kilometres from Kraljevo. It was established by Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja, founder of the Serbian state and progenitor of the mighty Nemanjić dynasty. Under the guardianship of his son Sava, the monastery’s first ab- bot and Serbia’s first archbishop, Studenica became the cultural, spiritual and medical hub of medieval Serbia. Studenica still houses physical relics of Stefan Neman- ja and his sons Vukan and Stefan the First-Crowned. The monastery was built in a mixed Romanesque and Byzantine architecture style, with this fusion rep- resenting a then new architectural style that came to be known as the Raška School. The walls are built of white marble and look truly monumental. It also has particu- larly interesting frescoes that were painted at the time of construction by one of the best Byzantine painters. Apart from the Church of the Virgin Mary, the monas- tery complex also includes the Church of St. Nicholas, a stone refectory built during the time of Saint Sava, a large bell tower dating back to the 13 th century, as well as the remains of several chapels. Dormitories housing the treasures of Studenica are located to the north of the refectory. This monastery has been under UNESCO pro- tection since 1986. ŽIČA Žiča is among Serbia’s most important medieval monasteries. It is the endowment of Stefan the First- Crowned, whose coronation took place at the monastery in the year 1217. Unlike the majority of Serbian monas- teries, which were built in fairly inaccessible spots, Žiča sits on a fertile plain, just six kilometres from Kraljevo in the direction of Mataruška Banja spa. This is also why it has been razed to the ground many times throughout its rich history, only to be rebuilt every time. It experi- enced its last comprehensive reconstruction following a 1987 earthquake, when it was restored to its original 13 th century appearance, while the entire monastery com- plex was renovated recently.
Legend has it that seven Serbian kings have been crowned at Žiča Monastery, with a new door opened for every coronation, through which only the newly crowned ruler could pass, only for the door to be bricked up im- mediately afterwards. That’s why Ziča is also known as the seven-door church. Despite doubts existing over the precise number of crowned kings, it is an indisputable historical fact that seven Nemanjić dynasty rulers were crowned under the seal of Žiča, and that several Serbi- an patriarchs had their episcopal see at the monastery itself. Many historians also consider it to have been Eu- rope’s first bicameral parliament. MAGLIČ OneofSerbia’sbest-preservedmedievalfortresses,Maglič is located approximately 30 kilometres from Kraljevo. Situat- ed atop a high rocky hill that dominates the Ibar Valley, a nice- ly landscaped path leads to it and is complete with benches, where tourists can take a break and enjoy views of the stun- ningly beautiful wilderness surrounding them. It is named af- ter the mist (magla) that often envelops it and gives it a mys- terious appearance. The fortress’s origins are also mysterious and remain murky to this day. It is assumed to have been con- structed following the Mongolian invasion of 1240. The first written records pertaining to this medieval fortress date back to 1337 and the time of Archbishop Danilo II, who had pal- aces and cells built alongside Maglič’s pre-existing buildings. The fortified city itself comprises seven towers that are each ten metres tall and the main keep, which rises to a height of around 20 metres. Surrounded by thick ramparts, it has an irregular shape due to the uneven terrain. It is approximate- ly 100 metres long and 40 metres wide. The interior consists of two courtyards, one smaller and one larger, which contain the ruins of the Church of St. George and the palace. Many people dub this fortress the Serbian Camelot, and each Sep- tember it offers a glimpse into the past with the hosting of knights’ tournaments under the scope of an annual event dedicated to Maglič.
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