Visoki Decani Monastery

About

Dečani Monastery was built by Serbian king Stefan Dečanski in the 14th century, and now serves as his mausoleum. The artwork and frescoes that fill the monastery’s four domed churches are so exceptional that the monastery was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Church of Holy Apostles, visitors will find 13th century frescoes painted in a unique monumental style. Meanwhile, the 14th frescoes in the church of the Holy Virgin of Ljevisa, combine Orthodox Byzantine and the Western Romanesque influences, marking the emergence of the new Palaiologian Renaissance style, which influenced future Balkan art. Sitting underneath the mountains, surrounded by forest, and inhabited by friendly monks, it’s hard to imagine a more peaceful place. In fact, in order to ensure its peaceful existence, amiable soldiers from the NATO-led KFOR keep it under guard, so make sure you have an ID with you!