Savina Monastery

Savina Monastery is a significant Serbian Orthodox monastery situated in Herceg Novi, Montenegro. The monastery complex features two primary churches, the Small Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos and the Great Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos. While the Small Church is traditionally attributed to 1030, stylistic evidence points to its construction in the 15th century, a period of influence from the Kosača noble family. This older church contains layers of fresco paintings, with the oldest dating to the mid-15th century and showing stylistic connections to the work of Lovro Dobričević. The iconostasis within this church incorporates elements from various periods, including Royal Doors and a crucifix created by Dimitrije Daskal in 1703.

The Great Church, a more recent addition, was erected between 1777 and 1799 under the direction of master builder Nikola Foretić from Korčula. Its architecture is a synthesis of Byzantine, Roman-Greek, and Baroque styles, illustrating the historical confluence of Eastern and Western artistic traditions in the Bay of Kotor region. The iconostasis of the Great Church, completed in 1795 by Simeon Lazović and his son Aleksije, is a notable example of Serb Baroque art, blending traditional Orthodox iconography with Baroque aesthetics. Historical records indicate that the Great Church was funded through the generous donations and support of the local populace, rather than a single patron.

Historically, Savina Monastery has been a vital center for culture and education in its vicinity. It hosted a school for many years, nurturing several individuals who would later become prominent figures. The monastery also safeguards a substantial collection of relics, including items from the Nemanjić dynasty, such as the cross of Saint Sava, and artifacts transferred from the Tvrdoš Monastery. In a modern event, the filmmaker Emir Kusturica was baptized at the monastery on St. George's Day in 2005, taking the name Nemanja Kusturica.