Đurđevi Stupovi (Saint George's Pillars)

A vow made in prison

The Đurđevi Stupovi (Saint George's Pillars) Monastery is one of the oldest and most important endowments of Stefan Nemanja. It was built in 1171 on the top of a wooded hill above Novi Pazar (Stari Ras).

According to the life of Stefan Nemanja written by his son Stefan Prvovenčani, the monastery came into being as the fulfilment of a vow. While he was held captive in a cave by his brothers, Nemanja prayed to the Holy Great Martyr George to deliver him, promising that if he were saved he would raise a magnificent church to him. The saint helped him, Nemanja took power, and kept his word.

Two towers towards the sky

The monastery's name derives from two tall towers – pillars (stupi) – which adorned the western façade of the church. This architecture, combining the Byzantine and Romanesque styles (the Raška school), was unique at the time. Although the monastery lay in ruins for centuries, it has been intensively restored in recent decades, and monastic life has been re-established, restoring the old splendour of this holy place.