Manastir Ljubostinja

Prnjavor, Trstenik, Vrnjacka Banja

Ljubostinja Monastery – the most important information

Only 9 kilometers from Vrnjacka Banja, in the valley of the river Ljubostinjska reka, you can find Ljubostinja monastery. It was built in the Moravian style from 1388 to 1405 as an endowment of Knjeginja Milica, the wife of Knez Lazar.

History of the monastery Ljubostinja
After the Battle of Kosovo, Milica came to this monastery as a widow. There she spent the rest of her life, under the name Jevgenija, and was buried near the monastery. Besides her, Jelena Mrnjavcevic, the wife of the despot Ugljesa, was also buried here as a nun Jefimija.

Ljubostinja monastery itself suffered a lot after Kocina's revolt when the Turks set it on fire and stole its treasures. In that event, they destroyed most of the frescoes and robbed Knjeginja Milica's secret treasury. Among other stolen valuables, there was the crown of Knez Lazar which is today kept in Istanbul.

Significance of the monastery Ljubostinja
The monastery itself is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. So, in many ways, it abounds in feminine energy. In addition to being declared a nunnery since 1937, Ljubostinja has provided comfort to many widows whose husbands died in the Battle of Maricka and the Battle of Kosovo.

So, even though it lost a lot, Manastir Ljubostinja bears its losses with dignity. Perhaps, that is the reason why it has become a symbol of genuine patience and spirituality.

What to see
The very beauty of this holy place, however, was not completely disturbed. It is still carefully nurtured in the characteristically carved ornaments of master Rade Borovic. On its walls, you can still see: 
  • Portraits of Knez Lazar and Knjeginja Milica - painted by hieromonk Makarije
  • Frescoes - partially preserved old paintings, as well as those of more recent times:
    • Stradanje (Suffering)
    • Cuda (Wonders)
    • Veliki praznici (Great holidays)
  •  Iconostasis - of great artistic and spiritual value, created in 1822
How to get to the monastery
The location of the Ljubostinja monastery is accessible and well known. There are several directions from which you can get to the monastery itself:
  • By car: you can come from the direction of Trstenik. Parking in front of the monastery is free for visitors.
    • Across the old bridge: from the direction of Trstenik, after crossing the old bridge, the road leads to the first crossroads. At the first crossroads, turn right and continue straight for another 2.5 km to Ljubostinja monastery.
    • Across the new bridge: if you cross the new bridge, you should go left at the first crossroads, then right at the second crossroads. 
Best time to visit
Every day from 9 am to 5 pm

Liturgy schedule
  • On weekdays:
    • Morning: 7 am
    • Evening: 5 pm
  • On weekends and holidays:
    • Holy Liturgy: at 8 pm
    • Evening: at 5 pm
Additional information
The surroundings of the monastery are rich in natural beauties, so people used this location for tourist facilities. Across the river Ljubostinjska reka, not far from the monastery, there is a restaurant where you can have lunch, as well as a playground for children and a rest area.
  • Dress code: it is recommended that you come to the monastery decently dressed in clothes that cover the shoulders and knees.

Amenities

Type of Attractions
  • Brige
  • Museum

Location

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