Dobrićevo Monastery
Serbian Orthodox·Bosnia and Herzegovina·Active·15th century or 16th century
Dobrićevo Monastery, dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin, is a Serbian Orthodox monastery in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Originally constructed in the 15th or 16th century, its historical site was submerged by the Grančarevo Dam, necessitating its relocation in 1964 to Orah village. The monastery has endured periods of destruction and looting throughout its history but was designated a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2006.
Key Facts
- ›Originally built in the 15th or 16th century.
- ›Relocated in 1964 due to flooding from the Grančarevo Dam.
- ›Designated a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2006.
- ›Has been looted and damaged multiple times throughout its history.
- ›Its Slava (patronal feast day) is the Presentation of Mary.
Frescoes
Manastir DobrićEvo
- Looted In 1649
- Looted In 1680
- Fire Damaged Frescoes In 1672
- Renovated By 1730
- Plundered During the 1875–78 Uprising
- Seriously Damaged By Austro-Hungarian Troops In 1914
- Original Site Flooded After GrančArevo Dam Completion
- Relocated In 1964
About Dobrićevo Monastery
Dobrićevo Monastery, officially known as the Presentation of the Virgin Monastery, is a significant Serbian Orthodox religious site located in Orah village within the Bileća municipality of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its history is marked by periods of construction, destruction, and relocation, reflecting the turbulent past of the region.
Early History and Construction
The exact year of Dobrićevo Monastery's original construction remains undocumented, with scholarly consensus placing it either in the first half of the 15th century or the early 16th century. Architectural analyses of the church and its oldest frescoes suggest an early 16th-century date, while comparative studies propose a 15th-century origin with later renovations in the early 16th century. Local oral traditions even suggest its foundations lie on an earlier Christian basilica built during the era of Constantine the Great and Helena.
Periods of Adversity and Resilience
Throughout its existence, the monastery has endured significant hardship. It was looted on at least two occasions, in 1649 and 1680. A fire in 1672 caused damage to the frescoes, and the monastery fell into disuse until at least 1730, when renovations began. Further damage occurred during the 1875–78 uprising when it was plundered. A particularly devastating event took place on August 5, 1914, when Austro-Hungarian troops set fire to the church, destroying its iconostasis, valuable books, and relics, with only a portion saved by the monks. The murals also suffered heavy damage or destruction during this incident.
Relocation and Modern Designation
The original site of the monastery was situated approximately 20 kilometers upstream from Trebinje, on the right bank of the Trebišnjica River. However, the construction of the Grančarevo Dam and the Trebinje-1 Hydroelectric Power Station led to the flooding of this location with the creation of the Bilećko lake. Consequently, the monastery underwent a significant relocation in 1964. It was moved upstream to its present-day location near Orah village, situated about 7 kilometers south-southwest of Bileća, on the shores of Bilećko Lake. In recognition of its historical and cultural importance, Dobrićevo Monastery was designated a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the KONS on May 17, 2006.
Dobrićevo Monastery's patronal feast day, or Slava, is the Presentation of Mary.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Dobrićevo Monastery originally built?
While the exact date is not recorded, scholarly opinions place the original construction of Dobrićevo Monastery between the first half of the 15th century and the early 16th century. Architectural analysis suggests the church and its oldest frescoes date to the early 16th century, though some comparisons place its initial construction in the 15th century.
Why was Dobrićevo Monastery moved?
The original location of Dobrićevo Monastery was flooded after the completion of the Grančarevo Dam in 1965. The monastery was subsequently relocated upstream in 1964 to its current site near Orah village, on the shore of Bilećko Lake.
Has Dobrićevo Monastery faced destruction or damage?
Yes, Dobrićevo Monastery has been destroyed or damaged several times throughout its history. It was looted in 1649 and 1680, and a fire in 1672 damaged its frescoes. Austro-Hungarian troops also seriously damaged the monastery and set the church on fire in 1914.
What is the significance of the heritage designation for Dobrićevo Monastery?
On May 17, 2006, the KONS of Bosnia and Herzegovina designated Dobrićevo Monastery a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This designation recognizes its historical and cultural importance.
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