, set with the tower in front, was built during the reign of King (later Emperor) Dušan. Since it was later reconstructed, it has only a few traces of frescoes. Stepping into the inner narthex we observe the magnificent ensemble of Sopoćani frescoes. On the north wall is a historical composition representing the Death of Queen Mother Ana Dandolo: lying on the catafalque in the presence of her son Uroš and princes Dragutin and Milutin, while Uroš’s wife Jelena is seen kneeling in front; Christ and the Virgin Mary receive the queen’s soul. The portraits of King Uroš’s family, all standing, are to be seen once more along the east and the south walls. Side chapels are dedicated to St. Steven, protector of the Nemanjić dynasty, and to St. Stefan Mirotočivi (i.e. Stefan Nemanja), the founder of the dynasty. This latter one also displays scenes from his life.
Source: www.serbiainyourhands.com
Komentari 0