Scotland - Edinburgh Castle
Foto: The walled monastery (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Serbia - The Manasija Monastery, also known as the Resava Monastery, is one of the most important medieval monuments in Serbia. It is situated in a picturesque valley near the town of Despotovac, surrounded by forested hills in the heart of Central Serbia. The monastery was founded in the early 15th century by Despot Stefan Lazarević, a prominent ruler and patron known for promoting art, culture, and Orthodox Christianity during a turbulent period of wars and political unrest. Construction began around 1407 and was completed between 1418 and 1421. The complex is a stunning example of the so-called "Morava school," a Serbian architectural style characterized by richly decorated façades, vertical lines, and a harmonious blend of Byzantine and local elements. The central church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and features a distinctive cruciform layout with a large central dome flanked by smaller domes. What makes Manasija particularly unique is the inclusion of military defense structures. The monastery was built as a fortress, complete with massive walls and eleven imposing towers, including the impressive donjon—a large watchtower that served as a last refuge in case of attack. This blend of religious and military architecture reflects the need for protection during the era of Ottoman incursions. The interior of the church contains beautiful frescoes, considered among the finest examples of Serbian medieval mural painting. Though some have suffered damage over time and through looting, many remain well-preserved. Notably, one fresco depicts founder Stefan Lazarević holding a model of the church—a common motif in Orthodox iconography. Manasija was also a significant cultural hub. It housed the so-called “Resava School,” a center of scriptorial and intellectual activity where monks copied, translated, and illustrated manuscripts. The school played a major role in preserving and disseminating Byzantine and Slavic Orthodox literature and was known for its strict linguistic and stylistic standards. Today, Manasija is recognized as a cultural monument of exceptional importance and is a popular site for both pilgrimage and tourism. The monastery exudes a serene, timeless atmosphere, where visitors can experience both its rich history and deep spiritual legacy. Each year, the "Just Out" medieval festival is held here, featuring knightly games, traditional crafts, and music—bringing Serbian heritage to life.
Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade
Serbia - The Kalemegdan Fortress, also known as the Belgrade Fortress, is a historic fort and park complex situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Located on a rocky hill in the center of Belgrade, it is one of the city’s oldest and most significant ...
The Cathedral of Saint Sava
Serbia - The Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade, also known as the Temple of Saint Sava, is one of the largest and most impressive Orthodox churches in the world. Located on the Vračar plateau in the heart of Serbia’s capital, the building dominates Belgrade’s ...
The Resava Caves
Serbia - With a total length of about 4.5 kilometers, of which over 800 meters are accessible to the public, the Resava Cave offers a spectacular underground world full of stalactite formations, crystal structures, and subterranean halls and galleries. During ...