Stari Ras and Sopocani

Stari Ras was one of the first capitals of the medieval Serbian state of Raška. was founded between 8th and 10th centuries and got deserted sometime in the 13th century.

Nearby Sopocani monastery was built in the second half of the 13th century. The frescoes of Sopocani are considered by some experts on Serbian medieval art as the most beautiful of that period. On the western wall of the nave is a famous fresco of the Dormition of the Virgin. In the 16th century the monks had to temporarily leave the monastery on several occasions due to Ottoman threat. Finally, during one raids in 1689 the Ottoman Turks set fire to the monastery and carried off the lead from the church roof.

Year	Decision	Comments
1979	Inscribed	Reasons for inscription

Reviews

Asja (Serbia):
The most wonderful place on Earth!

Date posted: February 2006

Have you been to Stari Ras and Sopocani? Share your experiences!

Add your own review