Tips for SERBIA
Feedback from a pilgrim on the Jerusalem Way in Serbia on the subject of overnight stays in monasteries (June 2022): It is definitely worth visiting the ORTHODOX monasteries of Zica, Studenica and Gradac in southern Serbia on the Jerusalem Way to visit. The so-called "Serbian Monastery Road" holds special monasteries on the way to Jerusalem, partly UNESCO! Overnight stays are not a problem in the Studenica monastery. There is a visitor center with overnight accommodations directly in front of the monastery building. If there are no rooms, then ask about shared rooms and there is also private accommodation in the vicinity (see POI in the Mapy App).
Pilgrims have also been turned away from the largest women's monastery in Serbia, the Zica Monastery. It is therefore recommended to announce yourself (Phone / WhatsApp +381 65 8022911 at Sister Nektaria). She speaks good English, but only women are allowed to stay there... The beautiful Byzantine chants are daily from 05:00 to 07:30 in the morning and 17:00 to 18:00 in the evening.
Tourism is a not insignificant source of income for the monasteries. Accommodation and meals there usually cost nothing, but a donation is accepted and should be given! Few nuns live in Gradac, currently there are 5 and there is no separate visitor wing. Some of you have had bad experiences with overnight guests and are accordingly reserved. But with luck you can sleep there. Announcing yourself beforehand is helpful. Contact: manastir.gradac@gmail.com / +381648003884).
Optionally you can stay in the apartment Gradacka Banja brvnare sleeping (details are stored as POI in Mapy), it is accessible directly below the monastery via stairs. The apartment costs over 30 euros so not cheap but a special place with water facilities and you can eat fresh trout and drink berry juice. According to www.booking.com/hotel/rs/apartment-gradacka-banja.de.html the facility was occupied, but that wasn't true, I was the only overnight guest there. So trust instead of reserving!
Important: Contact us before you reach KOSOVO, we also have more information and tips there that are not stored in Mapy!
Peace & Ultreia
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