The Zavala Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located in the village of Zavala on the southwestern edge of Popovo Polje, in Ravno. The monastery is dedicated to the Presentation of Mary. The northern wall of the monastery's church is situated within a cave. This monastery is also known as a place where Basil of Ostrog entered into monasticism.

Along with Žitomislić and Tvrdoš, Zavala is one of the most important monasteries in East Herzegovina. The first written record of the monastery dates back to sixteenth century. During the Second World War, the monastery suffered major damage, and in the Bosnian War it was further damaged and abandoned.

After the war the monastery was restored, and together with Zavala village with its old architecture and stone masonry, and Vjetrenica cave constitute cultural-historic, architectural and natural assemble, protected by KONS as an important national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Because of its importance as national heritage, as well as tourist and ambiental attraction, site is also placed on the UNESCO Tentative list for inscription into UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

References:

Comments

Your name



Address

Ravno, Bosnia and Herzegovina
See all sites in Ravno

Details

Founded: 16th century
Category: Religious sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.9/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Milorad Šejat (2 years ago)
One of the oldest Serbian monasteries and it's built in roks and caves. A mustsee site.
Jelena Filipovic (3 years ago)
The monk working there is extremely unpleasant and working time of the monastery is very inconvenient (especially if you want to make the visit on the same trip with Vjetrenica cave - which would be natural, since they are very close one to another). The other nearby monasteries (e.g. Hercegovacka Gracanica or Tvrdos monastery) are much more beautiful in terms of frescoes and gardens too.
Zilia Kabachenko (4 years ago)
Serene and authentic! Very old monastery.
Vladimir (4 years ago)
Absolutely beautiful place. Everyone with the opportunity should experience it's serene and calming atmosphere. Even though its remote its quite well worth it
Ognjen Janjanin (4 years ago)
One of the most amazing places I have ever visited.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Doune Castle

Doune Castle was originally built in the thirteenth century, then probably damaged in the Scottish Wars of Independence, before being rebuilt in its present form in the late 14th century by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany (c. 1340–1420), the son of King Robert II of Scots, and Regent of Scotland from 1388 until his death. Duke Robert"s stronghold has survived relatively unchanged and complete, and the whole castle was traditionally thought of as the result of a single period of construction at this time. The castle passed to the crown in 1425, when Albany"s son was executed, and was used as a royal hunting lodge and dower house.

In the later 16th century, Doune became the property of the Earls of Moray. The castle saw military action during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms and Glencairn"s rising in the mid-17th century, and during the Jacobite risings of the late 17th century and 18th century.