Manastir Lešje

Lesje Monastery - Most important information

Lesje Monastery is located about ten kilometers from Paracin and is dedicated to the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today, it is unknown who the Monastery's founder was, although it is assumed that prefect Vukoslav had a part in it. This monastery complex is the oldest building of its type in Pomoravlje.

History of Lesje Monastery

Written historical sources about the Monastery testify that the prefect Vukoslav founded it with his sons Crep and Drzman. After that, Vukoslav presented the Monastery to Hilandar of Svetogorje in 1360. However, the Monastery was returned to Vukoslav's sons after some time.

Lesje Monastery was an important spiritual center throughout history: Even when it belonged to Hilandar, but also during the 14th and 15th centuries, Lesje Monastery was a vital spiritual center. This is evidenced by the Monastery, even though the Turks ruled in that period, managed to preserve its strength and identity.
The renovation of the entire monastery complex began in 2004: When Father Jovan was appointed abbot of the Monastery, the renovation of Monastery started to. In addition to the Monastery, a tower is located south of the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Significance of Lesje Monastery

In the Lesje Monastery today, it is possible to see several exciting exhibits and objects of great importance, some of which are garlic from the Holy Cross of the Lord and part of the relics of one of the 40 Saint Sevastian martyrs. There is also a bell tower, a memorial ossuary, an inn, and a guest house inside the monastery complex.

The architecture of the Monastery is reminiscent of a landscape from Russian fairy tales: Father Jovan, apart from being the most responsible for the restoration of the Monastery, was fascinated by Russia and the landscapes there. Because of this, the location of the Monastery is reminiscent of the landscape described in Russian fairy tales, and the architecture of the Monastery was designed in such a spirit.

How to get to Lesje Monastery?

The Lesje Monastery is about a 15-minute drive from the central part of Paracin. It is possible to reach it by car.

By car: To get out of Paracin and reach the road to the Monastery, you need to follow Majora Marko Street. After that street, Slatinska street will lead you to Zajecarski road. From the Zajecarski road, you need to turn off at Motel Dorotej, where there is a signpost to the Monastery, and after that, the street of Solunskih ratnika will lead you to the Monastery.