Moraca Monastery
Morača Monastery
A medieval monastic ensemble in the Morača river valley.
Founded in 1252, the site is known for light stone facades and frescoes. A calm courtyard and the river bend define its setting.
How to Get There
From Kolašin by taxi or transfer ~18 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~69 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~100 min.
Description
What is it
The Morača Monastery is an active men’s monastery on the right bank of the Morača River, in the canyon between Podgorica and Kolašin. It is one of Montenegro’s foremost medieval Serbian Orthodox monuments, founded in 1252.
Key features
- Founder Prince Stefan Vukanović Nemanjić, grandson of Stefan Nemanja – a dynastic foundation with high prestige.
- Main Church of the Dormition in the Raška style – single-nave, domed, with apse, side choirs and a spacious narthex.
- A unique 13th-century cycle of 11 scenes from the life of Prophet Elijah – the best-preserved early frescoes in the diaconicon.
- Complex includes the small Church of St Nicholas, monastic quarters and high enclosure walls with gates.
- Set on a natural terrace above the Svetigora waterfall – striking dialogue of architecture and canyon landscape.
What to see
- The Dormition Church with a Romanesque portal and 16th–17th-century fresco interiors.
- The small St Nicholas Church and the walled monastic court.
- Viewpoints toward the Svetigora waterfall and the Morača riverbed below.
History
Founded in 1252 by Prince Stefan, son of Vukan Nemanjić; initially part of the Zeta bishopric (1219), raised to titular metropolitan rank with the 1346 Patriarchate of Peć. Its place on the Onogošt–Brskovo trade route supported the monastery’s economy.
Under Ottoman rule the area belonged to the Herzegovina Sanjak; tradition records a burning in 1505. Restoration began after the 1557 revival of the Patriarchate and was completed c. 1574 by Abbot Toma and Vukić Vučetić; further frescoing followed in the late 16th–17th centuries.
In the 18th century Morača was a major ecclesiastical seat for the Brda region; the last Ottoman attack was repelled on 11 June 1877. A major restoration in 1935 shaped today’s appearance; road access arrived in 1936. Since 1982 the brotherhood has been led by Archimandrite Rafailo (Kalik).
Practical information
Location: Kolašin municipality, right bank of the Morača Canyon; terrace above the Svetigora waterfall.
Getting there: E65/E80 (Podgorica–Kolašin), signed turnoff “Manastir Morača”; access road to the gate; small parking area.
Access: active monastery – daylight entry typically free; observe silence and dress code; photography inside may be restricted.
When to visit: daily; services per church schedule.
Visit duration: 30–60 minutes for the complex; up to 1.5 hours including the waterfall viewpoint.
Best time: late spring to autumn; in winter expect possible ice and canyon winds.
Special notes: modest attire; caution near cliffs and on the path to the waterfall; do not disturb services or monastic life.
