Savina Monastery

What is it

Savina Monastery lies 2 km east of Herceg Novi amid Mediterranean greenery. The complex comprises two Churches of the Dormition, a monastic residence with a treasury, and the hilltop Church of St Sava.

Key features

• Treasury highlights: St Sava’s crystal cross (13th c.), Tvrdoš reliquary (1615), shroud (1642), silver pentagon (1648), chalice (1650), Gospel (1685), a portrait of Peter the Great, and richly carved crosses.
• The revered “Savina” icon of the Mother of God is linked to a miracle saving the monastery; a small Marian icon donated by Empress Catherine II is kept in the Great Church.
• Small Dormition Church – inscription (1831) cites 1030, but stylistically mid-15th c.; earlier fresco layer beneath 1565 paintings.
• Great Dormition Church – built 1777–1799 by Korčula master Nikola Foretić; iconostasis by priest-icon painter Simeon Lazović with his son Alexei (1795).
• Church of St Sava – single-nave, modest bell-gable; tradition attributes it to the 13th c.; superb lookout over the bay.

What to see

• The Small and Great Dormition Churches with layered frescoes and carved iconostases.
• The treasury and the library’s manuscripts and documents.
• St Sava’s Church on the hill, the portico and the old cemetery lookout.

History

The Small Church evolved in stages: beneath 1565 frescoes a mid-15th-century layer was found, associated with the circle of Lovro Dobričević. Its iconostasis combines parts from various eras, including the “Tvrdoš” royal doors and the great Crucifix by Dimitrije Daskal (1703), and the temple icon by his son Rafail.

The Great Church rose 1777–1799; records note 8,454 workers in the first eight years. Its architecture blends Byzantine with Romano-Greek and Baroque idioms, epitomising the local fusion of East and West. Savina earned enduring respect among locals, ran a school, and produced notable churchmen and cultural figures.

Practical information

Location: Savina quarter, 2 km E of Herceg Novi, above the Bay of Kotor.
Getting there: drive from Herceg Novi centre toward Meljine/Savina; signed turn to the monastery, small parking by the gate; 20–30 min on foot from the Old Town.
Access: active monastery; church grounds generally open, treasury visits during posted hours/with donation.
When to visit: daily; treasury in daytime—confirm on site.
Visit duration: 45–90 minutes including the walk up to St Sava’s Church.
Best time: morning for quiet and softer light; spring–autumn for pleasant weather.
Special notes: modest dress; silence in churches and possible photo limits; steps on the path up to St Sava.