Washington : North American Society for Serbian Studies
Abstract
Banja monastery in Risan (Montenegro) is one of the most vital structures of the Serbian Orthodox Church outside the homeland. It is a valuable example of religious, cultural, and artistic features of national tradition and historical development in the Middle Ages. Established in the 12th century, during the period of the Nemanjići dynasty, the monastery throughout its stormy past played a significant role in preserving the spirituality and cultural heritage of the Serbs in the Bay of Boka Kotorska—an area in the Balkans strongly impacted by the Roman Catholic Church from the west and the Islamic religion from the east. The study revealed the cultural-historic features of the monastery and its surroundings, which are of importance for its existence and development. Further, the findings provide a more comprehensive insight into the foundation, items, and activities of the monastery, along with the current sisterhood who strongly contributes to its existence with their faith, devotion, and efforts
