Manastir Nimnik

Monastery Nimnik - the most important information

Near the village of Kurjaca, on the way from Pozarevac to Veliko Gradiste, there is a small, peaceful, and enduring monastery Nimnik. If you want to rest and refresh yourself with healing water from a spring, be sure to stop by this quiet place. There, you may hear some legend or a tale from this area, which has witnessed many events throughout history.

History of the monastery

Nimnik, a somewhat unusual name of this monastery, comes from a Vlach word meaning unknown or anonymous. This word is probably related to an unknown saint who was buried in the chapel next to the church. According to another legend, a Vlach girl was buried in this chapel. It is believed that she got killed by Turks after she refused to show them the way to the monastery. When they asked her where the monastery was, she answered in Vlach: "I don't know anything." After the Turks killed her, the oxen carrying her body headed in the direction of the monastery, where she was buried.

The church of the monastery itself was built probably around 1376. It was raised by Duke Bogosav and dedicated to the Transfer of the Relics of Sveti Nikolaj Mirlikijski. This very old building, covered with shingles, has been renovated with a stronger material, a wooden vault, and a brick floor. The renovations were done in stages, bringing back to life most of the complex damaged during the Kocina Rebellion and the First Serbian Uprising. In 1841, the monastery received a bell tower and a wonderful dormitory.

Significance of the monastery
The Nimnik Monastery is known for the legend that revolves around the Vlach origin of its name. This Orthodox church is also characterized by iconography made in the Romanian style, which distinguishes it from the other Serbian monasteries. In addition, the monastery itself and its surroundings are considered healing, so here often come for medicine and comfort those who are physically or spiritually weak.

What it is also especially famous for is the old dormitory, which has been replaced by a new building. In the period from 1851 to 1853, the old dormitory of the monastery served as one of the first schools in this area, which makes Nimnik an important pillar of Serbian literacy. It is also interesting that a part of the material from the Roman site Viminacium was built into some renovated buildings of the monastery, which connects this place with other threads of history.

What to see

When you find yourself in the Nimnik monastery, pay attention to the details that make it stand out in an interesting way among other Orthodox shrines. In this complex you can see:

Chapel Svetinja - it is believed that a Vlach girl was buried under it.
A chapel dedicated to the Shroud of the Most Holy Mother of God
Iconostasis and frescoes - the vibrant pictures are done in colors characteristic of the Romanian style in Orthodox iconography
A pillar with a female figure - it is believed to represent the figure of a Vlach girl
Healing spring - near the monastery there is a spring of healing water where you can refresh yourself

How to get to the monastery Nimnik
Although Nimnik is located in a hidden and quiet place, it is relatively easy to reach.

By car: Driving from Pozarevac to Veliko Gradiste, you will find the monastery located 3 km from the road.

Best time to visit
You can visit the monastery Nimnik every day, and there you will be greeted by three modest nuns who take care of this cultural asset.

Liturgy schedule

Monday to Saturday:
- Morning: from 8 am
- Evening: from 5 pm
Sundays and holidays: from 9 am

Additional information
There is also the monastery Tumane near Nimnik, so visitors often visit these places of worship on the same day.

Dress code: it is recommended that you come to the monastery properly dressed in clothes that cover the shoulders and knees.