Stefan Uroš II Milutin
The greatest builder among the Nemanjićs
A vow to God and the people
Stefan Uroš II Milutin was one of the most powerful Serbian rulers of the Middle Ages. During his long reign (1282–1321) he significantly extended the borders of the Serbian state to the south (Macedonia) and strengthened it economically thanks to the development of mining.
However, what he is remembered for eternally is his vow to build one church for every year of his reign. He fulfilled that vow, building and restoring more than 40 churches and monasteries, not only in Serbia (Gračanica, Banjska, the Church of the Virgin of Ljeviš), but also in Thessaloniki, Constantinople, Jerusalem and on Mount Athos (Hilandar).
The Holy King
Despite a turbulent private life and political conflicts, because of his great works and piety he was canonised as Saint King Milutin. His incorrupt relics now rest in the Church of Saint Nedelya in Sofia (Bulgaria), where they are an object of great veneration.
King Milutin
The Holy King
- Born: 1253
- Died: 1321 (Nerodimlje)
- Reigned: 1282–1321
- Endowments: Gračanica, Banjska
- Number of churches: More than 40
At a glance
Related
Literature and sources
This list is for further reading and verification. Online sources were checked on 30 September 2026; books and medieval sources are recommended reading, not sources for individual statements on this page.
Further reading
- Sima Ćirković, Srbi među evropskim narodima. Beograd: Equilibrium, 2004.
- Sima Ćirković, Rade Mihaljčić (ur.), Leksikon srpskog srednjeg veka. Beograd: Knowledge, 1999.
Medieval sources
- Arhiepiskop Danilo II, Životi kraljeva i arhiepiskopa srpskih.