Berkasovo Monastery

The Berkasovo Monastery, known in Serbian as Manastir Berkasovo, is a significant Serbian Orthodox monastery belonging to the Diocese of Srem. It is located in the municipality of Sid, near the village of Berkasovo, and holds the distinction of being the westernmost monastery in the Fruska Gora region. The monastery's primary dedication is to Saint Petka Trnovska.

History and Significance

The current Church of St. Petka, which serves as the monastery's center, was established in the second half of the 19th century. The monastery was officially declared on August 8, 2008, on the feast day of the church. A key feature of the monastery complex is a spring located on the east side of the church, whose waters are widely believed by the local populace to possess healing and miraculous properties. Historical records indicate that in 1863, a wooden church, known as a 'vodica,' stood near this spring, attracting people from various regions until it was destroyed by fire. Gratitude inscriptions on marble slabs, including one from a citizen of Dubrovnik cured of a serious illness, attest to the perceived efficacy of the spring water.

The area surrounding Berkasovo has historical roots extending further back. The fortified town of Berkasovo was once under the control of Vuk Grgurević. Later, in 1496, it came into the possession of despot Jovan Branković, who is also recognized as one of the founders of the nearby Privina Glava monastery. The monastery is situated in a picturesque bay known as Ashman, surrounded by a forest and vineyards, contributing to its serene atmosphere.