Crna Reka Monastery
The Crna Reka monastery is situated between the towns of Kosovska Mitrovica, Tutin and Novi Pazar, in the canyon of the river Sovara (or Crna Reka, meaning "Black River"), sticking to a cliff of Mt Mokra Gora. It is dedicated to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
Little is known about the past of this holy place. The founder of the first Crna Reka brotherhood was St.Joanikie of Devic, who lived in the 13th and 14th century. One legend tells that monastery came into being in the 13th century, but another story claims that it was built immediately after the Battle of Kosovo (1389). The present-day church was erected in the late 16th century. The monastery has never been destroyed, so it kept its original look.
The church was painted between 1591. and 1602. by the famous fresco painter Longin and in the same time it represents the most valuable Serbian fresco-work of the 16th century. During the existence the monastery was spiritual and educational centre of this part of the Serbian state.
Material and spiritual blossoming of the monastery Crna Reka dates from year 1978. Today it is a monastery that shines with spirituality and attracts large number of pious people as well as young novices.