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All Serbia Savovo Hermitage of Saint Sava

Hermitage of Saint Sava

This mesmerizing medieval monastery-cave complex sits thousands of feet above ground overlooking a valley.

Savovo, Serbia

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alexplorer
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Hermitage of Saint Sava   By Okremen - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
Hermitage of Saint Sava   By Okremen - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
Church of Saint George.   By Misa.stefanovic.07 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
Hermitage of Saint Sava, the view.   By Legobgd - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
Hermitage of Saint Sava   By Dragan Obric, CC BY-SA 3.0
Hermitage of Saint Sava   By Misa.stefanovic.07 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
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About

The Hermitage of Saint Sava is located on the slopes of Radočelo Mountain, around seven miles (12 kilometers) from the medieval monastery of Studenica. 

The Hermitage is a walled cave-complex hanging from a rocky cliff, accessed through a narrow wooden bridge clinging to the cliff. Next to the monastery is a 12th-century church dedicated to Saint George.

There isn't much historical information on the monastery itself. According to local legend, it was created at the same time as the Studenica Monastery, between 1183 and 1195. The church and monastery were allegedly built by the servant of Stefan Nemanja, the medieval Grand Prince of the Serbian Grand Principality. The Hermitage of Saint Sava consists of several cells and it's believed that Saint Sava, Stefan Nemanja's son and the first Archbishop of Serbia, spent some time at the monastery. 

Aside from the Hermitage of Saint Sava, the site is worth visiting for its breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and villages in the distance.

Related Tags

Monasteries Caves History & Culture Religion Ecosystems Sacred Spaces

Know Before You Go

The Hermitage of Saint Sava is a religious site and visitors are expected to follow Orthodox customs. Photography is only allowed in certain areas. The site may be locked, so it's recommended to visit Studenica Monastery first, to get help and guidance by the monastery monks.

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alexplorer

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July 27, 2020

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  • https://www.google.com/maps/place/%D0%93%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%9A%D0%B0+%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B0+%D0%A1%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B3+%D0%A1%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B5+-+%D0%A1%D1%82%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B0/@43.5261589,20.4696273,17z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x0:0x0!2zNDPCsDMxJzM0LjciTiAyMMKwMjgnMTEuNiJF!3b1!8m2!3d43.5263!4d20.4699!3m4!1s0x4757b16aba42ed09:0x786f57de94ee127b!8m2!3d43.5264987!4d20.4688074
Hermitage of Saint Sava
Savovo
Serbia
43.526277, 20.469852
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Nearby Places

Studenica Monastery

Brezova, Serbia

miles away

Maglič

Maglič, Serbia

miles away

Gradac Monastery

Gradac, Serbia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Serbia

Serbia

Europe

Places 126
Stories 3

Nearby Places

Studenica Monastery

Brezova, Serbia

miles away

Maglič

Maglič, Serbia

miles away

Gradac Monastery

Gradac, Serbia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Serbia

Serbia

Europe

Places 126
Stories 3

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