Monasteries of Fruska gora
Within most important cultural monuments on mount Fruska gora are 16 medieval monasteries scattered throughout the mountain. They are built by Serbian settlers from many periods. Number of monasteries that can be found here is the reason why many call "Holy mountain" or "Serbian Mount Athos". According to historical data, these monastic communities were historically recorded since the first decades of the 16th century. Legends, however, place their founding to the period between the 12th and 15th centuries. In the course of centuries of their existence, these monasteries sustained the spiritual and political life of the Serbian nation.
Ottoman documents mention 35 monasteries, of which 16 survived and are still active today. Monasteries are:
Beočin
The time of founding is unknown. It is first mentioned in Turkish records dated in 1566/1567.
Vrdnik
The exact date of its founding is unknown. The records indicate that the church was built at the time of Metropolitan Serafim, in the second half of the 16th century. It holds the reliquary of Prince Lazar and his partial relics.
Grgeteg
According to tradition the monastery was founded by Zmaj Ognjeni Vuk (Despot Vuk Grgurević) in 1471. The earliest historical records about the monastery date to 1545/1546. Icons were painted by Uroš Predić while the iconostas in the belfry chapel is work of Pjer Križanić.
Jazak
Jazak – The monastery was founded in 1736.
Kuveždin
Traditionally, its foundation is ascribed to Stefan Štiljanović. The first reliable records of it are dated in 1566/1569.
Novo Hopovo
According to tradition, the monastery was built by the Despots of the Branković dynasty. The first reliable mention of the monastery is dated to 1641. Dositej Obradović became a monk in this monastery.
Privina Glava
According to the legends, Privina Glava was founded by a man named Priva, in the 12th century. The earliest historical records about the monastery are dated in 1566/1567.
Staro Hopovo
According to the tradition, the monastery was founded by Bishop Maksim (Despot Đorđe Branković). The first reliable mention of the monastery dates back to 1545/1546.
Bešenovo
According to the legend, the Bešenovo monastery was founded by Serbian King Dragutin at the end of the 13th century. The earliest historical records about the monastery date from 1545.
Velika Remeta
Traditionally, its founding is linked to King Dragutin. The earliest historical records about the monastery date to 1562.
Divša
It is believed to have been founded by Despot Jovan Branković in the late 15th century. The earliest historical records about the monastery date to the second half of the 16th century.
Krušedol
The monastery was founded between 1509 and 1516, by Bishop Maksim (Despot Đorđe Branković) and his mother Angelina. Resting place of king Milan I of Serbia.
Mala Remeta
The foundation is traditionally ascribed to the Serbian King Dragutin. The earliest historical records relating to the monastery are dated to the middle of the 16th century.
Petkovica
According to the tradition, it was founded by the widow of Stefan Štiljanović, Despotess Jelena. The earliest historical records mentioning the monastery are dated to 1566/1567.
Rakovac
According to a legend written in 1704, Rakovac was founded by a certain man, Raka, courtier of Despot Jovan Branković. The legend states that Raka erected the monastery in 1498. The earliest historical records mentioning the monastery are dated to 1545/1546.
Šišatovac
The foundation of the monastery is ascribed to the refugee monks from the Serbian monastery of Žiča. The reliable facts illustrating the life of the monastery date back from the mid 16th century.
By historical data, most of them were built in period between 15th and 18th century. All monasteries are located within area of 50km in length and 10 km in width.
More about monasteries HERE.