Piva Monastery
Piva Monastery, built between 1573 and 1586, is a significant Serbian Orthodox church constructed during the Ottoman occupation. It is renowned for its extensive frescoes, valuable ritual objects, rare liturgical books, and a historic psalm from the first printing press in the Balkans. The monastery was relocated in 1982 due to a hydroelectric project, preserving its rich artistic and historical heritage.
Key Facts
- ›Built between 1573 and 1586, it is the largest Serbian Orthodox church constructed during the Ottoman occupation in the 16th and 17th centuries.
- ›Dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos.
- ›Relocated stone by stone in 1982 to its current site due to the Piva Hydro Electric Project.
- ›Features over 1,260 square meters of frescoes, with fragments of over 1000 pieces preserved during its move.
- ›Houses a museum with ritual objects, rare liturgical books, art, precious metal objects, and a psalm from the first Balkan printing press.
- ›The church's frescoes were largely created by Greek painters between 1604 and 1606, with contributions from local artists.
Ottoman Era Architecture
Frescoes, Museum With Ritual Objects, Rare Liturgical Books, Objects of Precious Metals, Psalm From the CrnojevićI Printing Press
Manastir Piva
Savatije Sokolović, Gavrilo, VukašIn, Strahinja of Budimlje, Kozma, Zograf Longin
- Construction Between 1573 and 1586
- Relocation In 1982 Due To Hydroelectric Project
About Piva Monastery
Piva Monastery is a significant Serbian Orthodox monastic complex located in northern Montenegro, near the source of the Piva River. Constructed between 1573 and 1586, it stands as one of the largest Serbian Orthodox churches built during the 16th and 17th centuries under Ottoman rule. The monastery is particularly celebrated for its extensive and remarkably preserved frescoes, which adorn its interior walls. In addition to its rich wall paintings, Piva Monastery houses a valuable collection of ritual objects, rare liturgical books, art, and items made of precious metals.
History and Relocation
Founded through the patronage of Metropolitan bishop Savatije Sokolović, who later became the Serbian Orthodox Patriarch, the monastery church is dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos. The construction was carried out by brothers Gavrilo and Vukašin. A pivotal event in its modern history occurred in 1982 when the entire monastery was meticulously moved, stone by stone, to a new location in the village of Goransko. This relocation was necessitated by the creation of a large reservoir for the Piva Hydro Electric Project. The process involved the careful dismantling and reassembly of over 1,000 fresco fragments, preserving this vital aspect of the monastery's heritage.
Architecture and Treasures
The monastery is characterized by its simple stone structure, featuring three naves with a higher central nave, and notably, it lacks a cupola. The interior is a canvas of artistry, with many frescoes painted by Greek artists between 1604 and 1606. The upper porch area was decorated by the local priest Strahinja of Budimlje, while other sections, dating to 1626, were painted by Kozma, who also created many icons for the iconostasis. The monastery's museum displays treasures including ritual objects, rare liturgical books, and a significant psalm dating from 1494, originating from the Crnojevići printing press, which was the first of its kind in the Balkans. Conservation efforts, including drainage systems, are in place to protect the invaluable frescoes from humidity.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Piva Monastery built?
Piva Monastery was built between 1573 and 1586. It was founded in either 1573 or 1575 and completed by 1586.
Why was Piva Monastery moved?
The monastery was moved in 1982 to make way for a new reservoir created by the Piva Hydro Electric Project. It was carefully dismantled and rebuilt in a new location.
What is Piva Monastery famous for?
Piva Monastery is most famous for its extensive and well-preserved frescoes, which cover a large area within the church. It is also noted for its collection of valuable ritual objects, rare liturgical books, and a significant psalm from the first printing press in the Balkans.
Where is Piva Monastery located?
Piva Monastery is located in northern Montenegro, near the source of the Piva River. It is situated in the village of Piva, south of Goransko, and is accessible via the E-762 road.
What is the architectural style of Piva Monastery?
Piva Monastery is described as a small stone structure with three naves, featuring a taller middle nave. It does not have a cupola. The primary decorative element is its numerous frescoes.
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