Manasija Monastery

Despotovac, Central Serbia, Serbia

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Manasija Monastery, near the town of Despotovac in central Serbia, is a 15th‑century Serbian Orthodox monastery founded by the medieval ruler Despot Stefan Lazarević between about 1406 and 1418.

It stands on a hill by the Resava River and is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, forming part of the so‑called Morava architectural school that marks the last great flowering of medieval Serbian culture. 

The complex is surrounded by massive fortress‑like walls with eleven towers, giving it the feel of a fortified religious stronghold, and it once served as both a mausoleum site for the Despot and a major cultural center hosting the famous Resava School of manuscript copying and illumination.

Despite several fires, looting, and later damage, Manasija has been restored and still preserves original frescoes, a richly decorated church interior, and an atmosphere that makes it one of Serbia’s most important and visually striking monasteries.