Hello everyone, I hope you are doing well. If you have read my previous posts, you know that two days ago I visited Cacak, a city in west-central Serbia. As this city has beautiful natural surroundings, I used this trip to walk and breathe fresh air. Near Cacak is the Ovcar spa, which has been known since Roman times for its healing thermal water and clean air. So, we headed there for a walk.
The spa is very small, so it took us a little time to visit it and walk through all its streets. Then we saw a sign that showed the direction to the monastery called Nikolje. We met an elderly lady and asked her if the monastery was far and we could walk to it. She told us that we can go straight to the monastery along a narrow path. And she also told us, " Imagine a wish and don't go there if you don't have a wish". It sounded a bit weird, but later I understood why she said that.
I am not very religious, but I like to visit old buildings, such as monasteries, churches, fortifications, castles... So I curiously headed down the narrow road in the direction of this, as they say, miraculous monastery. It wasn't that close. But we saw the light at the end of the tunnel.
In front of us was a path that led through the forest to the monastery. I saw the courtyard of the monastery and was delighted because we were finally there. It seemed like some hidden gem of this place where peace is preserved. Only peace, silence and nothing else.
The monastery is located on the bank of the West Morava River. I stopped and enjoyed the views of the green shades. It was very soothing.
The door of the monastery was closed.
But then we knocked and the man who works there opened the door and invited us in.
Although I am not religious, every time I enter a monastery I feel a peace that makes my stay there pleasant. I was impressed when I saw how old that church was, and I was even more impressed by the fact that it is not known who its founder was, nor when exactly it was built.
There is information that it was built even before the 15th century. But what is known is that it remained authentic and preserved in its original appearance until today.
You can enter the monastery through a very small door.
When we stepped inside we could not see anything because it was very dark due to the small windows.
When I took the photos, in the photos we could see the details of the frescoes on the wall, which are unique works of art.
What is specific about this monastery and what we read there is that the fire (light) never went out and there was always life in it. It was never abandoned.
This monastery has withstood all the wars, and they say that the reason why it managed to be preserved is that a very narrow, difficult path led to it. In the 19th century, Serbian ruler Prince Milos Obrenovic built a house for his wife and children in the courtyard of the monastery because he wanted to put them in a safe place.
When we were leaving, we asked the worker of the monastery if wishes are really fulfilled here. He told us that there is a belief that the 200-year-old pine tree in the courtyard of the monastery is considered a holy tree and that many miracles have taken place regarding the healing of sick people if you approach the tree, pray and kiss it. And who knows... Maybe your wishes will come true.
Thank you very much for reading.
The images and writing are original and mine.
Greetings!
Jelena