Gracanica Monastery
Gracanica Monastery
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Gracanica Monastery
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
13 within 3 miles
Attractions
44 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
158 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
44
Average
11
Poor
1
Terrible
1
TheIndulgentTraveler
White Stone, VA179 contributions
Dec 2022
This is do not miss stop, outside of Pristina, Kosovo. A 15 minutes cab ride, it is so worth the trip to this UNESCO protected World Heritage site.
The Gracanica Monastery was the last in a series of churches and monasteries founded by King Miltutin, King of Serbia between 1282–1321. The outside of the church is impressive, the inside is breath taking. While you can't take pictures inside, an excellent guide book is available in the gift store.
A series of frescoes cover all the walls up to the top of the highest tower. Painted by Michael Astrapos and Eutichios and their assistants between 1318 and 1321, the jewel tones and arresting images tell the story of the Bible and the martyring of hundreds of saints. The frescoes, viewed in sequence, provided a way to educate the people of the time in the stories of the Bible.
Given the history of war in the region from the earliest days, the preservation of the monastery and the frescos is as amazing as the art itself.
The Gracanica Monastery was the last in a series of churches and monasteries founded by King Miltutin, King of Serbia between 1282–1321. The outside of the church is impressive, the inside is breath taking. While you can't take pictures inside, an excellent guide book is available in the gift store.
A series of frescoes cover all the walls up to the top of the highest tower. Painted by Michael Astrapos and Eutichios and their assistants between 1318 and 1321, the jewel tones and arresting images tell the story of the Bible and the martyring of hundreds of saints. The frescoes, viewed in sequence, provided a way to educate the people of the time in the stories of the Bible.
Given the history of war in the region from the earliest days, the preservation of the monastery and the frescos is as amazing as the art itself.
Written December 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The World is My Oyster
Orlando, FL21,771 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
We really loved the grounds surrounding the main chapel, as it felt like you were somewhat stepping in the past. There were definitely some issues with the people working the grounds, as they were not the biggest fans of Americans, especially because our guide was from Kosovo.
The whole area outside the Monastery is basically a town full of Serbians, with their own currency and flags flying around. The Monastery itself though, especially the chapel is just stunning! You also need to make sure your arms, shoulders, and knees are covered. That being said, well worth stopping by on your way to or from Prishtina!
The whole area outside the Monastery is basically a town full of Serbians, with their own currency and flags flying around. The Monastery itself though, especially the chapel is just stunning! You also need to make sure your arms, shoulders, and knees are covered. That being said, well worth stopping by on your way to or from Prishtina!
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ulrikbuchert
Odense, Denmark512 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
The grounds and the monastery are very beautiful. It's very 'easy on the eyes' :) Inside the monastery we talked to a young man who spoke excellent English and was more than happy to tell us about the story of the monastery. The gave us a good understanding of the monastery and the faith
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
El Liron Salvaje
Bucharest241 contributions
Dec 2021
The painting inside is impressive. The saints with the eyes careved out is a good reminder of the Ottoman empire. Taking pictures is not allowed at all (although taking them without flash does not cause any damage).
The guide provided a lot of explanations regarding the history of this place. What I didn't like was the subjective view on the war. War is bad for all people involved and losses take place on both sides. Presentation of this place should not be mixed with pro-ethnic remarks.
The guide provided a lot of explanations regarding the history of this place. What I didn't like was the subjective view on the war. War is bad for all people involved and losses take place on both sides. Presentation of this place should not be mixed with pro-ethnic remarks.
Written January 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cutelady Baluch
Muscat Governorate, Oman3,703 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
The Gračanica Monastery:
was built by the Serbian king Stefan Milutin in 1321
Before more than 700 years
Inside the monastery photography not allowed
But outside and garden it's allowed
It's amazing
I highly recommend it
was built by the Serbian king Stefan Milutin in 1321
Before more than 700 years
Inside the monastery photography not allowed
But outside and garden it's allowed
It's amazing
I highly recommend it
Written September 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RobEnJolanda
Zeist, The Netherlands245 contributions
Sep 2021
Impressive monastery, dating back to 1321, when the Serbs built old monasteries around the country. We were educated by a Serb who had to leave Pec, and was now visiting Kosovo. The view of the events and history is worthwhile listening to. The frescos are amazing, and hopefully the monastery will remain intact over time.
Written December 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matvl
5,709 contributions
Jun 2021 • Business
The monastery areas accessible to the public are the church, lawn areas, small gift shop and an area to light candles. The church has lovely frescoes inside, and the building itself is nice. It makes for an interesting visit but not extensive.
Written July 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marek Bocanek
Brno, Czech Republic412 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
This monastery is a very nice place to go from Pristina as it's hiding a gem from the 14th century when Stefan Milutin has initiated its construction. It's a Serbian village/town Gracanica and the entire monastery is nicely preserved around the church. Might not be possible to enter the church, but you can see inside through the glass.
Written July 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
moemoez
Chicago, IL26 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
This is one of the few places the terrorist Albanian's haven't ruined yet, although I'm sure they tried. It's nice to visit a place of historical & cultural significance, it was established in 1321 by Serbian King Stefan Milutin. The church itself is full of colorful Serbian medieval & Byzantine frescos. When we visited, there were a lot of Dutch soldiers at the time, it's nice that they are protecting the church... Kosovo now, especially Pristina, is a big slum. This was the highlight & only interesting thing to see on my trip.
Written February 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikola
Keller, TX41 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
Serbian monastery built in 13th century, standing there for over 700 years is truly something that should be a must see if you are coming in this part of the world! Also very nice hand made souvenirs and drinks (liqueurs, spirits and wine).
Written August 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it necessary to book tickets in advance for the Monastery? If so, what is the best way of doing this? We will be visiting on Monday 14 August 2017. Thank you!
Written June 12, 2017
You do not need tickets to visit the monastery. It is free to the public.
Written June 12, 2017
What are the opening hours for the monastery?
Written February 19, 2017
Showing results 1-3 of 3
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing