Reževići Monastery
Reževići Monastery is a historic Orthodox monastery complex located along the Budva-Petrovac road in Montenegro, named after the Pastrovici tribe Reževići. Its foundation date is uncertain, but it’s linked to a 1226 legend involving Stefan Prvovjencani, who ordered its construction after recovering from a hangover. The complex includes two churches, sleeping quarters, and an economic building, showcasing a blend of medieval and later architectural influences.
Historical Origins and Foundation
Along the Budva – Petrovac road, you will come across the monastery complex called Reževići Monastery. This monastery got its name from the Pastrovici tribe Rezevici. The exact time of its foundation hasn’t been established, but a legend from 1226, from the time of Nemanjici, is related to its origin. While traveling through these areas, Stefan Prvovjencani (Stefan First Wedded) got very drunk from wine from Pastrovici. After the hangover and getting sober, he ordered that a church should be built in that place. Consequently, the monastery complex has two churches, sleeping quarters, and a building for economy.
Architectural and Artistic Features
The small church of Uspenje Bogorodice (Falling into Sleep of Holy Mother of God) is interesting because of its fresco painting. From this, it can be assumed that the protector or donor of the church has been buried here. Indeed, it is the legacy of Stefan Prvovjencani, the first Serbian king.
The bigger church, dedicated to Sveta Trojica (Saint Trinity), was built in the XVIII century and has a belfry beside it. Moreover, the iconostasis in this church is a piece of work by the domestic painter Marko Gregovic from the end of the XIX century. The church of Sveta Trojica is the legacy of emperor Dusan. Great renewal of the Reževići Monastery in the XVIII century was done by Maksim Kosjerevac from Herzegovina and Nikodin Vukovic.
Modern History and Preservation
The monastery was badly damaged in an earthquake in 1979, and after that, it was once again restored. Today, the Reževići Monastery is under the protection of UNESCO, ensuring its preservation for future generations.