Gradac Monastery

A bridge between East and West

On the slopes of Mount Golija, like a pearl hidden in greenery, rises Gradac Monastery. This is the endowment of Queen Jelena of Anjou, wife of King Uroš I, built around 1270. Gradac is unique in Serbian medieval architecture because it represents a perfect blend of two worlds – Byzantine spirituality and Western Gothic architecture.

Queen Jelena, of French origin, wished her endowment to reflect her heritage. That is why Gradac, although built on the foundations of the Raška school, has Gothic elements: pointed arches, buttresses (external supporting pillars) and Gothic windows, which makes it the westernmost church of the Raška style.

Life and restoration

The monastery is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Most Holy Mother of God. Like many Serbian shrines, Gradac was destroyed and devastated during Turkish rule, and the roof of the church lay collapsed for centuries. Only in the mid-20th century was the church reconstructed.

The monastery holds the relics of Saint Queen Jelena, who took monastic vows towards the end of her life. Gradac is today an active women's monastery, known for its beauty, peace and icon-painting workshop.